Washington Hospital Careers

Division:      Perioperative Services, Operations and Support

Job Title:  Surgical Technologist II

Job Code: 10C

Position Summary

The scrub surgical technologist handles the instruments, supplies, and equipment necessary during the surgical procedure. Protects patient safety by following regulations and standards, accounts for all items post-operatively to avoid retained objects, and maintains sterile technique during procedure.  Assist in prepping room for patient care, and room turn-over. 

In addition to performing the essential functions listed below, may also be assigned other duties as required.

Statement of Accountability

Reports to Nurse Manager, Charge Nurse or Circulating Nurse

Qualifications

1. Education
2. Licensure
3. Work Experience
4. Skills/computer/ specific technical
5. Other qualifications, miscellaneous

Specify if qualifications are Required or Preferred

Surgical Tech II

1.                Graduate of accredited Surgical Technology program required
2.                Minimum of three years of Operating Room experience as a Surgical Technologist; OR Surgical Technician Certification
3.                Current CPR certification.

Specialty Pay:  Surgical Tech 1 & 2 would be eligible for specialty pay consideration of 5% differential to base pay rate. Initial receipt and continuation of specialty pay is based on:

1. Must perform as a resource person for co-workers in one or more surgical specialties.
2. Must provide two pre-approved education/training sessions for co-workers annually.
3. Completion of assigned project work during the year.
4. Must be an employee at Washington Hospital for six months before applying for staff specialty pay.
5. Must have no Step 3 or higher counseling in the past 12 months.

Achieving Results

Key Components: assess, plan, evaluate, demonstrate initiative, quality of work, productivity

1. Demonstrates initiative, responsibility, and accountability in achieving the Hospital, Division, and Unit goals and mission.
2. Performs data collection and assessment of unit needs in an ongoing and systematic manner.
3. Evaluates the effectiveness of the plan through observation of the efficient running of the unit.

Demonstrates Skill

Key Components: competency, job knowledge, organizational skills, analytical skill, management of information, employee & patient safety

1. Formulates a plan in collaboration with the charge nurse/manager that ensures that direct and indirect services are provided for the unit.
2. Implements clinical and technical aspects of care in a knowledgeable, skillful, consistent manner.
3. Provides developmentally appropriate care to support patients during hospitalization.
4. Demonstrates a knowledge base sufficient for the performance of assignments.
5. Demonstrates an awareness and sensitivity to patients’ rights.
6. Demonstrates effective communication skills using interest based communications and following chain of command.
7. Demonstrates professional responsibility to following Hospital, Divisional, and unit based policies and procedures.
8. Demonstrates integrity and fosters teamwork among colleagues.
9. Demonstrates self-responsibility and accountability for assigned tasks.

Planning & Coordinating

Key Components: delegates, decision making, problem solving, management of resources

1. Utilizes available resources to problem solve effectively.

Professionalism

Key Components: dependability, interpersonal skills, teamwork, patient first ethic, customer service, communication skills, punctuality/attendance, receptiveness to criticism, judgment, confidentiality

1. Assists in circulating role when directly supervised by a Registered Nurse.
2. Performs efficiently and effectively during emergency situations.
3. Functions with an awareness and application of safety practices as identified within the OR and hospital.
4. Functions to establish priorities of the unit’s needs in an organized manner based on available resources, of time, personnel, equipment and supplies.
5. Maintains flexibility regarding staffing/daily assignments.
6. Educates patients about healthcare matters under the supervision of the RN.

Improving the Organization

Key Components: performance improvement, quality initiatives

1. Participates in interdisciplinary performance improvement activities.
2. Provides quality customer service and responds appropriately to customer compliments and complaints.
3. Participates in OR Q.A.&I. Activities and completes assigned tasks utilizing appropriate policies and procedures.

Self-Development

Key Components: maintain license/certification, education and training

1. Demonstrates an awareness of self-responsibility and accountability for improving own level of practice.
2. Participates actively in staff development for unit and divisional personnel.

Regulatory Compliance

Key Components: JCAHO, Title 22, OIG, HIPAA, State/Federal laws, hospital policies

1. Demonstrates awareness of, and compliance with, patient safety and regulatory and licensing standards; i.e., JCAHO, Title 22 OSHA, EMTALA, HIPAA, and other service specific regulations.
2. Demonstrates awareness of legal issues in all aspects of patient care, promoting safe practice in order to reduce risk.

Prepared by:

Tracy Stone, Director of Perioperative Services

Date:

01/11

Approved by:

Title:

Chief of System Operations & Management Support Services

Date:

Personnel Office Review:

Date:

Revised Date:

Lifting Objects/Patients

Back Injuries

Hernias

Understand A&P of back, causes of back pain, preventive approaches, use of aids when lifting.

Preventive measures when lifting and use aids when lifting.

Slip/Trip/Falls 

Contusions, Sprains, Strains

Avoid undue speed.  Use handrails.  Clean up spills immediately.

Fires & Natural Disasters

Burns & All Types of Injuries

Recognize possible causes of fires.  Smoking materials, faulty equipment.  Employees should educate patients.  Compressed gasses are flammable & under pressure so must be handled with care.  Workers need to be familiar with disaster plans and know exit routes.

