Surgical Tech - Surgery - FT Variable

I. JOB SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of the Director of Surgical Services and/or Clinical Nurse Manager, the Surgical Technician is responsible for the instrumentation and supplies necessary for the surgical procedure. Ensuring effective communication with the physician, circulating nurse, patient and other staff to maintain an environment conducive to the patient's well-being. Assists with the services to the following population: child (birth to 12 years), adolescent (12-18 years), adult (18-64 years), older adult (65 years and above).

TECHNICAL SKILLS/JOB SPECIFIC SKILLS/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS*

TELEPHONE SKILLS - Demonstrates hospital telephone etiquette by answering the phones promptly, courteously and identifying department and self.

POLICIES/PROCEDURES- Is aware of and follows all hospital and department policies and procedures.

TEAM WORK-Promotes positive co-worker relationships through team work and cooperation. Understands and supports the needs of individuals in other departments and promotes conflict resolution.

Shares information, work knowledge and experience with coworkers, physicians and students in a non-threatening manner. Offers assistance and promptly responds to requests.

PRODUCTIVITY -Maintains high productivity and performs efficiently regardless of whether the work volume is high or low. Appropriately prioritizes work activities.

Responds to difficult situations with self-control and a positive attitude. Makes decisions independently and knows when to ask for assistance. Exercises good judgment and arrives at sound decisions.

Assists circulating nurse in preparing the surgery suite for the procedure, anticipates the needs of the surgeon during surgery. And assists with the after care of the surgery suite.

Demonstrates knowledge and ability in the processing of instruments according to hospital policy and procedure i.e. operation of flash autoclaves, cold disinfection and the Steris sterilizer.

Demonstrates knowledge of equipment and supplies, their location in the department and their correct use. Assures all equipment is functioning before procedure. Revises physician's preference cards and communicates changes to appropriate personnel.

Follows all established policy and procedure for instrument, sponge and sharps counts. Responsible for returning instrument trays to instrument room complete and communicating any necessary replacement or repairs to instrument room staff.

Assists the circulating nurse with patient positioning and transportation.

Able to work independently on all specialty procedures. Demonstrates knowledge of Neurosurgery, total joint replacement surgery and ophthalmology procedures. Able to scrub on all laser surgeries and safety precautions necessary.

Monitors and orients new surgical technicians.

Performs any other duties or responsibilities which may be assigned.

Performance/Process Improvement

Is knowledgeable of performance/process improvement (P.I.) methodology.

Can verbalize knowledge of hospital-wide performance/process improvement.

Offers suggestions for departmental and/or hospital-wide performance/process improvement.

Knowledge of and participation in the performance/process improvement is a condition of employment.

ABLE TO PERFORM AND ASSIST IN THE TEAM TIME OUT PROCESS

To complete and review specialties supplies to include trays and instruments

CUSTOMER SERVICE-G.E.M. PROGRAM (GO THE EXTRA MILE)

Takes personal responsibility for providing quality services every day.

Displays outstanding customer service skills:

Greets all customers warmly

Makes eye contact

Introduces self and calls patients/ customers by name

Provides all assistance needed in a friendly and caring manner

Use phone etiquette at all times

Looks for opportunities daily to "Go the Extra Mile" in not only meeting customer needs but exceeding expectations. Displays sensitivity to an individual's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability or any characteristic protected by law. Respects, accepts and anticipates spiritual and personal needs.

Compassionate to patients, families, visitors, physicians and co-workers.

• Demonstrates kindness, compassion, courtesy and respect.

• Demonstrates good listening skills.

• Demonstrates a willingness to help.

Connection to patients, families, visitors, physicians and co-workers.

Greets and performs tasks with a smile.

• Practices the 5 fundamentals of communication (AIDE-T) (Acknowledge, Introduction, Duration, Explanation, and Thank you). • Practices professional telephone courtesy.

Communication to patients, families, visitors, physicians and co-workers.

• Responds to patient's complaints/patient issues take priority.

• Accepts responsibility for actions.

• Demonstrates communication excellence.

Caring and professional with patients, families, visitors, physicians and co-workers.

A team player and "spotlights" other members of the team.

• Lends a helping hand to co-workers without being asked.

• Keeps the workplace clean and neat.

• Offers to escort visitors to their destination.

• Refrains from personal conversations in front of patients, families or visitors.

• Maintains a positive, professional attitude.

KEY SUCCESS FACTORS

ATTENDANCE - Employee reports to work each regularly scheduled workday. Accurately records all work time including meal periods.

PUNCTUALITY - Is ready for work at precise starting time and continues working until scheduled departure time. Returns on time from all break and meal periods.

GENERAL WORK HABITS - Readily accepts work assignments in a positive manner. Performs work that is accurate, timely, neat and consistent. Documentation is legible.

SAFETY- Keeps work area neat and maintains equipment in accordance with health and safety codes. Reports safety issues and equipment failures appropriately

APPEARANCE - Projects a professional image, follows the hospital dress code policy and/or department requirements. Wears hospital ID badge at all times on duty.

CONFIDENTIALITY - Sensitive information including, but not limited to, patient records, charts, hospital documents and employee information is kept confidential without exception. Verifies patient information is provided to appropriate party, i.e. patient discharge information, fax to doctor's office, etc.

ANNUAL REQUIREMENTS - Completes annual requirements (PPD, health requirements, Annual Update, Ethics training, licensure and/or professional certification) on time.

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

MANDATORY:

Current BLS certificate

One years experience as a surgical technician and/or Certification

PREFERRED:

Graduate of approved operating room surgical technician school High School diploma or equivalent

Certified Surgical Technologist

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Good visual, audio and hand-eye coordination

Able to operate long periods of standing

Able to lift and turn patients. Able to push/pull gurneys, beds and heavy equipment using correct body mechanics.