Job Summary
The Surgical Technologist handles the instruments, supplies, and equipment necessary during the surgical procedure. They understand procedures being performed and anticipates the needs of the surgeon. They have the necessary knowledge and ability to ensure excellent and quality patient care during the operative procedure and is constantly vigilant for maintenance of the sterile field.
Detailed Responsibilities
Pre-operative Duties are as follows:
- Wears appropriate attire and personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Gathers, checks and opens supplies and equipment needed for surgical procedure
- Performs the surgical scrub and wears appropriate gown and gloves
- Sets-up the sterile back table and Mayo stand with instruments, supplies, equipment, medications, and solutions required for the procedure
- Performs initial instrument, sharps and sponge counts with the circulator
- Assists the team members with gowning and gloving
- Assists with draping the patient and establishing the sterile field
- Participates in the surgical site and patient verification during the time-out procedure
- Secures tubing, cords and other sterile accessories in accordance with processes and procedures
Intra-operative Duties are as follows:
- Prepares and anticipates additional instrumentation, equipment and supplies for usage during procedure
- Anticipates needs of the surgeon by passing instruments and supplies to surgeon during procedure
- Measures and passes medications, hemostatic agents, and irrigation solutions utilized during the surgical procedure
- Holds retractors or instruments as directed by the surgeon
- Sponges or suctions the operative site
- Applies electrocautery to clamps on bleeders
- Cuts suture material as directed by the surgeon
- Coordinates the camera or changes out robotic arms and instruments during endoscopic surgery as directed by the surgeon
- Maintains highest standard of sterile technique during the procedure
- Performs additional counts as necessary
- Prepares sterile dressings and/or immobilization devices
- Prepares and passes off specimen(s) as appropriate
- Cleans and prepares instruments for terminal sterilization
- Assists other members of the team with terminal cleaning of room
- Assists in prepping the Operating Room for the next patient
- Participates in debriefing and quality improvement practices to ensure excellent and quality patient care
