Surgical Technician

POSITION SUMMARY

The Surgical Technician prepares and maintains the sterile field and works directly with surgeons and the surgical team during outpatient procedures, primarily in the scrub role. The role supports patient safety, efficient case flow, and strict aseptic technique from room setup through case completion, under the direction of the surgeon and circulating registered nurse.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Case Preparation

• Prepares the operating room for each case, gathering instruments, supplies, equipment, and implants according to the surgeon's preference card.
• Opens sterile supplies, checks sterility indicators and expiration dates, and sets up the sterile field, back table, and Mayo stand.
• Performs the surgical scrub, gowns and gloves self and the surgical team, and assists with draping.

Intraoperative Support

• Anticipates the surgeon's needs and passes instruments, sponges, sutures, and supplies throughout the procedure.
• Maintains sterile technique, monitors the sterile field, and immediately corrects or reports breaks in sterility.
• Performs surgical counts of sponges, sharps, and instruments with the circulating nurse per Center policy.
• Prepares, labels, and handles medications and solutions on the sterile field as directed, and passes specimens and implants to the circulating nurse for labeling and documentation.
• Operates and monitors surgical equipment within scope, and reports malfunctions.
• Assists with patient positioning, transport, and transfer as directed by the circulating nurse.

Case Completion and Teamwork

• Prepares instruments for point-of-use cleaning and transport to sterile processing, and assists with room turnover.
• Follows infection prevention, OSHA bloodborne pathogen, sharps safety, and radiation safety policies.
• Participates in quality improvement activities, annual competencies, and accreditation readiness.
• Precepts new staff as assigned.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 1–2 years of surgical technician experience in an outpatient or hospital surgical setting.
• Current BLS (CPR) certification.
• State registration or credential where required by state law.
• Working knowledge of medical terminology, surgical instrumentation, aseptic technique, and surgical procedures.
• Ability to remain focused and professional under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred

• Strongly preferred: current national certification as a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST, NBSTSA) or Tech in Surgery – Certified (TS-C, NCCT).
• Graduate of an accredited surgical technology program.
• Ambulatory surgery center and orthopedic experience.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to perform the essential functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Stand and walk for extended periods, up to 10 or more hours per shift.
• Lift and carry up to 50 lbs; assist with patient transfers and positioning using appropriate equipment and assistance.
• Push and pull stretchers, beds, and equipment carts.
• Bend, stoop, reach, and twist repeatedly; fine motor dexterity to handle instruments, equipment, and medications.
• Visual and auditory acuity sufficient to monitor patients, read equipment displays, and hear alarms.
• Respond quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
• Wear personal protective equipment, including lead aprons, for extended periods.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• OSHA Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Category I: tasks routinely involve potential exposure to blood, body fluids, and other potentially infectious materials.
• Possible exposure to sterilants and disinfectants, anesthetic gases, surgical smoke, ionizing radiation (fluoroscopy), latex, sharps, and noise.
• Personal protective equipment is required in restricted and semi-restricted areas.
• Works the Center's operating hours, including early starts and late cases; overtime, call, and floating between departments may be required based on patient volume.