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in Cedar Rapids, IA

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Hours Full-time, Part-time
Location Cedar Rapids, IA
Cedar Rapids, Iowa

About this job

Overview

POSITION SUMMARY

The surgical technologist functions as a member of the surgical team to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of invasive surgical, therapeutic, and diagnostic procedures. The surgical technologist collaborates with the team to ensure that the operating room environment is safe, that equipment functions properly, and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety. The Surgical Technologist I (Skilled) is proficient in the role of first or second scrub person, or assistant circulator during procedures within one specialty area.

Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

* Is aware of hospital and department compliance requirements for federally funded healthcare programs (e.g. Medicare and Medicaid) regarding fraud, waste and abuse. Brings any questions or concerns regarding compliance to the immediate attention of department or hospital administrative staff.

* Purposefully conducts all aspects of the job in an ethical manner in support of the hospital's commitment to ethical behavior in all areas of personal and professional activity.

* Surgical Technologist I in the scrub role handles the instruments, supplies, and equipment necessary during the surgical procedure in their assigned specialty area. 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. Duties are as follows:

* Participates in collaborative review of pertinent patient information for accuracy of procedure and associated factors influencing preparedness for procedure. (i.e. H&P, Consents, Radiographic reports)

* Checks supplies and equipment needed for surgical procedure

* Scrubs, gowns, and gloves

* Sets up sterile table with instruments, supplies, equipment, and medications/solutions needed for procedure

* Performs appropriate counts with circulator according to policy

* Gowns and gloves surgeon and assistants

* Helps in draping sterile field

* Passes instruments, etc., to surgeon during procedure

* Maintains highest standard of sterile technique during procedure

* Administers medication in the operative field under the direction of the physician

* Prepares sterile dressings

* Cleans and prepares instruments for terminal sterilization

* Assists other members of team with end of case cleaning of room

* Assists in prepping room for the next patient

* Handles surgical specimens according to current policy.

* Surgical Technologist I assisting in circulating obtains additional instruments, supplies, and equipment necessary while the surgical procedure is in progress. He/she monitors conditions in the operating room and constantly assesses the needs of the patient and surgical team. Duties are as follows:

* Obtains appropriate sterile and unsterile items needed during the procedure

* Opens sterile supplies

* Participates in collaborative review of pertinent patient information for accuracy of procedure and associated factors influencing preparedness for procedure. (i.e. H&P, Consents, Radiographic reports)

* Transfers patient to operating room table

* Assesses comfort and safety measures and provides verbal and tactile reassurance to the patient

* Assists anesthesia personnel as needed

* Positions patient, using appropriate equipment

* Applies electrosurgical grounding pads, tourniquets, monitors, etc., before procedure begins

* Prepares the patient's skin prior to draping by surgical team

* Performs appropriate counts with RN scrub person prior to the operation and before incision is closed according to policy

* Anticipates additional supplies needed during the procedure

* Properly cares for specimens

* Secures dressings after incision closure

* Places used instruments in case cart according to policy

* Helps transport patient to recovery room as needed

* Assists in cleaning of room and preparing for next patient

* Surgical Technologist I in the second assisting role carries out technical tasks other than cutting, clamping, and suturing of tissue. This role is distinct from that of the first assistant and may, in some circumstances, be performed at the same time as the scrub role. Duties include but are not exclusive to the following:

* Holds retractors or instruments as directed by the surgeon

* Sponges or suctions operative site

* Applies electrocautery to clamps on bleeders

* Cuts suture material as directed by the surgeon

* Connects drains to suction apparatus

* Applies dressings to closed wound

* The Surgical Technologist I demonstrates an awareness of patient and personal safety.

* Follows department dress code policy and wears appropriate personal protective equipment.

* Demonstrates knowledge of Standard and Transmission Based Precautions.

* Demonstrates knowledge of principles of good body alignment when positioning patient.

* Demonstrates proper use of positioning devices.

* Implements measures to promote a safe environment for the patient/family.

* Observes and promptly reports any unusual occurrences.

* Practices correct body mechanics in performing patient care activities.

* Consistently assures patient safety in the use of side rails, equipment, nurse call lights, etc.

* Ensures safe environment by keeping patient care areas free of clutter and spills.

* Verifies load parameters for instruments processed in autoclaves for just in time sterilization

* Applies tourniquet, monitors, grounding pad, etc. as appropriate and at level of competency.

* The Surgical Technologist I organizes, cleans, and maintains unit work areas, supplies, and equipment.

* Restocks rooms, sub-utilities, and specialty supplies as needed. Assists with inventory control by reporting needs.

* Returns unused supplies, instruments & equipment to their proper storage area.

* Assembles instruments, supplies, equipment and positioning aids needed for cases based on the preference card and supplementary information.

* Rotates/removes out-dated stock/supplies.

* Completes assigned items on Daily Checklist and Monthly Cleaning list

* Assists in room turnover by cleaning furniture and equipment according to established End of Case Cleaning guidelines.

* Assist in SPD as directed by SPD staff.

* The Surgical Technologist I demonstrates good verbal and written communication skills with other health care team members.

* Maintains friendly, courteous and responsible interpersonal communication patterns.

* Demonstrates flexibility and self-direction in meeting patient and unit needs by responding as a team player.

* Verbal communication is clear and precise.

* Written communication is legible, if handwritten, and done in a timely manner.

* Respects patient confidentiality in all communication.

* Attends and participates in staff meetings, team meetings, inservices and committee meetings.

* Utilizes and shares information from inservices, reading, workshops and conferences.

* Assumes responsibility for personal growth and development.

* Continually maintains and strives to enhance personal technical and clinical competence in all job related duties.

* Performs other duties as deemed necessary to meet the hospital's mission and vision.

Qualifications

PERSONAL SPECIFICATIONS

Education

Requires high school diploma or GED and graduation from a nationally accredited surgical technology program. Associate Degree or higher encouraged.

Qualifications/Experience

Requires certification through a national certifying body upon hire, or within 12 months of employment. Exam eligible candidates must attempt the exam within 9 months of hire to allow time for retesting if needed within the 12 month timeframe. Must maintain active certification throughout employment.