Description:
Job Purpose: Under the direction of a Registered Nurse, the Surgical Technician contributes to Georgia Urology by assisting with the provision of safe and effective clinical care in accordance with a defined scope of practice. Performs necessary duties in scrub role. Takes on greater responsibility in providing patient care demonstrating a higher-level critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Functions in partnership with licensed staff. Performs patient care duties under the direction of a registered nurse.
JOB FUNCTIONS:
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
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Demonstrate necessary practical, technical, or specialized skill required for the role of the Surgical Technician in accordance with AST (Association of Surgical Technologist).
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Assists in preparing the operative suite for surgery by checking and gathering supplies, equipment, and instruments.
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Ensures availability of adequate supplies, equipment, and instruments for scheduled cases and assists in opening cases in a sterile manner.
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Understands physician preferences and ensures those preferences are adhered to as indicated.
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Ensures that instruments are working properly before and after each case.
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Assists with patient position, skin preparation, and surgical draping according to MD's protocols.
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Conscientiously observes and report any breaks in sterile technique to attending MD and RN.
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Ensures that surgical asepsis is maintained in the handling of instruments, sponges, needles, etc.
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Ensure accurate instrument and equipment counts are completed prior to patient leaving the ASC.
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Remove drapes at the completion of procedure and assist with preparing patient for transfer to PACU.
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Facilitates effective and efficient transition between surgical procedures.
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Assists in the turnover of the surgery room between cases; disposing of trash and linens, and cleaning of equipment and environmental surfaces, as required.
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Utilizes appropriate body mechanics in moving patients, stretchers, and/or tables and other equipment to prevent injury to patient and self.
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Participates in detailed time out process and ensures it is done according to GU policy.
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Assists in the maintenance and care of specimens
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Utilizes appropriate body mechanics in moving patients, stretchers, and OR tables and other equipment to prevent injury to patient and self.
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Recognizes emergency situations and responds effectively.
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Remains aware of safety precautions required to minimize the possibility of patient injuries
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Handles instruments and supplies during and after procedure to minimize injury to self and others.
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Demonstrates knowledge related to maintenance, cleanliness, and sterilization of instruments and equipment. Maintains a sanitary environment for the provision of patient care.
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Appropriately handles the disposal of biohazardous materials.
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Restocks area daily, using appropriate par levels and daily stock sheets.
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Checks for outdated sterile supplies and instruments and assists with reprocessing as needed.
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Prepares procedure room for use the following day by bringing in equipment, setting up, "pulling cases" accurately.
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Functions independently according to job responsibilities and within scope of practice utilizing current standards of care.
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Takes personal initiative to maintain current BCLS.
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Uses facility resources appropriately and avoids wasteful practices.
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Attends all mandatory in-services, staff meetings, and participates in emergency drills.
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Completes annual competency and other required education as assigned.
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Maintains confidentiality of records and patient information at all times
Other Duties & Responsibilities:
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Sterile Field Techniques- Responsible for opening and setting up surgery tray and sterile supplies.
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Autoclave/Instrument Cleaning- Responsible for washing and packing instruments. Auto clave cleaning and documentation of sterilization process
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C-ARM Fluoroscopy- Responsible for running c-arm during procedure.
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Prepping-Prep patients prior to procedure by disinfecting area intended for surgical procedure using sterile technique. Be prepared for all cases at the scheduled time.
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Quality-Maintain sterile field during surgical procedures and expedite OR room turnover.
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Infection Control- Remove linens and trash to appropriate disposal area. Clean bed, tables and other oiled areas between cases.
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Inventory-Ensure accurate count of each instrument 100% of the time.
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Equipment Maintenance- Regularly inspects equipment to ensure it is in proper working order. Initiate requisitions for repair of equipment, when needed.
Behavioral Specific Expectations:
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Adheres to Georgia Urology’s Code of Conduct and HIPAA requirements.
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Interacts with patients, fellow employees, physicians, and other stakeholders in a manner which encourages quality patient care, harmonious working relationships, positive customer relations·, and enhances the image and reputation of the center.
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Demonstrates dependability and accountability.
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Demonstrates a willingness to help others.
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Maintains a professional image through proper attire, language, and conduct.
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Keeps management informed of any malfunctions in instruments, equipment, and supplies.
Requirements:
Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
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Maintains current knowledge of surgical procedures and techniques.
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Ability to identify and select instruments and equipment necessary for surgical procedures and appropriately interpret information on preference cards.
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Knowledge of current practice related to hand hygiene, and sterile technique.
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Knowledge of current practice of decontamination, high level disinfectant, aseptic,
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and sterilization procedures.
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Demonstrates attention to detail by ensuring that all documentation is legible, complete, and accurate.
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Observes patient for symptoms which may indicate a change in condition; reports significant observations to the appropriate member of the medical team for immediate attention.
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Knowledge of organizational policies, procedures, systems, and objectives.
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Has knowledge of patient rights and strives to improve patient outcomes by respecting each patient's cultural, psychosocial, and spiritual values.
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Knowledge of applicable regulatory, compliance, and accreditation standards and requirements.
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Possesses critical thinking skills.
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Demonstrates a willingness to listen to others and expresses respect for differing opinions.
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Demonstrates leadership, effective organizing, and planning skills.
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Effective problem-solving skills to include data analysis and judgment to make effective decisions.
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High Impact Communication - Effective oral and written communication skills
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Computer Skills - Knowledge and basic use of computer skills.
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Maintains a high level of confidentiality at all times.
EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE:
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Graduate of an accredited Surgical Technology program required
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One year experience in Ambulatory Surgical Center preferred
CERTIFICATION/LICENSE:
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Valid BCLS Certification upon employment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORKING CONDITIONS:
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Work hours may vary based on patient care needs;
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Ability to sit/stand for long periods of time, ability to walk, bend, stoop, and stretch;
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Capability for overhead and low reaching activities;
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Requires coordination and manual dexterity sufficient to operate a keyboard, photocopier, telephone, and occasional use of other office equipment;
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Requires normal range of hearing/eyesight/voice projection to record, prepare, and communicate appropriately;
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Physical strength for equipment needs and patient care activities; may require frequent lifting/moving up to 50 pounds and occasional lifting/moving in excess of 50 pounds;
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Subject to varying and unpredictable situations, high stress/pressure, handles emergency or crisis situations, regular interaction with emotional patients and/or family members;
Driving Requirements: State of Georgia Driver's License and reliable transportation is required.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Physical Demands: This position requires a substantial amount of standing, sitting and working at a computer station throughout the day.
Work Environment: Must be flexible and available to work at different locations.