Surgical Technologist

Surgical Technologists perform a variety of tasks in an operating room and assist the surgical team. Incumbents arrange sterile setups for surgical procedures; pass instruments, sponges, and sutures to surgeons and surgical assistants; prepare sterile supplies; assist in the cleanup of the operating room; check the placement and operation of equipment; and check and restock the operating room.

During surgical procedures, may be responsible for special trays, grafting materials, and recording patient data. Incumbents perform other related duties as required.

Responsibilities

% 

of time

Essential Function (Yes/No)

Key Responsibilities

(To be completed by Supervisor)

5

Yes

Complies with established policies and procedures related to work schedule.

1. Reports for work on time.
2. Uses the time reporting system correctly to verify time worked.
3. Confirms and signs time sheets.
4. Wears official UCSF identification during working hours.
5. Follows guidelines on use of sick time and other benefit time.

5

Yes

Develops a plan that prescribes actions to achieve patient goals.

1. Establishes priorities for actions.
2. Organizes activities in logical sequence.
3. Modifies actions as appropriate to ages served.
4. Coordinates patient care needs with team members and personnel from other disciplines.
5. Coordinates use of supplies and equipment for intra-operative care.
6. Assists in coordination of patient care needs with team members and personnel from other disciplines.
7. Controls environment.
8. Prepares for potential emergencies.

5

Yes

Assists with positioning patient properly for surgery.

1. Maintains correct anatomical position.
2. Demonstrates awareness of appropriate position for maximum surgical exposure in supine, prone, lateral, lithotomy or other positions.
3. Procures and utilizes appropriate supports, padding and restraints.

5

Yes

Demonstrates knowledge of responsibilities regarding anesthesia administration.

1. Identifies hazards and preventive actions to minimize risks in the administration of anesthesia.

5

Yes

Complies with safety and emergency procedures consistent with departmental policies and procedures.

1. Demonstrates in daily practice and understanding and awareness of maintaining a sterile field that is consistent with safe practices in an oxygen enriched environment.
2. Demonstrates role during patient care emergencies.
3. Achieves and maintains current CPR certification.
4. States procedures for reporting fire.
5. Locates alarms, hoses, extinguishers and fire exits.
6. Identifies role in a disaster, whether internal or external.
7. Demonstrates awareness of occupational hazards in the perioperative area. 

         5

Yes

Demonstrates knowledge of different methods of sterilization. 

1. Discusses how steam, gas, Sterrad (plasma) and cold sterilants are used to sterilize objects.
2. Identifies criteria for choosing method of sterilization.
3. Demonstrates safe and correct use of steam sterilizer and Steris.

5

Yes

Performs surgical hand scrub, sterile gowning and gloving.

1. Complies with policy and procedure regarding OR attire.
2. Performs surgical hand scrub according to procedure and observes principles of aseptic technique.
3. Gowns self and dons sterile gloves using closed gloving technique.
4. Assists other team members to don sterile gowns and gloves.

10

Yes

Creates and maintains sterile field.

1. Uses principles of aseptic technique in all situations.
2. Inspects sterile items for contamination before opening them.
3. Maintains sterility while opening sterile items.
4. Recognizes and initiates corrective actions when breaks in aseptic technique occur.
5. Controls own movement within the sterile field and functions within the designated area.
6. Guards and maintains the sterile field. Observes the techniques of others in and around the sterile field.
7. Demonstrates knowledge of use and handling disposal of medications on sterile field.

5

Yes

Provides equipment and supplies based on patient needs.

1. Anticipates the need for equipment and supplies.
2. Selects equipment and supplies in an organized and timely manner.
3. Ensures all equipment is functional before use.
4. Operates mechanical, electrical and air-powered equipment according to manufacturer's instructions.
5. Removes malfunctioning equipment from service.
6. Coordinates with the circulating nurse and ensures that emergency equipment and supplies are available at all times.
7. Uses supplies judiciously and in a cost-effective manner.
8. Communicates provision of equipment and supplies to assist in charging for items.
9. Participates in the time out check for availability of necessary equipment, supplies and Implants before surgery.

5

Yes

Performs counts.

