Job Summary:

Reporting to the Department Manager, the Surgical Technician I (entry to practice/novice) performs under the supervision of experienced Surgical Technicians and/or RN preceptor, and assists in the treatment and care of patients in the Operating Room.

The Surgical Technician I demonstrates progressive growth in ability to perform independent of an orientor and demonstrates evolving knowledge of the standards of practice required of a Surgical Technician and of physician preferences necessary to provide for safe, effective, and quality patient care.

Example of Essential Functions:

• Demonstrates knowledge of the established standards for patient care.
• Prepares for case according to physician preferences. 
• Initiates changes to Physician Preference Cards and Case Cart Requisitions.
• Articulates expected surgical case progression, normal anatomy and potential intra-operative complications.
• Established and maintains a sterile field.
• Identifies and corrects infractions of sterile technique.
• Proficient in the set-up and turnover of surgical cases. 
• Consistently at or below department standard times for room turnover.
• Anticipates surgeon’s intra-operative needs, keeping conversation at the sterile field to a minimum.
• Competently and independently performs all Core Surgical Services.
• Demonstrates competence in at least one specialty service.
• Under the immediate supervision of a registered nurse, assists with delegated circulating duties that are within the scope of the practice for Surgical Technicians, i.e., patient positioning.
• Orients new personnel to Surgical Technician responsibilities, readily sharing knowledge and experience for this role. 
• Provides for a safe learning environment.
• Functions as a second scrub under direct supervision of the operating surgeon.  This role is limited to holding of retractors and other instruments that have been placed by the surgeon and suctioning/sponging at the direction of the surgeon.
• Ensures physical preparation of the Surgical Suite for future patient care, i.e., clean, stock and replace supplies.
• Adheres to infection control standards.
• Requests others to correct identified infractions.
• Complies with quality control standards. 
• Participates in data collection and analysis of data from quality assessment activities.
• Participates in department performance improvement activities, developing strategies for improved patient care services.
• Actively engages in departmental efforts to promote retention of staff and provide a high level of employee morale.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to understand procedures being performed and to anticipate the needs of the surgeon.
• Knowledge and ability to ensure quality patient care during the operative procedure.
• Knowledgeable and vigil of maintaining the sterile field.
• Verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
• Good interpersonal relationship skills.
• Ability to work under stressful and changing conditions in a calm, productive and flexible manner.
• Experience preferred but will train proactive candidate.

Minimum Education, Training, and Experience Required:

• High school diploma required
• Graduate of an accredited Surgical Technology Program with eligibility to sit for the certification exam for surgical technologists.
• Certified Surgical Technician a plus.
• Current CPR certification.