Core Competencies

• Assists the circulating nurse in preparing the assigned operating room for surgery
  
  
• Checks the surgeons preference cards before beginning all surgeries
  
  
• Scrubs, gowns, and gloves according to approved techniques
  
  
• Practices aseptic technique in opening surgical packs, sutures, and trays
  
  
• Maintains a sterile field throughout each surgical procedure.
  
  
• Performs sponge and needle counts according to policies/ procedures

• Provides health care services in own job category to the following age groups as applicable to job functions and as appropriate in regularly assigned clinical areas: Infancy: birth - 1 year Toddler: 1 year - 3 years Pre-School: 3 years - 6 years School Age: 6 years - 12 years Adolescent: 12 years - 18 years Adulthood: 19 years - 45 years Middle Adult: 45 years - 59 years Late Adult: 60 years - 79 years 80 years >
  
  
• Assists the surgeon and assistant surgeon by passing instruments during surgical procedures.
  
  
• Checks medications used during surgical procedures with the circulating nurse
  
  
• Reports any breaks in aseptic technique and restores sterile field
  
  
• Handles and identifies specimens correctly; obtains surgeons permission before handing specimens off the sterile field.
  
  
• Reports to circulating nurse any drains or packing remaining in patients after surgery
  
  
• Applies dressing to wounds and cleanses skin immediately following surgery
  
  
• Assists in the transfer of patients from the surgical table to gurney

• Operates surgical tables, lights, electro-surgical units, and instrumentation systems used during surgical procedures
  
  
  Assists the circulating nurse in cleaning and preparing the operating room for surgeries to follow
  
  
• Maintains a safe working environment: ensures gurneys are in locked position except when transporting, ensures side rails are in up position as indicated, keeps unit free of hazards/clutter, adheres to infection prevention guidelines, disposes of infectious waste properly

• Maintains confidentiality and uses discretion when discussing patient information

• Answers the telephone promptly and courteously and relays calls/messages to the appropriate person in a timely manner