Position Title:

Department:

Job Description:

The Surgical Technologist I is an entry level professional who works under supervision to provide technical assistance in an operating room, labor and delivery, or other unit performing surgical or invasive procedures. 

Essential Responsibilities:

Responsibilities listed in this section are core to the position. Inability to perform these responsibilities with or without an accommodation may result in disqualification from the position. 

• Utilizes physician’s preference cards to assist in preparing the operating room for the surgical procedure.

• Assists in maintaining and updating preference cards.

• Maintains an adequate supply of instruments and supplies to meet the patient’s changing needs.

• Scrubs in and sets up instruments and supplies prior to procedure.

• Prepares sterile field by obtaining, opening, and arranging instruments and supplies anticipated for the procedure.

• Ensures continuous monitoring of sterile field once established.

• Assists in draping the patient and operative area.

• With nurse, opens and prepares the sterile field.

• Assists the nurse in correct identification of operative specimens for laboratory analysis.

• Remains attentive during surgery and provides additional instruments, supplies, or other items as needed.

• Remains attentive to sterile field and recognizes and corrects breaks in sterile technique.

• Delivers medications to the surgeon.

• Participates in sponge, needle, and instrument counts as directed by policy.

• Reports all drains, packs, implants, etc. to the circulating nurse and assists with application of dressings.

• Informs appropriate personnel of any potential problems regarding patient or procedure.

• Takes emergency action as required.

• Assists with post-operative processing of instruments and equipment.

• Cleans operating room areas and disposes of sharps from sterile field according to policy.

• Participates in evaluation of new products, methods, or equipment to determine quality.

• Acts as a liaison between physicians and management regarding instruments and supplies.

• Assists with patient transport as needed.

General Responsibilities:

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Graduation from an accredited school/program for Surgical Technology required.

Experience: No experience required. Previous hospital experience preferred.

Licensure/Certifications/Registrations Required:

• Basic Life Support issued by the American Heart Association required.

• Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) issued by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or Tech in Surgery (TS-C) issued by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:  

• Knowledge of medical asepsis as it applies to the operating room.

• Knowledge of various instruments used for each type of surgical procedure.

• Knowledge of proper operating room setup.

• Knowledge of proper method of handling and transferring instruments and supplies.

• Knowledge of proper handling of tissue specimens, cultures, and smears.

• Knowledge of inventory methods.

• Skills in maintaining an effective working relationship with others.

• Skills in following technical written and verbal instructions.

• Skills in providing technical assistance in all specialty areas.

• Understanding of the principles of growth and development over the lifespan and relevant ability to provide care appropriate to the patient's age-specific needs (neonate, pediatric, adolescent, adult, geriatric).

• Proficient in basic computer functions and programs.

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OU Health is an equal opportunity employer. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including PTO, 401(k), medical and dental plans, and many more. We know that a total benefits and compensation package, designed to meet your specific needs both inside and outside of the work environment, create peace of mind for you and your family.