Job Summary

Assists surgeon during operative and invasive procedures. Ensures operating suite is adequately prepared for the procedure. The scrub surgical technologist handles the instruments, supplies, and equipment necessary during the surgical procedure. He/she has an understanding of the procedure being performed and anticipates the needs of the surgeon. He/she has the necessary knowledge and ability to ensure quality patient care during the operative procedure and is constantly on vigil for maintenance of the sterile field. Participates in departmental staff meetings and performance improvement activities.

Demonstrates Competency in the Following Areas:

• Interacts professionally with patients and families.
• Provides patient with explanations and verbal reassurance, as necessary.
• Notifies appropriately licensed staff when the patient complains of pain.
• Adapts procedures to meet individual needs of neonate, 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 the 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 the proper procedure in the event of incorrect count; reports all discrepancies to Circulating RN and surgeon and/or corrects immediately.
• Carries out medical/surgical asepsis during treatments/procedures.
• Maintains a safe environment for patients, co-workers, and self, per hospital policies and procedures.
• Checks all equipment/instruments needed, prior to each procedure to ensure proper functioning.
• Protects patient’s 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.
• Supports and maintains a culture of safety and quality.
• 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.
• Passes instruments and supplies to the surgeon during the procedure.
• Anticipates needs of the surgeon during the intraoperative phase.
• Holds retractors or instruments as directed by the surgeon.
• Cleans and prepares rooms between procedures and after the last case; restocks supplies, when necessary and organizes effectively for end-of-case cleanup.
• Is fully responsible for the 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.
• Completes documentation within the shift and meets current standards, policies and procedures.
• Establishes and maintains effective communication and good working relationship with co‑workers for the patient’s benefit.
• Makes decisions reflecting knowledge of facts and good judgment within the Certified Surgical Technologist’s scope of practice.
• Makes decisions reflecting knowledge of assigned cases and instruments and/or trays to be pulled for the procedure.

Regulatory Requirements

• Minimum High School diploma or equivalent.
• Graduate of a Surgical Technology program.
• Surgical Technologist Certification (CST) by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
• Current BLS Certification.
• Minimum of one (1) year of work experience in the operating room preferred.