Reports To

Physician and/or Registered Nurse

General Summary of Duties

Surgical Technologists, also known as Scrub Technicians or Operating Room (OR) Technicians, assist in surgical procedures under the supervision of surgeons, registered nurses, and other surgical personnel.

As a member of the operating room team, the Surgical Technologist plays a critical role in maintaining a safe and sterile environment before, during, and after surgical procedures. Operating room teams commonly include surgeons, anesthesiologists, circulating nurses, and surgical technologists working together to provide exceptional patient care.

Education, Experience & Requirements

Required

• Currently enrolled in and actively completing an accredited Surgical Technologist program.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.

Preferred

• Zero (0) to two (2) years of clinical experience in a healthcare-related field.
• Prior exposure to a surgical or procedural environment preferred.

Essential Functions

Operating Room Preparation

• Prepare and maintain surgical instruments, equipment, and supplies for procedures.
• Assist in preparing the operating room by establishing a sterile field, including:
  • Surgical instruments
  • Equipment
  • Sterile drapes
  • Sterile solutions and supplies
• Perform safety checks on equipment, instruments, and supplies prior to the start of procedures.
• Assemble sterile and non-sterile equipment and verify proper functionality.
• Follow all facility, state, and federal regulations related to patient care and surgical services.

Patient Preparation

• Perform pre-procedure preparation of the patient's skin and body as directed.
• Assist with positioning patients safely on the procedure table.
• Drape patients appropriately according to the procedure being performed.
• Support the surgical team in ensuring patient safety and comfort throughout the procedure.

Intraoperative Responsibilities

• Pass instruments, supplies, and sterile items to surgeons and surgical assistants during procedures.
• Maintain the integrity of the sterile field throughout the surgical case.
• Retract tissue, cut sutures, and perform other delegated functions under the direct supervision of the physician performing the procedure.
• Participate in sponge, needle, instrument, and supply counts according to facility policy and procedure requirements.
• Anticipate the needs of the surgical team and assist efficiently throughout surgical procedures.

Specimen Handling & Post-Procedure Care

• Assist with preparation, labeling, handling, and disposition of surgical specimens.
• Apply dressings as directed.
• Assist with transferring patients safely from the procedure table to a stretcher following procedures.

Equipment, Inventory & Sterilization Support

• Clean and restock operating and procedure rooms following cases.
• Pull supplies, instruments, and equipment for upcoming procedures.
• Assist with maintenance of physician preference cards.
• Support inventory management and supply organization.
• Assist with:
  • Instrument decontamination and cleaning
  • Sterilization processes
  • High-level disinfection procedures
  • Quality assurance testing related to sterilization and infection prevention

Additional Responsibilities

• Demonstrate knowledge of sterile technique and infection prevention practices.
• Maintain professional communication and teamwork with physicians, nurses, and other staff members.
• Participate in quality improvement and patient safety initiatives.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Understanding of sterile technique and aseptic practices.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and established procedures.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced surgical environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to remain calm and focused in high-pressure situations.
• Commitment to patient safety and quality care.