Per Diem Certified Surgical Technologist, Regions Family Birth Center

Criteria Based Job Description

Job Title: Birth Center Surgical Technologist

Per Diem Surg Tech (724826)

Date: November 2005; October 2006

Job Code: 724822

Reports to: Nurse Manager Labor & Delivery

Department: The Birth Center

Approved by: Director of The Birth Center

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:

High School degree or equivalent required. Completion of an accredited, or in the process of being accredited, surgical technologist training program.

Other:

Completion of an accredited training program for practical nursing and previous scrub experience will substitute for surgical technologist education.

Knowledge, Skills

& Abilities:

Ability to read, write, and communicate in English.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities of routine principles and practices.

Knowledge of aseptic and sterilization techniques.

Knowledge of surgical instruments, procedures and related supplies.

Knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology and microbiology.

Ability to follow written and verbal instructions.

Ability to properly lift 50 pounds.

Ability to stand and walk for prolonged periods of time.

Knowledge of patient legal rights.

Ability to communicate effectively and work cooperatively with patients, visitors, and co-workers and have knowledge of patients’ rights.

Licensure/Registration/Certification:

Surgical Technologist must possess current certification. If not current, must be eligible to take the certifying examination offered by the National Association of Surgical Technologists. Must receive certification within six (6) months of employment.

Practical Nurses must possess current MN licensure.

Demonstrates at time of employment and every two years thereafter, competency in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). The year when demonstration of competency is not required, a general review of CPR is required.

POSITION SUMMARY STATEMENT:

Under the supervision of a Registered Nurse, the Birth Center Surgical Technologist functions as an active member of the Labor & Delivery team in the role of the scrub person for adolescent and adult patients. This position also participates on committees and acts as a resource to improve the quality of care delivery within Labor & Delivery and the hospital. Performs other duties as assigned, including assisting with patient care as delegated and supervised by a Registered Nurse during the ante, intra, and postpartum period, including normal newborn after birth.

MAJOR JOB DUTIES AND TASKS:

Percentage

Of Time:

1.

Daily functions as an active member of the Labor & Delivery in the role of the scrub person.

35%

a. Assists the Circulator with the preparation of the O.R. suite by assessing the preference card for the appropriate applies.

b. Assists with the gathering of equipment and instrumentation.

c. Knows and practices department procedures for hand scrub, gowning and gloving.

d. Knows and adheres to aseptic practices when opening sterile packages or pouring sterile solutions.

e. Accurately prepares drugs under the supervision of a Registered Nurse Circulator.

f. Sets up sterile instruments, suture and all sterile supplies according to the department procedures.

g. Maintains sterile field for instruments and supplies during procedure.

h. Helps observe for and corrects breaks in aseptic technique.

i. Anticipates and communicates surgeon’s needs and has instruments and supplies readily available for use.

j. Knows and practices the procedures for sharps (blade, needle) and sponge counts.

k. Can verbally discuss and identify suture material and its corresponding use on body tissue.

l. Knows and follows center procedures for cleaning between cases.

m. Knows and follows care of equipment after surgical procedure.

n. Actively pursues new knowledge as it relates to new instrumentation.

o. Primary responsibility for set up/preoperation of LDR ORs, take down of the room following procedures and stocking of the ORs. Set up/stocking of LDR rooms pending delivery.

2.

Consistently is a responsible member of the nursing team, for the adolescent and adult patient, functioning under the direction of a Registered Nurse.

20%

a. Helps position patients as requested or necessary.

b. Demonstrates basic knowledge of operative procedure.

c. Demonstrates basic knowledge of anatomy and physiology and is able to verbally identify major organs and bone structure.

d. Checks, rewraps and restocks missing supplies and equipment.

e. Promptly reports any malfunctioning instrument or piece of equipment to the Circulating Nurse, Charge Nurse, or Team Leader.

f. Functions competently in emergency situations by maintaining a calm manner and coordinating activities quietly and efficiently with the Circulating Nurse.

g. Assists with the transport of patients as necessary.

h. Assists the surgical team with reverification of the correct patient, correct procedure and correct surgical site.

i. Assist with orientating of patient to room upon admission to LDR or triage.

j. Recognizes abnormal findings and reports those findings to Registered Nurse.

k. Orders and puts away department supplies.

l. Daily Quality Control of lab tests, autoclave, and transports lab specimens as required.

m. Other tasks as delegated by Labor & Delivery staff.

MAJOR JOB DUTIES AND TASKS continued:

Percentage

Of Time:

3.

Consistently demonstrates knowledge of safety related work behaviors to ensure safe performance and maintains safe environment for all adolescent and adult patients.

15%

a. Performs proper lifting techniques and seeks assistance when needed. Does not put patient or self at risk or injury.

b. Demonstrates the practical application of Universal Blood and Body Precautions as well as the proper handling of other hazardous substances.

c. Effectively responds to urgent or emergent situations in a safe, appropriate and professional manner.

d. Assesses safety of unit environment and takes initiative to prevent accidents.

e. Maintains and assures aseptic technique in correct opening of supplies according to department policy.

f. Communicates with department leaders when safety issues arise.

g. Knows how to properly identify, clean safely, assemble and operate instrumentation commonly used in the O.R.

h. Uses proper procedures for sterilization (autoclave, steris) of supplies, equipment and instruments according to department policy.

i. Adheres to departmental attire policy and uses personal protective equipment as needed.

