Employment Type:

Full time

Shift:

Day Shift

Description:

POSITION PURPOSE

Surgical Technologists are responsible for providing direct and indirect patient care in the field of Operating Room technology to Neonates, Child and Adolescents and Adults and Geriatrics.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Supports the philosophy, policies, and procedures of the division of nursing and Department of Surgical Services.

Scrubs for surgical cases according to established sterile procedures and changes into operative clothing, dons sterile gowns and gloves, and assists the surgical team with the same.

Prepares for scheduled operative procedure by arranging sterile set up of instrument table with drapes, instruments and sutures required for procedure according to surgeon preference, and maintains sterile field throughout the case.

Passes instruments, sponges, sutures, and other sterile supplies and equipment to surgeons and assists during procedures, holds retraction devices, anticipates and responds to surgeon needs during course of surgery.

Assists RN with circulating duties such as opening supplies, assisting with positioning, obtaining equipment and supplies, bagging sponges, and preparing the operative site.

Passes surgical specimens to the circulating nurse with proper verbal identification of source of specimen, as verified by the surgeon.

Counts sponges, needles, and instruments used during surgery; at the beginning of the case, before closing, final counts and when relieved at the end of the shift prior to end of case. Assists with dressing of operative site following closing.

Operates and cares for surgical equipment, instruments and supplies per department policy and or manufacturer recommendations.

Demonstrates current knowledge regarding development in surgical equipment and trends and techniques through appropriate in-service programs.

Actively participates in SJMHS quality improvement process through current problem solving and process improvement methods. Demonstrating continued support of the hospital’s commitment to continuous quality improvement.

Completion of required Healthstream and other educational requirements as identified.

Provides quality patient care by considering the age specific, developmental, and cultural needs through competent clinical practice. Demonstrates unit/area competencies.

Maintains good rapport and cooperative relationships.  Approaches conflict in a constructive manner.  Helps to identify problems, offer solutions, and participate in their resolution. Maintains the confidentiality of information acquired pertaining to patient, physicians, employees, and visitors to Saint Joseph Mercy Health System.  Discusses patient and hospital information only among appropriate personnel in appropriately private places.

Assumes responsibility for performance of job duties in the safest possible manner, to assure personal safety and that of coworkers, and to report all preventable hazards and unsafe practices immediately to management.

Behaves in accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values of Saint Joseph Mercy Health System.

OTHER FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBLITIES

Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE

Required Education:  Graduate of an Associate Degree Program for Surgical Technology or Certification Program for Surgical Technology.

Previous job training for surgical tech position will be acceptable with a Certification of Surgical Technology. The certification must have been maintained since receiving it.

Preferred Certification: for the Associate Degree Program and Certification Programs; it should be completed within 12 months of hire.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Interpersonal skills necessary to interact effectively with patients, surgeons and other patient care personnel, often during emergency or stressful situations. Analytical skills necessary in order to organize and prepare operating room according to best practice methods and procedures. Mechanical aptitude to operate a large variety highly technical medical equipment. Manual dexterity necessary to grasp and hold firmly retractors and delicate surgical instruments. Ability to push, pull and lift instrument and instrument sets. Including case carts; carts containing multiple instrument sets. Some examples include:

• Lift instrument sets up to and including 25 pounds. (multiple sets may be required per surgical procedure)
• Ability to move case carts-carts containing multiple instrument sets up to 200 lbs.
• Ability to assist in the transportation of patients by stretcher and assist in their positioning-lifting, pushing and pulling of patients to position them for surgery.

This document is intended to describe the generalized duties and responsibilities, the specialized job functions, and the essential requirements of this job.  It is not intended to be an exhaustive statement of all supplemental duties, responsibilities, or non-essential requirements or reflect any accommodations made under the American’s with Disability Act, the Michigan Handicapper’s Act, or SJMHS’s Return to Work Program              

 

Our Commitment

Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.