Status: PRN - As Needed
Shift: Varies, as needed.
Exempt: No
Summary:
The Surgical Technologist Assistant (STA) will be a high school graduate or have a general education degree (GED), and must be currently enrolled in a Surgical Technologist program. The primary function of this position is to provide technical assistance and coordination of the usage of equipment, supplies and instruments before, during and after surgical procedures. The STA is trained to assist Operating Room staff with direct and indirect nursing care.
Other information:
A. Physical Effort Required:
Strength: Medium Push: Frequently Pull: Frequently
Carry: Frequently Lift: Frequently Sit: Occasionally
Stand: Frequently Walk: Frequently
B. Work Complexities
1. Stamina to work under physical and/or mental stress.
2. Ability to organize and set priorities to complete workload in a timely and efficient manner.
3. Visual and Audio acuity necessary.
4. Mobility and strength to move quickly, stoop, bend and push heavy objects.
5. Dexterity of hands and fingers.
C. Working Conditions:
1. Physical tolerance to work under one or more adverse conditions.
D. Contacts:
1. Ability to maintain cooperative and effective interpersonal relationships with hospital medical staff.
2. Strong verbal and written communication skills.
E. Responsibilities:
1. Responsibility for the safety of patients and co-workers.
2. Responsibility for patient information.
3. Shares in the responsibility of providing emergency services 24 hours a day.
Responsibilities:
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Practices and understands universal precautions in the transport of contaminated equipment to the decontamination area of the sterile processing department.
2. Assists in the care and handling of professional supplies. Is aware of the need for special handling of surgical instruments, supplies and equipment.
a. Responsible to perform necessary tasks in the requisition and procurement of equipment as instructed.
b. Assists in the responsibility of the care, handling, storage and transporting of equipment, supplies and instruments.
c. Assists the Operating Room personnel in the point of care processing of flexible scopes as needed.
3. Assists the Operating Room personnel in the turnover of operating room suites, i.e., preparing equipment, supplies and instruments, housekeeping duties as needed and the acquisition of or discharge of Operating Room patients as needed.
4. Notifies the Bio-Med Tech and the OR Manager of equipment malfunctioning that cannot be corrected immediately.
5. Assists with washing, decontamination and returning equipment to storage areas.
6. Dons gloves, gowns according to protocol for sterile tech.
7. Maintains sterile technique according to protocol.
8. Assists surgeon in retraction as directed by physician.
9. Operates the video camera and monitoring equipment during procedures requiring video, including operating laparoscopic cameras as a second scrub personnel during procedures.
10. Assists in maintaining Operating Room supply levels.
Demonstrates good interpersonal relationships. Extends courtesy and consideration for others. Accepts and acts upon constructive criticism. Seeks clarification of duties when indicated.
11. Maintains an employment record in accordance with hospital policy. Complies with attendance policies. Reports all accidents and injuries.
12. Adheres to acceptable dress code.
13. Shares in the responsibility of providing emergency services.
14. Maintains and increases standards of performance. Attends department unit meetings. Participates in in-service classes. Shares knowledge with others.
15. Participates in the orientation of new employees.
16. Participates intra-departmentally in the Quality Improvement process.
17. Knowledgeable of all hospital safety related codes and performs duties in drills and actual emergencies. Reviews the operation of emergency equipment. Reports unsafe conditions and incidents.
18. Performs other duties as required.
19. Able to demonstrate competency in age specific criteria as applicable to job scope.
20. Follows North Oaks Health System’s Compliance programs and all Federal and State regulatory guidelines.
