Under the general direction of the Nurse Director, and the guidance of the Circulating registered nurse, the Surgical Technologist is a member of the surgical team responsible for providing intraoperative care to the surgical patient. The ST is responsible for instrumental care and safety of the patients. Included
within this assignment is the responsibility for ensuring effective communication between
members of the surgical team.
Role Duties
Patient Care Responsibilities: Will reflect the application of Nursing Department and Surgical Services Policies and Procedures to meet the quality and appropriateness of practice.
Demonstrate a commitment to quality will be demonstrated by prioritizing, identifying awareness of daily tasks, focus on patient progression goals, quality initiatives and achieving the highest level of patient satisfaction.
Assists and collaborates patient care with the circulating nurse.to set up for surgical procedures with proper instrumentation, equipment, and supplies, primary roles as a ST is to pass instruments and assist surgeon at the sterile field
Review procedure card/surgeons preference cards to determine needs in preparation of each surgical procedure and to edit/change items as needed in collaboration with the Circulating RN and surgeon
Communicate frequently with the Circulating nurse, with who assigned, for direction in preparing the patient for surgery, help position the patient, and scrub on assigned cases.
Plans with the Circulating nurse, to anticipate the needs of the surgical team for patient care and provide them with proper equipment, instrumentation, and supplies
Listen to report of patient condition by circulating nurse.
Discuss with circulating nurse, special patient needs to include in plan of care.
Inform and notify Nurse Director of committee meetings or educational programs that will necessitate absence from the unit so that planning can be accomplished to provide continuity of patient care.
Keep circulating nurse informed of patient condition and significant changes to assist the circulating nurse in providing accurate documentation in the patient record.
Implements plan of care collaborating with the circulating nurse to insure accuracy of all sponge, sharps and instrument counts according to established policy and procedure.
Be properly prepared in understanding the type of surgery to be conducted and the condition of the patient to make arrangements of all requirements , having the skills and technological aptitude as applied to all operating room equipment and specific areas of the surgery
Be scrubbed and ready for each case on time.
Prepare surgical specimens and/or collection of data for records.as per policy and procedure
Maintain aseptic technique according to the policies of the operating room.
Know and observe the policies and standards of the hospital and operating room.
Assist with the care, cleaning and maintenance of all general and specialty instruments, equipment and supplies according to established guidelines and policies and procedures which includes various housekeeping duties in room turnovers.
Participates in plan of care as established by circulating nurse and surgeon.
Communicate with circulating nurse, observations about patient behavior and response to nursing intervention.
Attend and participate in staff conferences and educational in-services to continuously enhance and enrich skills and knowledge. Keep abreast of all current trends in surgical standards of patient care, demonstrating self-directions and initiative
Identify, in collaboration with Nurse Director, own learning needs and utilize appropriate resources and opportunities to meet these needs.
Assume responsibility and accountability for:
--meeting the established policies of the institution
--practicing high standards of conduct, integrity, appearance Follows Code of Conducts and Customer Service Standards
--being on duty when scheduled
--reporting to duty on time
--taking only allotted time for breaks
Seek assistance when confronted by unusual situations, i.e., from Clinical Leader and/or Nurse Director
Review, update, and demonstrate knowledge of basic life support policies and procedures annually.
Maintain confidentiality of all patient information.
Participate in quality assurance monitoring related to surgical technologists expertise.
Promotes harmonious working relationships among staff and between other disciplines and departments.
Promptly report malfunction of equipment to the Equipment Coordinator and/or designee.
Use equipment according to operating instruction principles of safety.
Observe infection control policies.
Utilize administration of patient care and performance of all job duties.
Proficient in all specialty areas within the specific department
Preceptor in 2 or more specialty areas within the specific department
Cross trained in multiple areas
Able to train new staff and serve as a preceptor
Contribute valuable information as demonstrated through committee membership.
Qualifications
Qualifications
High school diploma or equivalent and completion of an accredited Surgical Technologist Program (*see substitution below).
Current Surgical Technologist Certification is required within one year from the date of graduation from a surgical technologist program or have been employed as a surgical technologist in a surgical facility on or before July 1st, 2013 or have successfully completed a training program for surgical technology in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard of the United States or in the United States Public Health Service (MA Senate Bill 2058, December 2012). Graduates who have not obtained their certification will have one year from the date of graduation from a surgical technologist program to obtain their certification.
Working Conditions and Physical Requirements
Operating Room
Lift frequently moderate weights; push stretchers/beds/wheelchairs; pull charts, beds, equipment, patients to a standing position; stretch across beds/patients, stand for long periods of time; support dependent weight of patients as they get out of bed/chair or walk.
Potential exposure to environmental hazards and infectious material are identified during annual mandatory in-service where techniques and procedures taught and adhered will reduce/eliminate risk. Protection barrier equipment/clothes are readily available in all patient care areas and staff are oriented to the same location.
EEO Statement
Massachusetts Eye and Ear is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to providing a workplace free from harassment or discrimination. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, age, gender, gender identification, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, sex, pregnancy or conditions related to pregnancy, national origin/ancestry, citizenship, disability, military status, genetic information, or any other basis prohibited by law. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring practices, appraisal systems, promotions, training, and career development programs.
