Demonstrates Competency in the Following Areas

• Interacts professionally with patient and family.
• Provides patient with explanations and verbal reassurance, as necessary.
• Notifies appropriate licensed staff when patient complains of pain.
• Adapts procedures to meet individual needs of neonate, pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients for treatment.
• Prepares room in a timely manner with all anticipated instruments, sutures, supplies and equipment for each individual surgical procedure.
• Demonstrates competence in care of specimens and accurately handles specimens at all times.
• Assists in positioning, prepping and draping of patients for surgical procedures.
• Accurately completes operating room counts (instruments, sponges, needles); follows proper procedure in the event of incorrect count; reports all discrepancies to Circulating RN and surgeon and/or corrects immediately.
• Carries out medical/surgical asepsis during treatments/procedures.
• Maintains safe environment for patient, co-workers and self, per hospital policies and procedures.
• Checks all equipment/instruments needed, prior to each procedure to ensure proper functioning.
• Protects patient’s sensitivities and right to privacy; closely observes patient with minimal disturbance.
• Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity. Identifies and addresses psychosocial, cultural, ethnic and religious/spiritual needs of patients and their families.
• Follows aseptic technique, when opening sterile supplies and setting up procedures.
• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
• Supports and maintains a culture of safety and quality.
• Sets up, scrubs and prepares for procedures at least 15 minutes prior to scheduled time, unless otherwise directed by Circulating RN or Nurse Manager.
• Performs services requiring technical or manual skills under the direction of Circulating RN.
• Always maintains an orderly and sterile instrument table for the purpose of efficiency; follows department standard set up.
• Passes instruments and supplies to the surgeon during the procedure.
• Anticipates needs of surgeon during intraoperative phase.
• Holds retractors or instruments as directed by the surgeon.
• Cleans and prepares rooms between procedures and after last case; restocks supplies, when necessary and organizes effectively for end-of-case clean up.
• Is fully responsible for care of instruments/equipment during intra/postoperative phase, including cleaning and processing of instruments.
• Follows written procedures for steam sterilization; knows responsibilities and the necessity for chemical and biological monitoring.
• Consults with other staff members, when in question or unfamiliar with equipment or procedure.
• Regularly collaborates with other members of the nursing team, in order to maintain equipment and supplies for surgical procedures.
• Completes documentation within shift and meets current standards, policies and procedures.
• Establishes and maintains effective communication and good working relationship with co workers for the patient’s benefit • Makes decisions reflecting knowledge of facts and good judgment within the Certified Surgical Technologist’s scope of practice.
• Makes decisions reflecting knowledge of assigned case and instruments and/or trays to be pulled for the procedure.

Regulatory Requirements

• Minimum High School diploma or equivalent.
• Graduate of a Surgical Technology program.
• Surgical Technologist Certification (CST) by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
• Current BLS Certification.
• Minimum of one (1) year of work experience in the operating room preferred.