Surgical Technologist-Certified (CST) / Scrub Tech

JOB SUMMARY:

The Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) works under the supervision and delegatory authority of a surgeon in collaboration with the Surgery RN to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of invasive and non-invasive surgical procedures, ensuring that the operating room is safe, that equipment functions properly, and that the operating procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety

Demonstrate the application of the principles of asepsis and sterile technique to combine knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures and implementation and tools and technologies to facilitate a physician s performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE NEEDED:

None

TRAINING & EDUCATION NEEDED:

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Graduate from Surgical Technologist school; will allow to complete certification within first eight months

Current license as a CST (Scrub Tech)

Current BLS Certification or ability to obtain within 3 months of hire

ACLS, PALS, ENPC, TNCC, NRP, and MOAB certification training per Department Requirements as listed in the Employee Education policy

Working knowledge and experience in a hospital, operating room, or ambulatory surgery center

Ability to anticipate the needs of the physician and has equipment, medical gases and supplies readily available for all procedures

Requires prioritization and time management skills

Critical Thinking: Ability to organize equipment, instruments and supplies for cases according to patient needs and physician preference cards

Effective communication skills oral and written

FUNCTIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Able to communicate in the English language and make assessments by speaking, hearing, seeing, feeling, reading, and writing

Works primarily in hospital setting, including clinical/patient care areas and office or classroom/ meeting areas

Considerable walking, standing, stooping, bending, lifting (occasionally over 25 pounds)

Mental effort is required to assess, plan, and make recommended decisions in a complex environment

Potential exposure to blood/body fluids, including infectious diseases

Must be able to maneuver throughout halls, stairways, and patient rooms in response to emergencies

Interpretation of environmental input requires visual and auditory skills

In the event there is a need to evacuate the building, lifting is required to transport patients to safety

A significant amount of keyboarding and writing is required

Wearing of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks, gowns and goggles may be required

Fine motor skills

Long periods of intense concentration

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Key: Occasional (1-3 hours per day or

Frequent (3-7 hours per day or 33-66%)

Constant (7 or more hours per day or >66%)

Lifting:

Must be able to lift 20 lbs. from shoulder height to waist/cart frequently

Must be able to lift 30 lbs. from floor to shoulder height on occ. basis

Must be able to lift 35 lbs. from floor to waist/cart on occ. basis

Push/Pull:

Must be able to push/pull 30 lbs. at shoulder height/extended reach on occ. basis with awkward weight distribution and twisting/turning

Must be able to push/pull 22 lbs. at waist level frequently

Must be able to push/pull 40 lbs. at waist level on occ. basis

Must be able to lift/carry 35-40 lbs. at waist level on occ. basis

Must be able to push/pull 75 lbs. at waist level on occ. basis while maneuvering patient beds

(75 lbs. required to initiate move and 35 lbs. to maintain movement of bed)

Standing/Walking/Sitting:

Must be able to stand for 5-8 hours

Must be able to walk for 5-8 hours

Lower Extremities:

Must be able to kneel and squat on occ. basis

Upper Extremities:

Must be able to grip/grasp/pinch instruments frequently

Equipment:

Must be able to use a computer and perform keyboarding frequently

Environmental Factors:

May be required to work on a slippery surface

May be required to work with noisy equipment during specific operative procedures

May be required to work extended hours beyond 8-12 hours on occ. basis

Will work in environmental temperatures of 67 - 80 F

POPULATION-SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES:

1. Interprets the appropriate life span needs of patients and provides appropriate population-based care according to the department skills checklist for identified populations and age groups identified below:

Neonate: Birth to 27 days of age

Pediatric: Greater than 27 days of age to 13 years of age

Adult: Greater than 13 years of age to 65 years of age

Geriatric: >65 years of age

No daily direct patient care contact

2. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span of

patients/families and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's life span

JOB DUTIES:

Assure the operating room is prepared for the daily schedule, including:

o Preparation of supplies

o Sterilization of equipment

o Cleaning of the operating room

o All equipment is present

Opens sterile packs, instruments, and supplies, maintains a sterile environment throughout the procedure and preparing set-up of all surgical cases

Reporting and troubleshooting all broken or defective supplies or equipment

Checking and supplying the operating room at the end of the scheduled cases

Responsible for all parts of the sterilization process following OSHA, CDC, IAHSCMM, AORN, and manufacturer's standards

Maintains appropriate records and monitors quality control and infection prevention standards

Monitors surgery schedules, identifying all cases' general, specific, and potential needs

Organizing supplies and equipment in a space-efficient manner

Utilizes One Source to maintain equipment manuals

Provides in-service to staff on sterile technique, equipment, and procedures in the operating room

Maintains a count sheet for all equipment when warranted

Ensures surgeon's preference cards are current, accurate, and accessible

Provides emotional support for the patient

Assists in reviewing all policies and procedures yearly

Attends updates and continuing education courses relevant to specialty areas

Maintains a safe environment for treating the surgical patient, including safeguards to protect the patient from cross-infection

Attends and/or completes yearly in-services and monthly staff meetings

Assists in the implementation of quality assurance projects

See individual department competency/orientation/evaluation skill checklist for specific duties

Demonstrates appropriate competencies in the department with initial orientation competency due within 90 days of hire and annual competencies to be completed by September 30th

Maintains competency through completing education assigned on Elsevier or other learning management systems as well as mandatory in person education

Complies with Attendance Management Policy in regards to attendance and timeliness, understanding the expectation of maintaining as absence percentage of 3% or less

Accepts other duties within scope of practice at the direction of the person-in-charge