CH Surgical Tech - OB - Full Time

Position Summary: 

The Surgical Technician-Obstetrics is a team member working under the direction of the Unit Manager, Charge Nurse, and nursing staff in the delivery of care to the obstetrical patient and her infant using a patient/family‐centered model in compliance with professional practice and unit standards. Responsibilities include but are not limited to preparing patient, equipment and supply for delivery; special obstetrical procedures; and assisting the obstetrical surgical team. The Surgical Technician-Obstetrics provides basic nursing care (personal and restorative care) and functions as a member of the surgical team by assisting and passing instruments during surgical procedures performed in the Labor and Delivery unit. They understand the procedures being performed and anticipates the needs of the surgeon. The Surgical Technician-Obstetrics ensures quality patient care during the operative procedure and is constantly on vigil for maintenance of the sterile field. They assist in the preparation of the room before surgery or delivery and is accountable for all items required for their surgical table, including all required instrumentation and sutures. The Surgical Technician-Obstetrics performs routine clerical duties as needed within the unit. 

Maintains an appropriate level of knowledge and clinical skills through continuing education/in-services and self‐study activities.

Education, License & Cert: 

The Surgical Technician-Obstetrics must be 

• Graduate of an accredited Surgical Technologist School, or LPN with a current license in the state of practice, or completion of a completed and appropriate training program for surgical technology in the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or Public Health Service Commissioned Corps. 

• Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) (by NBSTSA) certification required within one year of employment (unless licensed LPN) 

• If certified prior to 2021, may be grandfathered and exempt from degree requirement and certification requirement.

• Basic Life Support

• Technologist in Surgery - Certified (TS-C) (by NCCT)

Experience: 

Minimum experience of 1 year as LPN or Technician is required.

Essential Functions: 

1. Performs surgical scrub tech duties. 

a. Applies principles of sterility maintenance in handling sterile supplies. 

b. Prepares and assembles sterile and non‐sterile supplies for surgical cases. 

c. Maintains exposure through appropriate use of instruments and retractors after being positioned by the surgeon 

d. Works closely with others to assist in the care of the obstetric and neonatal patient. 

e. Demonstrates the ability to communicate observations of patients to fellow health care providers. 

f. Maintains safe environment by keeping equipment clean and in working order.

g. Reports the need for repair and replacement. 

h. Utilizes and maintains surgical instruments according to manufacturers' recommendations and department guidelines. 

i. Assists in maintaining a clean, safe environment. 

j. Participates in quality assurance activities according to unit guidelines. 

2. Participates in the delivery of patient care for population specific groups under the direction of an RN including but not limited to the following: 

1. Observing confused and difficult patients 

1. Mobilizing patients ‐ transfers and ambulation 

2. Discontinuing Foley catheters 

3. Simple dressing changes 

4. Surgical preps 

5. Removal of peripheral IV catheters 

6. Contributes in determining outcomes (goals) that will involve the patient and family. 

7. Implements plan of care in collaboration with the nursing team. 

8. Assists RN to evaluate patient's response to interventions. 

9. Recommends changes in plan of care to RN and participates in patient care conferences. 

3. Demonstrates competence in performance of nursing skills and procedures relative to clinical area and scope of practice. 

A. Practices within the scope of nursing care consistent with policies and procedures and NY licensure for LPN/Surgical tech. 

B. Partners with the RN to implement evidence‐based interventions and treatments unique to the patient need. 

C. Assists with health education of patients and family, utilizing patient education resources. 

D. Prioritizes work assignments and sets goals in order to manage daily patient assignments.

4. Documents in a thorough, concise, timely manner according to the nursing department standards. 

A. Accurately documents and reports changes in patient's conditions to the RN.

3. Performs and accurately records: 

a. Temperature, pulse, respirations, blood pressure, height, length and weight 

b. I & O 

c. Meals 

d. ADLs and activities 

5. Performs and records the following specimen collections: 

a. Obtains urine, stool, and sputum specimens for patients; instructs patients in proper specimen collection technique 

b. Actively participates in and documents quality controls on all procedures required in testing protocol 

6. Completes the following support activities: 

a. Transports patients as needed 

b. Serves, sets up and retrieves trays 

c. Distributes water pitchers 

d. Orders and distributes nourishment 

e. Performs errands in a timely manner including but not limited to the following:

i. Transport beds to OR 

ii. Make photocopies 

iii. Transports blood products to and from the patient care area. 

iv. Utilizes time between patient care to maintain the work environment and help with other duties 

7. Participates in patient safety/patient satisfaction. 

a. Answers call bells promptly 

b. Makes rounds to check on patients hourly as indicated 

c. Reports any signs of abuse promptly 

d. Recognizes, troubleshoots and initiates corrective action needed on equipment 

e. Maintains neat and tidy environment (empties laundry, delivers equipment, keeps patient rooms clean and safe) 

f. Inventories and assures disposition of patients' belongings when admitted, transferred, and/or discharged 

g. Maintains inventory of patient care area specific supplies 

h. Assures proper storage of equipment 

i. Recognizes emergency situations and initiates plan of action 

j. Notifies RN of any changes seen in patient's condition as well as any results of POCT within scope

8. Complies with policies and procedures of the hospital/nursing department: 

a. Supports the philosophy of the hospital and department of nursing 

b. Represents the hospital to patients/families and health care team in a professional, courteous manner while being sensitive to how others perceive both verbal and non‐verbal communications. Demonstrates Guthrie Service Behaviors in all interactions with patients, families, and others 

c. Maintains CPR certification and practice 

d. Demonstrates cost‐effective patient care by demonstrating proper use and care of equipment, appropriate and prudent use of supplies, accurate charging of supplies; performing other division‐specific tasks, and appropriate utilization of available resources 

e. Demonstrates initiative in completing work that needs to be done as defined in the employee's areas of responsibility 

f. Completes Skills checklist in orientation in accordance with nursing unit guidelines and continues to seek assistance when performing an unfamiliar procedure 

g. Attends in‐service programs and practice sessions to meet nursing unit guidelines 

h. Participates in performance improvement activities to improve service and care 

i. Attends and participates in staff meetings (70% attendance) 

Other Duties: 

1. Assists in the orientation of new personnel and serves as a role model to other employees 

2. Demonstrates willingness to accept non‐routine work assignments as appropriate 

3. Encouraged to participate in community activities 

4. Is authorized to access secured storage areas in the performance of essential job functions and duties 

Joining the Guthrie team allows you to become a part of a tradition of excellence in health care. In all areas and at all levels of Guthrie, you’ll find staff members who have committed themselves to serving the community.

The Guthrie Clinic is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The Guthrie Clinic is a non-profit, integrated, practicing physician-led organization in the Twin Tiers of New York and Pennsylvania. Our multi-specialty group practice of more than 500 physicians and 302 advanced practice providers offers 47 specialties through a regional office network providing primary and specialty care in 22 communities. Guthrie Medical Education Programs include General Surgery, Internal Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, Anesthesiology and Orthopedic Surgery Residency, as well as Cardiovascular, Gastroenterology and Pulmonary Critical Care Fellowship programs. Guthrie is also a clinical campus for the Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine.