Surgical Tech

Job Description: Surgical Technologist

General Summary: The Surgical Technologist is responsible for assisting to prepare the operating room by setting up surgical instruments and equipment, sterile drapes, and sterile solutions in the operating room before an operation. They assemble both sterile and nonsterile equipment, as well as check and adjust it to ensure that it is working properly. Technologists also prepare patients for surgery by washing, shaving, and disinfecting incision sites. This position will transport patients to the operating room, assist in positioning them on the operating table, and cover them with sterile surgical drapes. Technologists also observe patients' vital signs, check charts, and help the surgical team put on sterile gowns and gloves.

Main Responsibilities:
Perform necessary set-up of operating room; gather instruments, equipment, sterile solutions, etc.
Test equipment prior to operation to ensure that it is in proper working order
Prepare patients for surgery (washing, shaving, disinfecting)
Assist in positioning the patient on the operating table and cover with sterile surgical drapes
Assist the surgical team in putting on sterile gowns and gloves
Pass instruments and other sterile supplies to surgeons and surgical assistants during surgery
May hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments
Monitor patients vitals and check charts as needed
May prepare, care for, and dispose of specimens taken for laboratory analysis
Apply dressings as requested
Operate sterilizers, lights, or suction machines and assist in the operation of diagnostic equipment
Transfer patients to the recovery room and clean and restock the operating room

Education/Experience/Knowledge:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required
• Must have completed an accredited surgical tech program with a certification, or qualify to be grandfathered in prior to 2004
• Prior experience as an OR Tech/GI Tech
• Current CPR certification and capable of initiating cardio-pulmonary resuscitation in times of emergency
• Knowledge of principles of sterile technique
• Surgical Assisting preferred

Physical/Mental Demands:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential: Communication with others to exchange or express information and ideas. Ability to receive detailed information through oral communication, and to make fine distinctions in sounds. Determine the accuracy, neatness, thoroughness of the work assigned and perceive general observations. Remaining upright on the feet, particularly 75% of the time. Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks. Bending body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist and/ or by bending leg and spine. Extending the hands and arms in any direction. Exerting force upon an object so that an object moves away/toward the force. Picking, pinching, typing or otherwise working, primarily with fingers. Applying pressure to an object with the fingers and palm. Perform a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature. Perform with frequent interruptions and/ or distractions. Make appropriate job decisions following standard office policies and past precedents. Adjust priorities quickly as circumstances dictate. Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with co-workers and the public. Ability to interact appropriately with colleagues and patients for different purposes and different context. Occasionally operates computer and machinery.

Marginal: Must be able to remain in a stationary position at least 25% of the time. Medium work that includes moving objects up to 50 pounds occasionally and/or 20lbs frequently, and/or 10lbs constantly. Perceiving attributes of objects, such as size, shape, temperature, or texture by touching with skin, particularly that of fingertips. Work independently and identify potentially more effective methods of work operations. Observing an area that can be seen up and down or to right or left while eyes are fixed on a given point. Ability to identify and distinguish colors.

Disclaimer: The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed as assigned.

All job requirements are subject to possible revision to reflect changes in the position requirements or to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.