Mercy Health
As a faith-based and patient-focused organization, Mercy Health exists to enhance the health and well-being of all people in mind, body and spirit through exceptional patient care. Success in this goal requires a culture of compassion, collaboration, excellence and respect. Mercy Health seeks people that are committed to our values of compassion, human dignity, integrity, service and stewardship to create an environment where associates want to work and help communities thrive.
Certified Surgical Tech First Assist – Lorain Hospital
Primary Function/General Purpose of Position
The Certified Surgical Tech First Assist is a proficient level practitioner who assists surgeons and nurses with patients, equipment preparation, aseptic technique, and surgical procedures in the operating room in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations and within the policies, procedures, and guidelines of the organization. They will prepare the operating room for surgery by assembling routine supplies, materials, instruments, and equipment, and will obtain special supplies indicated by physician. They are also trained to set up and operate a variety of specialized instrumentation, manual and powered equipment.
Essential Job Functions
- Functions as the scrub person and may assist the provider as trained during operative and other invasive procedures by assembling supplies and equipment required for the procedure.
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Prepares and organizes sterile supplies and instruments for the procedure and performs surgical counts with the circulating RN according to policy.
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Maintains an organized sterile field and ensures the sterility of the field by taking corrective action as needed. Assists with the placement of sterile drapes. Provides instruments and supplies to the surgical team during the procedure and maintains aseptic technique.
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Retrieves and collects specimens and labels specimens appropriately and correctly.
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Reports any implanted devices, catheters, drains, and packing to the circulator.
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Provides complete case preparation and knows, with the ability to adapt, of special instruments, supplies, and equipment needs for patient populations.
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Assists with pre- and post-procedure cleaning of the operative or invasive procedure room and necessary instruments.
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Participates in ongoing educational and competency verification opportunities.
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Participates in financial accountability by utilizing resources in a cost-conscious manner and offers performance improvement initiatives.
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Participates in all patient safety care measures.
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Accessible for "on call" as scheduled and is available within the time frames as indicated by the department.
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Participates in the orientation of new staff and students as assigned.
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Prepares and performs surgical skin prep and clipping as indicated by procedure. Inserts urinary catheter as required.
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Demonstrates flexibility regarding unit/area staffing and scheduling needs.
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Updates physician preference cards based on market operating room design.
- Assists in inventory of supplies and places orders as necessary. Monitors instrument sets and orders replacements or requests repairs as needed and per market guidelines.
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Provides clinical instruction, direction and in-service training to department staff and serves as a preceptor.
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Achieves the competencies of all simple and complex procedures in at least three of the major service lines: Neurosurgery, Cardiovascular, Orthopedic, Urology, General, Vascular, GYN, ENT, Lungs, Transplants, and Plastic (not an inclusive list).
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Demonstrates superior knowledge of equipment and instrumentation, Lasers, MIS, Laparoscopy, Robotics.
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Performs specific tasks of circulator role as delegated by the Registered Nurse.
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Under the supervision of the provider may perform specific tasks of Surgical Assistant to include, surgical wound closure, and cutting sutures.
This document is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as required by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.
Licensing/Certification
BLS Basic Life Support (preferred upon hire, must obtain from approved source prior to direct patient care)
Must be certified by one of the following: Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTA) or Tech in Surgery – Certified (TS-C), National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) (required)
If employed in South Carolina NBSTA certification required. If certified prior to 2008 NBSTA or NCCT certification is accepted.
Education
Associate's degree, Vocational Certification, or Military Certificate in Surgical Technology (required)
Work Experience
One year of experience as a Surgical Technologist (required)
Patient Population
- Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his or her assigned unit.
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Infant (1-12 months)
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Pediatrics (1-12 years)
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Adolescents (13-17 years)
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Adults (18-64 years)
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Geriatrics (65 years and older)
Working Conditions
- Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur.
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May be exposed to high noise levels and bright lights.
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May be exposed to limited hazardous substances or body fluids.*
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May be required to use physical restraints.
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May be exposed to human blood and other potentially infectious materials.*
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May be exposed to physical altercations and verbal abuse
- May have periods of constant interruptions.
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May be exposed to adverse weather conditions; cold, hot, dust, wind, etc.
- Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn the policies concerning infection control.
Skills
Hard/Tech/Clinical Skills:
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Monitor patient conditions during treatment
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Inform medical professionals regarding patient conditions and care
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Analytical skills
- Working knowledge of basic sciences, such as anatomy and physiology, microbiology, asepsis, sterile techniques and operating room techniques
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May operate basic equipment/machinery.
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Ability to Follow Instructions
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Completes specific, routine task
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Knowledge of AORN and AST Recommendations
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Knowledge of Microsoft Office
Soft/Interpersonal Skills:
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Attention to detail
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Acceptance of authority
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Critical thinking
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Communication with family members
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Teamwork
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Conflict resolution
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Active listening
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Relationship building
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Able to Work Independently
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Anticipate Needs
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Move with a sense of urgency
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Possess Surgical Conscience
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Professionalism
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Self-Directed
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Takes Direction
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Flexible
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Preceptor
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Role model
As a Mercy Health associate, you're part of a Mission that matters. We support your well-being—personally and professionally. Our benefits are built to grow with you and meet your unique needs, every step of the way.
What we offer
- Competitive pay, incentives, referral bonuses and 403(b) with employer contributions (when eligible)
- Medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, HSA/FSA options, life insurance, mental health resources and discounts
- Paid time off, parental and FMLA leave, short- and long-term disability, backup care for children and elders
- Tuition assistance, professional development and continuing education support
Benefits may vary based on the market and employment status.
All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you'd like to view a copy of the affirmative action plan or policy statement for Mercy Health – Youngstown, Ohio or Bon Secours – Franklin, Virginia; Petersburg, Virginia; and Emporia, Virginia, which are Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employers, please email [email protected]. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact The Talent Acquisition Team at [email protected]
