Washington Hospital Careers

Division:      Perioperative Services, Operations and Support

Job Title:  Surgical Technologist I

Job Code: 136

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 I

1.    Graduate of accredited Surgical Technology program required
2.    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.