Purpose of Position:
Under direct supervision by a Registered Professional Nurse, surgeon, or other healthcare professional, serves as part of a medical team providing surgical care to patients; facilitates the safe and effective conduct of invasive surgical procedures. All personnel perform related work.
Examples of Typical Tasks:
1. Prepares the operating room and sterile field for surgical procedures, including setting up surgical supplies, instruments and equipment using sterile technique and ensuring that surgical equipment is functioning properly and safely.
2. Assists healthcare professionals in receiving, labelling and verifying sterile solutions and medications to be administered during surgery according to established protocol; may assist anesthesia personnel.
3. Verifies patient’s identity, correct surgical site, and correct surgical procedure.
4. Assists in moving and positioning patient for surgery; adheres to established safety guidelines.
5. Engages in appropriate gowning and gloving procedures in perioperative setting.
6. Assists healthcare professionals to perform non-invasive preparation of the skin’s surface; drapes patients for surgery.
7. Assists surgeon throughout the operative procedure, including anticipating instrument needs. Responsible for handing instruments and other sterile supplies to surgeon; maintains accurate count of sponges, needles and instruments in perioperative setting.
8. Assists in the surgeon’s provision of hemostasis during surgery.
9. Holds retractor after placement by a healthcare professional during procedure.
10. Maintains and monitors surgical asepsis during all surgical procedures according to established guidelines.
11. Prepares and applies bandages and sterile and non-sterile dressings to incision site; may prepare suture material as directed by surgeon.
12. May assist with transfer of patient to recovery room following surgery; provides nursing care as necessary and appropriate.
13. Properly cares for, and handles specimens taken for laboratory analysis.
14. May assist with the cleaning of the operating room and replenishment of supplies once procedure is complete.
15. May operate sterilizers, lights, suction machines and electrosurgical units; may assist with diagnostic equipment.
16. Participates in staff development activities as appropriate and required.
17. Performs other related duties as assigned or directed by surgeon and/or other appropriate personnel.