Electrical Hazards

Shocks & Burns

Be aware of unsafe equipment and appliances.  Complete electrical safety education and seek assistance if any unsafe areas are noted.

Assaults

Minor Injury to Death

Employees need to be cognizant to potential dangers to ensure safety.  Awareness of existing security measures and defensive behavior can protect employee from assaults.

Needles & Sharps

Cuts, Punctures, Lacerations

Sharps should be discarded in designated containers.  Employees should exam & handle soiled linens & similar items as if they contained hazardous items.

Obstacles & Broken Objects

Abrasions, Contusions, and Lacerations

Arrange furniture to allow free movement about the room.  Keep doors & drawers closed when not in use.  Clean/discard broken objects properly (i.e. broken glass should be swept up - not picked up with fingers).

Possible Exposures to Infections Hepatitis/Tuberculosis/Cytomegalovirus/Varicella/AIDS/Herpes/Staph Infections, Lice/Scabies/Rubeola

Infection

Use Infection Control procedures as defined in Infection Control manual.  These include hand washing, protective clothing, knowing the risks.  Label linens and wastes properly.

Possible exposure to acids & other chemicals used within the hospital

Refer to MSDS's

Employees should follow procedures as explained in their department Hazardous Material training and refer to MSDS's before using/handling any chemical.  Follow procedures and do not use any chemical without proper labeling.

Latex

Dermatitis to death

Alert supervisor if you feel that you are allergic to latex materials. Use non-latex gloves for sterile procedures.

Soaps, Detergents, Cleaning Solutions

Dermatitis

Follow Departmental procedures.  Protective clothing is available if Dept. is unable to substitute agents that do not cause dermatitis.

Ergonomic Problems

Wide Variety of Musculoskeletal nervous disorders

Body mechanics, positioning of equipment/furniture, and repetitive actions can cause employees to experience a variety of physical problems.  Employees should follow safe body mechanics as described in hospital education.  Employees are encouraged to seek assistance from their supervisor if they feel a task is causing them to experience physical problems.  Work site evaluation may be indicated and this should be discussed with manager.             

Possible Chemical Exposure

Refer to MSDS's

Employees work with a variety of chemicals within the lab setting.  Employees receive training upon hire and also are expected to review the Chemical Safety Plan yearly.  Employees are expected to follow safe working procedures as instructed.

Possible Exposure to Radiation

Sterility, Cancer, Shortened Life Expectancy

When appropriate, employees should wear film badges (they are monitored routinely) and use lead aprons, gloves, or shields.  Identify and appropriately manage radiation therapy patients and their secretions.

Possible Exposure to Chemotherapeutic Agents

Refer to Hazardous Materials Binder

Employees should be aware of procedure for chemo spills.

Exposure to Video Display Terminals

Eye strain & stress in addition to ergonomic complaints

It is unknown if significant visual dysfunction results from long-term use of VDT's.  Problems may be controlled with control of lighting and glare, the color contrast, and workers should have adequately corrected vision.  Employees should seek assistance from their supervisor if they feel VDT is causing problems for them.

Possible exposure to patient medications during the course of their administration. Generally those drugs given by aerosol or in liquid/IV form present the greatest possibility of exposure because there may be exposure through skin/mucous membrane contact (ex. ganciclovir sodium)

Refer to MSDS’s

Employees should follow procedures as explained in their department’s Hazardous Material training and refer to MSDS’s before handling any drug with potential hazards.

Exposure to Chemical Agents

Burns

Irritations

Burns & Irritations

Ammonia solution is frequently used as cleaning agent and the gas is used as a refrigerant.  Gloves should be worn and other precautions as described in training and MSDS.

Chlorine solutions are often used as disinfectants.  Gloves should be worn and other precautions as described in training and MSDS.

Drain cleaners are often used and splashing may occur.  Protective clothing should be used and other precautions as described in training and MSDS.

Exposure Microwave Radiation

Radiation Effects

Doors may not close completely due to: hinges & catches may loosen; spilled food; if interlock system fails.  Regular maintenance is done but employees should report any problems & clean all spills.

Possible Heat Stress

Weakness, Nausea, Dizziness

Employees need to be aware of symptoms and the need for water consumption.

Possible injuries due to Improper Storage. Possible injuries due to working compressed and/or oxidizing gases.

All types of injuries

Employees should follow safety procedures of fuel & Cylinders of Oxidizing Gas as outlined in their department.

Possible Exposure to Waste Anesthetic Gases

Refer to Drug Reference

Employees should be cognizant of hazards of anesthetic gases and follow procedures as outlined and trained in their department.

Possible Falls

Contusions, Fractures

Employees often must use ladders and do some climbing as part of their job.  Employees should never use ladders in need of repair.  Employees should follow safety procedures as outlined in department.

Potential Hazards from Office Work

Variety Musculoskeletal

Employees need to be cognizant of potential dangers to ensure safety.  Each Department provides office safety classes to alert employees to potential dangers.