THIS IS A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING UNIT POSITION

Mercy Health 

Who we are 

We believe your best is yet to come. At Mercy Health, we celebrate the human side of health care, uniting individuals from all walks of life in giving good help to those in need. We'll ask a lot of you, but we'll give a lot back, as well. Whether you’re called to bedside care, patient support, community service or operations and administration, there’s a place for you here. Because if there's one thing we know for certain, it's that good works start with great people. We’ll support and empower you to bring your best – in service of our patients and our Mission.  
 

Surgical Tech First Asst  - St. Vincent Medical Center

Primary Function/General Purpose of Position

Under direct supervision of a Registered Nurse and according to established procedures, works as an integral part of the surgical team.  Possesses knowledge of aseptic technique and applies this while participating in surgical procedures, coordination of care of instruments, equipment and supplies.  Assists in the provision of care to patients of all age groups.  Performs function of surgical assistant under direct supervision of the physician in the operating room.

Essential Job Functions

• ​Retracts during operative procedure; may clamp or tie bleeders; may utilize cautery as directed by physician; suture fascia, subcutaneous tissue and skin; suction surgical wounds; may instill irrigation solution under the direction of the physician; may assist in the application of a cast; may apply gelfoam, avitene, surgical in wound per physician orders; may use power or manual equipment for fixation during orthopedic procedures as directed by a physician, this includes screws, pins and similar devices; in complex situations may cut tissue specifically directed by the physician at the operating table; may insert trocar during laparoscopic procedure
• Functions in the role of scrub/basic assist as defined by policy and procedures
• Performs specific task of circulator role as delegated by the Registered Nurse
• Is responsible for the proper care of surgical specimens
• Practices strict adherence to standard precautions
• Assists with the care, preparation and maintenance of sterile and non-sterile supplies and equipment
• Maintains open communications with members of the surgical team to assure a collaborative work environment is maintained
• Assists in the training and orientation of students and new staff members
• Complies with established hospital policies, procedures, and practices to assure that standards of quality, efficiency and safety are met; adheres to all standards and policies regarding safety/patient safety initiatives
• Attends educational programs as prescribed by departmental policy and individual need; maintains all required certifications; stays abreast of changes in policies and procedures
• Adheres to the standards and policies of the Corporate Responsibility Program, including the duty to comply with applicable laws and regulations, and reporting to designated Manager (or employer hotline) any suspected unethical, fraudulent, or unlawful acts or practices
• Embraces Standards of Behavior in order to provide and promote excellent customer service for both internal and external customers; holds self and others accountable for behaviors that promote service excellence

This document is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as required by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.

Licensing/Certification

Certified Surgical Technologist or will achieve within 6 months after hire (required)

First Assistant Certification (required)

American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) certification (required)

If hired after January 1997 must be certified as CST (Certified Surgical Technologist) as awarded by the Liaison Council on Certification (a member of the National Commission of Health Certifying Agencies) otherwise, CST preferred

Education

2 year/Associate’s Degree or diploma- graduate of Certified Surgical Technologist Program and an Accredited First Assistance Program (required)

Work Experience

Minimum 2 years of experience as Certified Surgical Technologist in an operating room (required)

Training

Work requires three to six months on-the-job training for full familiarity with surgeon’s preferences and department policies and procedures.