4.

Always functions as a productive and effective Team Member.

15%

a. Begins work assignments promptly at the beginning of the scheduled work shift; reports back to work promptly after breaks and lunch periods.

b. Gives proper notice of absences (no more than 8 occasions of unscheduled absences within evaluation period – pro-rated for part time employees).

c. Willing to adjust personal schedule to accommodate work needs when requested.

d. Maintains open and honest communication with other Labor & Delivery and hospital staff, Charge Nurse and Nurse Manager.

e. Willingly accepts direction from Circulating R.N., Charge Nurse, etc., and seeks clarification as needed.

f. Always maintains strict confidence of information.

g. Reviews and updates preference cards as needed.

h. Accepts responsibility for orienting new staff as assigned.

i. Demonstrates creative problem solving skills.

j. Suggests ideas for improvement and actively participates in departmental performance improvement initiatives.

k. Adheres to high ethical and professional standards, shows respect for and to others.

l. Makes suggestions and demonstrates responsibility for cost containment activities.

m. Complies with work rules, standards and policies.

5.

Keeps job knowledge current with the needs of the departments ongoing.

15%

a. Present at least 50% of departmental meetings and inservices.

b. Recognizes professional and personal strengths and limitations. Develops a plan to acquire needed skills to care for the adolescent and adult and communicates need for assistance to complete unfamiliar tasks.

c. Participates as assigned in helping develop and present inservices.

d. Reads communication clipboard and bulletin boards and staff meeting minutes to acquaint ones self with changes during an absence.

e. Demonstrates willingness to teach by conveying ideas and information in a manner that facilitates learning.

f. Demonstrates thorough knowledge of aseptic technique.

g. Completes annual training programs as directed by the department and attends all mandatory inservices required by Labor & Delivery and the hospital.

Daily exceptional performance is exemplified by:

• Implements new technology and materials by combining knowledge with current practice to provide better patient care.

• Consistently identifies and implements ways to improve efficiencies.

• Receives exceptionally high customer satisfaction ratings.

• Consistently shares knowledge learned in a class or conference relevant to Surgical Technologist position with co-workers.

• Continually seeks to advance knowledge and expertise as evidenced by ability to perform highly technical procedures.

ORGANIZATIONAL EXPECTATIONS:

1. Promises to Patients and Families (and External Customers)

* Treats patients, families and customers (external) with dignity, respect and compassion.

* Provides accurate and timely information. * Actively listens and involves patients as they desire in their care. * Provides hassle-free access to services and needed care. * Anticipates needs and provides continuity and coordination of services. * Provides a safe, clean and healing environment.

1. Promises to each other – RESPECT

Reliable. Dependable and follows through on responsibilities.

Excellence. Goes above and beyond to make a positive difference each day.

Show Appreciation. Values and acknowledges other’s contributions.

Positive Attitude. Friendly, optimistic and helpful.

Embrace Differences. Honors and learns from other’s uniqueness and experiences.

Communicate. Listens, seek to understand and share information.

Teamwork. Support others and together we all succeed.

1. Promises to Internal Customers

* Genuinely express a can-do attitude in all of my interactions. * Proactive in my planning to ensure patients and external customer’s needs are met in a timely manner. Uses appropriate tools and process to solve problems. * Promotes a positive image of other departments to patients and co-workers. * Acts professionally and is accessible to other departments. * Recognizes every employee’s contributions to service patients and external customers.

1. Protect confidentiality

2. Maintains regular and timely attendance

3. Complies with safety instructions, observe safe work practices, provide input on safety issues and promote a safe work environment

4. Acts as a leader or participant in at least one Regions Patient Safety initiative. (This applies to positions that are involved in direct patient care as an example PCAs, transporters, ERTs).

AGE-SPECIFIC COMPETENCIES:

  X  Yes

     No

Does this employee have direct patient contact? If yes, age-specific competency checklist MUST be attached.

SUPERVISORY/MANAGERIAL RESPONSIBILITY:

None: Reports to Nurse Manager Labor & Delivery

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Stands and walks eight hours daily while assisting with surgery and obtaining supplies. Bends and stoops at least up to two hours per day while locating supplies and lifting patients. Uses a stepladder to reach supplies on upper shelves. Uses hands and fingers six hours daily while handling instruments and equipment during surgery. Repeatedly lifts 20 or more pounds of supplies daily. Lifts 100 or more pounds several times daily, with assistance, when transferring patients from carts to operating tables.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:

Daily repeated exposure to radiation, anesthesia gases, body fluids, HIV, hepatitis, lasers, hazardous chemicals, sharp equipment, ethylene oxide, steam autoclave and combative patients. May work for extended periods of time in temperatures exceeding 95 degrees.

EQUIPMENT:

Patient carts, O.R. beds, positioning devices, cautery and bipolar machines, pneumatic tube system, video towers, IV poles, case carts, hampers, light sources, nitrogen units, O.R. instrument, and scopes, tourniquet, and other surgical equipment as technology provides.