SUMMARY:
Under general direction, assists in the organization and daily function of the operating room in accordance with established federal, state and accreditation standards and facility policies and procedures. Assists the nurses and physicians in delivering the highest standard of patient care available. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Performs a variety of duties in an operating room to assist the surgical team before, during and after surgical intervention including arranging sterile set up for operation, acting as scrub or circulating assistant and assisting in clean up after the surgery. Assists in nursing care and preparation of surgical patients. Assists in maintenance and care of specimens and prepares for laboratory analysis, provides appropriate instrumentation, suture and all supplies as requested and provides and maintains a sterile environment. Ensures that an adequate amount of in-house supplies and medical gases are available in accordance with weekly caseload. Assumes responsibility for competency and takes initiative for professional development and continuing education. Reports malfunctioning equipment to appropriate personnel. Anticipates the need for equipment and supplies based on surgeon preference. Selects equipment and supplies in an organized, cost effective and timely manner. Assures all equipment is functioning before use and removes any malfunctioning equipment. Operates mechanical electrical and air-powered equipment according to manufacturer's instructions. Assures emergency equipment and supplies are available at all times. Keeps surgical suites clean, tidy, free of soil, and ensures equipment, supplies are properly stocked. Assists with inventory management as needed. Follows established policies and procedures for surgical counts. Assists with OR turnover and preparation of sterile supplies (e.g. opening, case pulling). Performs other duties as assigned. PERFORMANCE STANDARDS AND SUCCESS INDICATORS: Ability to organize equipment, instruments and supplies for cases according to patient needs and physician preference cards. Demonstrates knowledge of sterile processing standards and practices in the safe care and handling of instrumentation. Ability to anticipate the needs of the physician and has equipment1 instrumentation, medical gases and supplies readily available for all procedures. Effectively communicates and interacts with patients, their family, and other external and internal clients (including fellow employees) from diverse backgrounds. Demonstrates a positive, friendly and courteous manner. Capable of trouble shooting equipment problem and awareness of protocol for reporting risks and complications. Ability to adhere to the work schedule and manage time appropriately. Willingness to assume additional assignments on an as needed basis. Ability to handle stress associated with prioritizing multiple tasks. QUALIFICATIONS: Associate's degree in surgical technology, and/or equivalent of education with surgical technologist certification required. Two or more years of experience in an operating room required. Experience in hospital main operating room preferred. Surgical Technologist certification or proof of equivalent training required. Current BLS CPR certification required. Knowledge and familiar with state and federal regulations. Bilingual Spanish preferred. COMPLEXITY: Ability maintain quality control standards. Must be able to multi-task efficiently and effectively and take the direction of multiple sources, while maintaining an effective working relationships with patients, medical staff and the public. Ability to perform highly detailed work with sustained attention and ware while providing/obtaining information on numerous inquiries is paramount to success in this position.
