Certified Surgical Technician – Operating Room
Santa Fe, NM
HealthTrust Workforce Solution External
4x10 hrs, Days

JA3

SHIFT: 6:30am - 3:00pm

REQUIRED:

CERTIFICATION/LICENSES: BLS certification through the American Heart Association required. 

Surgical Technician National Certification required. Once obtained, maintains National Certification as 1st Assistant.

**TRAUMA EXPERIENCE REQUIRED**

POSITION TITLE: Certified Surgical Assistant

DEPARTMENT: Surgical Services

POSITION SUMMARY: Serves as support for orthopedic surgeons and staff on surgical team.As a Certified Surgical Technician is an integral member of the surgical team who provides support for orthopedic surgeons throughout the operation by preparing, providing and caring for instruments and assisting frequently on orthopedic cases. Reviews surgical schedules daily to anticipate need for prosthetic devices and other supplies and to arrange for their availability. Participates in quality improvement activities and in the orthopedic surgical line activities. Demonstrates competency in 1st Assistant skills. May assist in other specialties as time allows.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION: High school diploma or equivalent.

CERTIFICATION/LICENSES: BLS certification required. Surgical Technician National Certification required. Once obtained, maintains National Certification as 1st Assistant.

SKILLS:

1. Care and handling of instruments and equipment
2. Sterilization and cleansing procedures
3. Knowledgeable in assisting orthopedic surgery, including prosthetics and other supplies and equipment integral in orthopedic surgery.

EXPERIENCE: Minimum of three years of experience as Surgical Technician.

NATURE OF SUPERVISION:

-Responsible to: 1) Surgical Services Clinical Managers

ENVIRONMENT:

- Bloodborne pathogens - C

Employee will be instructed in Universal Precautions and Right to Know. Employee will be expected to utilize all protective equipment available whenever there is a potential for exposure to infectious materials or hazardous chemicals. Cleaning, repair and replacement of this protective equipment will be furnished by the hospital. Utilizes available tools to prevent worker injuries. Intermittent exposure to one or more unpleasant physical conditions. Constant exposure to hazards such as communicable diseases, needle punctures, x-ray radiation, stress and strain.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Anticipates needs of orthopedic surgeons by reviewing surgical schedule.
2. Anticipates needs for prosthetics, supplies, and equipment. Ensures their availability by contacting vendors and working closely with members of surgical team.
3. Identifies opportunities for continually improving experience of orthopedic patient and surgeon in the OR and works with members of surgical team to implement improvements.
4. Serves as a member of Orthopedic Section Committee.
5. Provides orthopedic surgery coordination and surgical technical services that provide a high degree of satisfaction to orthopedic surgeons and their patients.
6. Respects patients' inherent rights to privacy and dignity.
7. Plans patient care in the OR with other members of the surgical team utilizing the surgeon's preference cards and setting appropriate priorities. Reviews and revises surgeon preference cards as needed.
8. Identifies immediate and long-term consequences of surgical intervention.
9. Understands the legal ramifications of surgical intervention.
10. Remains flexible in changing surgical interventions.
11. Responds appropriately to emergency situations.
12. Demonstrates integrity in technical and aseptic practice. Adheres to established policy based on AORN Standards of Care.
13. Provides guidance and role model to other surgical technicians. Provides teaching to other employees as needed.
14. Differentiates sterilization methods for equipment and instruments necessary for specific surgical procedures.
15. Maintains accurate count of sponges, needles and instruments at all times.
16. Utilizes experience and knowledge when making perioperative decisions.
17. Anticipates the needs of the surgeon and patient in order to expedite the procedure.
18. Participates effectively in identification of unsafe patient care practices and assumes responsibility for intervention.
19. Displays dexterity in the use of surgical instruments and knowledge of the step-by-step procedures in specific surgical cases.
20. Demonstrates initiative in learning new surgical procedures and equipment relating to the OR and the surgical patient.
21. Attends department in-services and continuing education workshops. Participates in presenting staff in-services as needed.
22. Demonstrates self-evaluation skills and takes responsibility to seek supervision and guidance as appropriately needed.
23. Maintains Certified Surgical Technician status.
24. Provides assistance to the surgeon within the limits of their completed competencies and skill verification.
25. Assists in safe positioning of the patient using the required equipment.
26. Provides the following clinical skills under the direct supervision of the surgeon:
27. Provides visualization of the operative site including appropriate placement and securing of retractors with or without padding, packing with sponges, digital manipulation of tissue, suctioning, irrigating, or sponging, manipulation of suture materials, proper use of body mechanics to prevent obstruction of the surgeon’s view.
28. Uses appropriate techniques to assist with hemostasis: clamping and or cauterizing vessels or tissue, tying and/or ligating clamped vessels or tissue, applying hemostatic clips, applying local hemostatic agents, applying tourniquets, applying vessel loops, applying noncrushing clamps, applying direct digital pressure.
29. Utilizes appropriate techniques to assist with closure of body planes including: utilizing running or interrupted subcutaneous sutures, utilizing subcuticular closure techniques with or without adhesive skin closure strips, closing skin with method indicated by surgeon (suture, staples, etc.).
30. Applies appropriate wound dressings, including the following: liquid or spray occlusive materials, absorbent material affixed with tape or circumferential wrapping, immobilizing dressing (soft or rigid).
31. Provides assistance in securing drainage systems to tissue.
32. Willingly participates in all requested assignments.
33. Works with Nurse Manager in identifying self and department goals.

CUSTOMER RELATIONS: (Refer to Customer Relations for definition.)

1. Exhibits behaviors and actions that create a high level of patient/customer satisfaction, positive patient/customer relations, and respect for the patient’s/customer’s rights needs, and confidentiality.
2. Demonstrates effective communication and human relations skills, which promote harmony and teamwork.
3. Presents behaviors and actions that maintain the hospital’s credibility, integrity, and positive image.
4. Demonstrates behaviors and actions that support the mission, goals, and operations of the hospital and which contribute to continuous service improvement.

Other Responsibilities

1. Assists with special projects as assigned.
2. Accurately interprets and communicates Human Resources Policies and Procedures.
3. Exhibits flexibility, adapting readily to changes in the work environment or work schedule.
4. Maintains a positive attitude, even during periods of stress.
5. Assumes responsibility for professional growth and development.
6. Complies and adheres to all CSV policies.
7. Maintains positive attendance and communicates in advance any absence from work.
8. Adheres to all patient and environmental safety policies and procedures.