Career Opportunities

Job Description

POSITION:    Surgical Technologist (Scrub Technician/Sterile Processing Technician)

REPORTS TO: ASC Director

DATE: 9/13/2024

SUMMARY: 

The Surgical Technologist assists the surgeon with Ophthalmology procedures. This individual works within a team to ensure that the operating room environment is safe, that equipment functions properly, and that conditions maximize patient safety. The Scrub Technician possesses expertise in the theory and application of sterile and aseptic technique. This position is also responsible for the cleaning, packaging, sterilizing, purchasing, and storing of supplies, instruments, and equipment.

I.QUALIFICATIONS

            A.  A high school diploma is required. Preferred graduate of an accredited school of surgical technology or graduate of a scrub technician program. Can train the right candidate.

            B.  Prefer a minimum of one-year scrub technician experience in the Operating Room. Prefer experience in processing surgical instruments, use of sterilizers, and a knowledge of instrumentation care and handling.

            C. Minimum of 1 year of medical experience required

            D.  BCLS certification required

II. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Good general physical health required due to long periods of standing, walking, and lifting work. Must be well coordinated and have full mobility. Dexterity necessary.
2. This position often exerts 25lbs of force, occasionally exerts up to 75lbs of force. Occasionally stooping, crouching, kneeling, overhead reaching, below level reaching, lifting and carrying a maximum of 50lbs.
3. Visual and audio acuity as needed to meet job performance required, including paper and computer screens. Must be able to speak clearly and distinctly. Must be able to listen and direct.
4. Must be able to respond to challenging situations with emotional stability. Must communicate effectively with coworkers, information including process changes, keeping everyone informed. Must be able to demonstrate skill in organization of multiple tasks.
5. Possible exposure to communicable diseases, toxic substances, and medicinal preparations.

III. POSITION DUTIES:

1. Prepares supplies, instruments, and equipment for sterilization.
2. Cleans, inspects, and lubricates items as required according to manufacturer’s instruction.
3. Ensures that each item is in good working condition; i.e., alignment, sharpness, and grasp.
4. Sorts and arranges items into proper trays.
5. Wraps trays and individual items appropriately.
6. Accurately labels each item with name and expiration date.
7. Recognizes, coordinates, and implements adding of unwrapped instruments to trays as needed to meet surgical case needs.

• Operates sterilization equipment for processing items.
  • Correctly fills and empties cassette sterilizers per specified use/maintenance schedule.
  • Positions items correctly in cassette sterilizer.
  • Selects the proper cycle, being sure to seek assistance if instructions are not clear.
  • Check indicators for proper function.
  • Performs maintenance on all sterilizers and cassettes as specified by SciCan.
  • Sets up surgical table for next case while maintaining sterility and secure distance of 12 inches to protect sterile field.

• Maintains adequate inventory of sterile and stock items for the OR.
  •  Performs inventory of processing and surgical supplies and notifies appropriate person when to reorder.
  • Maintains sterilization logs; i.e., cleaning, biological testing.
  • Maintains adequate linen for sterile processing area.
  • Keeps work area clean and neat. Cleans shelves, counter tops, and equipment
  • Performs and documents cleaning duties of sub sterile rooms and OR per housekeeping log.

• Performs Scrub Technician duties.
  • Demonstrates thorough knowledge of the application of the OSHA Blood-Borne Pathogens standards to the workplace.
  • Scrubs, gowns, and gloves self and surgeon for cases according to accepted procedure.  Sets up and maintains sterile field.
  • Opens, passes, and receives items to and from the sterile field correctly.
  • Preps BSS bottles for the day with Epinephrine with aseptic technique and labels appropriately.
  • Exhibits and demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of the principles of aseptic technique. Moves easily within the limits of safety for an unsterile person near a sterile field.
  • Anticipates physician needs for instruments, supplies, irrigation, equipment, etc.
  • Identifies, selects, and coordinates supplies, instruments, and equipment required for scheduled cases.
  • Demonstrates correct care, use, cleaning, and handling of surgical instruments and equipment.
  • Exhibits thorough knowledge of surgical procedures and basics of care to include common complications.
  • Recognizes signs and symptoms of emergency situations and intervenes as appropriate.
  • Utilizes medical terminology accurately.

• The above statements reflect the general duties considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job as identified, and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be inherent in the position. There may be other duties related to this position which will be assigned as necessary.