Overview:
Assists surgeon during operative and invasive procedures. Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of aseptic technique. Functions well as a team member and shows good judgement in anticipating the needs of patients and the surgical team. Assists the Registered Nurse in delivering safe and effective care to the patient during the intra-operative period. Ensures the operating suite is adequately prepared for the procedure. Monitors PAR level of all surgical instruments and supplies. Cleans and sterilizes all surgical instruments. Participates in departmental staff meetings and performance improvement activities.
Responsibilities:
- Interacts professionally with patient and family.
- Provides patient with explanations and verbal reassurance, as necessary.
- Notifies appropriate licensed personnel when patient complains of pain.
- Adapts procedures to meet individual needs of pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients for treatment.
- Prepares room in a timely manner with all anticipated instruments, sutures, supplies and equipment for each individual surgical procedure.
- Demonstrates competence in care of specimens and accurately handles specimens at all times.
- Assists in positioning, prepping and draping of patients for surgical procedures.
- Accurately completes operating room counts (instruments, sponges, needles); follows proper procedure in the event of incorrect count; reports all discrepancies to Circulating RN and surgeon and/or corrects immediately.
- Maintains safe environment for patient, co-workers and self, per hospital policies and procedures.
- Checks all equipment/instruments needed, prior to each procedure to ensure proper functioning.
- Checks and confirms the sterility of items before opening and delivering them to the sterile field.
- Protects patients sensitivities and right to privacy; closely observes patient with minimal disturbance.
- Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity. Identifies and addresses psychosocial, cultural, ethnic and religious/spiritual needs of patients and their families.
- Follows aseptic technique, when opening sterile supplies and setting up procedures.
- Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
- Sets up, scrubs and prepares for procedures at least 15 minutes prior to scheduled time, unless otherwise directed by Circulating RN or Nurse Manager.
- Performs services requiring technical or manual skills under the direction of Circulating RN.
- Always maintains an orderly and sterile instrument table for the purpose of efficiency; follows department standard set up.
- Anticipates needs of surgeon during intra-operative phase.
- Cleans and prepares rooms between procedures and after last case and organizes effectively for end-of-case clean up.
- Restocks supplies and checks for and removes expired items.
- Is fully responsible for care of instruments/equipment during intra/postoperative phase, including cleaning and processing of instruments.
- Follows written procedures for steam sterilization; knows responsibilities and the necessity for chemical and biological monitoring.
- Consults with other staff members, when in question or unfamiliar with equipment or procedure.
- Regularly collaborates with other members of the nursing team, in order to maintain equipment and supplies for surgical procedures.
- Establishes and maintains effective communication and good working relationship with co?workers for the patients benefit.
- Makes decisions reflecting knowledge of facts and good judgment within the Operating Room Technicians scope of practice.
- Makes decisions reflecting knowledge of assigned case and instruments and/or trays to be pulled for the procedure.
- Completes documentation within shift and meets current standards, policies, and procedures.
- Participates in patient verification, surgical site and laterality confirmation, time-out , and debriefing.
- Accepts and properly identifies by clearly labeling all solutions and medications in syringes, cups, basins, and bowls used on the sterile field.
Qualifications:
Education:
- Minimum of a High School Diploma or equivalent.
- Surgical Technologist Certification (CST).
- Current Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification.
Experience:
- Minimum of one (1) year of working experience in an operating room.
Knowledge and Skills:
- Basic Computer knowledge preferred.
- Experience with Microsoft Office applications to include Outlook, Word, and Excel preferred.
- Ability to understand medical/surgical terminology.
- Ability to multi-task, and work as a member of a team as well as being self-sufficient.
- Detail oriented.
Language:
- Ability to communicate effectively in English both verbally, and in writing.
- Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills a must.
- Additional languages desirable.
Physical Requirements:
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions without compromising patient care.
The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees, and are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of Interfaith Medical Center (IMC).
Interfaith Medical Center is an equal opportunity employer, it is our policy to provide equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, military status, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability or handicap or other characteristics protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.