Surgical Technician

Works under the direction of a surgeon to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of invasive surgical procedures, ensuring thatthe operating room environment is safe, that equipment functions properly, and that the operative procedure is conducted underconditions that maximize patient safety. Possesses expertise in the theory and application of sterile and aseptic technique andcombines the knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation tools and technologies to facilitate aphysician's performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. May include day, evening, night, weekend, holiday,and/or on-call hours. Report-back time for on-call per department guidelines. Performs other duties as assigned.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Handles the instruments, supplies, and equipment necessary during the surgical procedure. Has an understanding of theprocedure being performed and anticipates the needs of the surgeon. Has the necessary knowledge and ability to ensure qualitypatient care during the operative procedure and is constantly on vigil for maintenance of the sterile field.
• Assists the surgical team before, during, and after surgery by performing the following duties:
• Checks instruments, supplies, and equipment needed for surgical procedures.
• Scrubs, gowns, gloves, and sets up sterile table with instruments and supplies, equipment and medications/solutions needed foreach procedure
• Assists with patient placement and positioning on the table. Assists in draping sterile field according to procedure/physicianpreference.
• Performs appropriate counts for sponges, needles, and instruments with circulator according to policy prior to the operation andbefore incision is closed.
• Gowns and gloves surgeon and assistants. Creates and maintains sterile field. Maintains highest standard of sterile techniqueduring procedure.
• Passes instruments, etc. to surgeon during procedure. May sponge operative site, hold retractors during surgery, cut suture andcauterize previously clamped vessels as directed by surgeon. Prepares sterile dressings.
• Assists other members of team with cleaning the operating room after each procedure. Assists in prepping room for the nextpatient.
• Participates in department performance improvement activities.

Culture of Excellence Behavior Expectations

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following behavior expectations:

Quality - Follows policies and procedures; adapts to and manages changes in the environment; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness giving attention to details; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Manages time and prioritizes effectively to achieve organizational goals.

Service - Responds promptly to requests for service and assistance; Follows the Mercyhealth Critical Moments of service; Meets commitments; Abides by MH confidentiality and security agreement; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; and effectively communicates information to partners; Thinks system wide regarding processes and functions.

Partnering - Shows commitment to the Mission of Mercyhealth and Culture of Excellence through all words and actions; Exhibits objectivity and openness to other's views; Demonstrates a high level of participation and engagement in day-to-day work; Gives and welcomes feedback; Generates suggestions for improving work: Embraces teamwork, supports and encourages positive change while giving value to individuals.

Cost - Conserves organization resources; Understands fiscal responsibility; Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; contributes to profits and revenue.

Education and Experience

High school diploma or general education degree (GED) required
Graduate of an CAAHEP-accredited Surgical Technology program required OR program currently participating in accreditation
process
LPN grandfathered (3) at Rockford campus.
Less than 1 year experience as a Surgical Scrub technologist

Certification and Licensure

Certified Surgical Technologist through NBSTSA preferred
Certified Surgical Technologist through NBSTSA required only if program is not accredited but currently participating in
accreditation process,.
Approved CPR or BLS certification required within 90 days (other certifications per unit requirements: ACLS, PALS, PEARS, NRP)

Skills and Abilities
N/A
Special Physical Demands

The Special Physical Demands are considered Essential Job Functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands
and arms and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand and walk. The employee is occasionally required to sit;
stoop, kneel, crouch, or smell. The employee must regularly lift and /or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up
to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision and
depth perception.

Level of Supervision

Supervisory responsibilities are conducted in accordance with directives of management, the organization's policies, and applicablelaws.

Supervises

May directly supervise/mentor up to one surgical technician student. When acting as a preceptor, carries out those responsibilitiesin accordance with the hospital's and school's policies and applicable laws. Serves as an educator, nurturer, and role model for thestudent. Acts as a resource and is supportive of the student by sharing knowledge obtained through work and life experiences.Responsibilities include guiding and enhancing the learning of the student by providing options, ideas, meaningful feedback, andinformation with instruction when identifying problems, prompting the student to think on their own and work it out.