1. Follows established policies and procedures for counts.
2. Initiates corrective actions when counts are incorrect.
3. Communicates results of counts according to policy.

5

Yes

Monitors and controls the environment.

1. Regulates temperature and humidity as indicated.
2. Correctly uses warming devices according to manufacturer's instructions.
3. Adheres to electrical safety policies and procedures.
4. Adheres to OR sanitation policies and procedures.
5. Communicates environmental controls.

5

Yes

Respects patient's rights.

1. Demonstrates awareness of the individual rights of the patient.
2. Provides for privacy through physical protection and maintaining confidentiality.
3. Identifies cultural beliefs.
4. Communicates provisions for patient's rights.

10

Yes

Performs actions that demonstrate accountability.

1. Exercises safe judgment in decision-making and coordinates activities with the circulating nurse.
2. Supports the mission, philosophy, and goals of the Medical Center.
3. Demonstrates flexibility and adaptability to changes in practice.
4. Responds in a positive manner to constructive criticism.
5. Demonstrates tact and understanding when dealing with patients, team members, other disciplines and the public.
6. Practices within ethical and legal guidelines.
7. Identifies and meets own educational needs to enhance area of practice.
8. Seeks opportunities for continued learning and acquisition of new skills.
9. Follows Body Substance Isolation protocols.
10. Communicates actions to other members of the surgical team.
11. Completes annuals performance evaluation in accordance with departmental policies and unit practice.
12. Participates in performance improvement activities.
13. Knowledgeable about and complies with all the applicable infection control health and safety policies, and procedures as implemented by the department and the medical center.
14. Supports medical center and department cost containment effort.
15. Attends and participates in at least 75% of staff meetings.
16. Reads meeting minutes and other departmental communications and integrates information into practice.
17. Meets annual Review requirements.
18. Provides unsolicited support to team members.

5

Yes

Performs in role of specialty service (Ortho, Neuro, Pediatric, OHNS, Plastic Reconstructive, cardiothoracic, Vascular, GU, GYN and oncological specialties) technologist under the direction of the Clinical Supervisor.

1. Reviews the specialty service schedule with the Clinical Supervisor to assess equipment and surgical assistant staffing needs.
2. Demonstrates knowledge of specialty related anatomy and physiology.
3. Demonstrates the ability to safely utilize and troubleshoot service instrumentation and equipment.
4. Anticipates the needs of the surgeon and prioritizes daily workload while apprising the Clinical Supervisor or Charge nurse of his/her availability. 
5. Collaborates with Biomedical technicians regarding repair maintenance of equipment.
6. Assists the Clinical Supervisor and CNIII with service-related activities such as checking carts, ordering supplies, etc.
7.  Collaborates with other members of the specialty service team regarding patient care decisions and operational issues.
8. Communicates patient information in a timely fashion and maintains confidentiality.

5

Yes

Actively participate in quality of care endeavors and the National Patient Safety Goals.

1. Fully participates in the surgical time out including procedure/patient/side/site verification;    ensuring availability of pertinent equipment, instruments and implants before surgery.
2. Fully participates in all quality improvement activities, including but not limited to, flash sterilization logs, indicator and sterilization verification, etc.

5

Yes

Participates in staff training and development.

1. Precepts new staff, students, trainees in the scrub role.
2. Provides feedback regarding preceptee progress.
3. Act as a resource to new staff, students, and trainees.
4. Meets and exceeds all senior surgical technologist criteria.

5

Yes

Customer service is essential, inclusive of patients, co-worker, surgeons, sales representatives and other guests.

5

Yes

Others duties as assigned.

100%

 

(To update total %, enter the amount of time in whole numbers (without the % symbol - e.g., 15, 20) then highlight the total sum (e.g., 1%) at the bottom of the column and press F9. The total sum should add up to 100%.)

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• One year experience as Surgical Technician

• Active American Heart Association CPR Certification

• Graduate of Surgical Technologist training program; or equivalent experience

• Demonstrated competency in more than one surgical specialty

• Proficiency in scrubbing kidney and liver transplants

• High School Diploma; or equivalent experience

• This position requires flexibility to orient and work at all UCSF Medical Center locations

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certified as a Surgical Technician

License/Certifications:

• Active American Heart Association CPR Certification