SURGICAL TECH in Hattiesburg, Mississippi at Forrest General Hospital

Job Summary:

The Operating Room Technician in Central Sterile is directly accountable to the Central Sterile Manager and the Director of Surgical Services. She/he performs specific functions in processing, sterilizing, and issuing supplies used in patient care by surgery, maternity services, outpatient facility, and other departments. The role also includes scrubbing in on operating room cases as needed. Primary functions of the job include:

Performance Expectations

Performance expectations will be reviewed during the orientation phase and reinforced throughout employment. The employee is expected to:

Patient, Physician, and Coworker Relations

• Communicate effectively and professionally with patients, physicians, coworkers, families, visitors, and members of the interprofessional care team.
• Demonstrate positive language and the “We Care” philosophy in daily interactions.
• Provide respectful and appropriate communication with patients, families, and visitors of all age groups while demonstrating sensitivity to cultural and religious beliefs.
• Promote a positive, respectful, and collaborative work environment within Central Sterile and Surgical Services.
• Communicate and report pertinent information accurately and comprehensively.
• Demonstrate professionalism, personal initiative, accountability, and a positive attitude.
• Refrain from gossip, rumors, or behaviors that negatively impact working relationships or the work environment.

Central Sterile Processing Responsibilities

• Demonstrate competency in all assigned areas of Central Sterile Processing, including decontamination, pack and prep, wrapping, sterilization, and replacement of sets to designated BIN locations.
• Demonstrate competency in decontamination processes, including manual cleaning, ultrasonic, cart washer, and washer equipment.
• Properly sort and dispose of recyclable items in designated collection bins.
• Accurately document work tasks using Microsystems.
• Assemble simple to complex instrument sets within established timeframes.
• Utilize Microsystems and OneSource to obtain information when questions arise.
• Print and apply labels accurately.
• Select appropriate wrappers and manually wrap instrument sets according to established procedures.
• Assemble container systems appropriately.
• Demonstrate competency with all sterilization methods utilized in Central Sterile, including steam sterilizers, STERRAD, and V-PRO.
• Accurately scan and document sterilizer loads and maintain required records.
• Demonstrate knowledge of required set cooling times.
• Accurately store and replace sets in designated BIN locations.
• Accurately dispense sets to ancillary departments.
• Restock the OR replacement rack as needed.
• Properly peel-pack items according to established procedures.
• Assist with the aftercare, handling, and maintenance of equipment and supplies.
• Function within the sterile field when additional support is needed.
• When assigned to work in the OR as a surgical technician, appropriately gown, glove, and approach the sterile field while demonstrating competency within the role.

Patient Care and Age-Specific Responsibilities

• Demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age and developmental needs of the patients served.
• Demonstrate knowledge of growth and development principles and recognize age-specific patient needs.
• Assess available information and appropriately identify and respond to patient requirements within the scope of the position.
• Demonstrate appropriate communication and interaction with patients, families, and visitors across all age groups.

Safety, Compliance, and Professional Responsibilities

• Follow Central Sterile, Surgical Services, OR Attire, and OR Attendance policies.
• Follow all applicable Employee Handbook policies.
• Demonstrate organizational, interpersonal, and time-management skills.
• Champion and promote a culture of safety.
• Maintain required HealthStream assignments and complete them prior to established deadlines.
• Participate in and successfully complete all required competencies within established deadlines.
• Demonstrate independence and sound judgment within the scope of the position.
• Work assigned shifts and respond appropriately when called upon for additional or emergency services.
• Set a positive example for coworkers through daily actions and behaviors.
• Comply with established policies, procedures, standards of practice, and regulatory requirements.
• Perform other reasonably related duties as assigned.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may be required to perform other reasonably related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education/Skills

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Graduate from accredited Surgical Technician program required.

Work Experience:

• Experience as an OR Technician preferred.

Certification/Licensure-DUE UPON HIRE

• None

Additional Certification/Licensure - Obtained based on the required timeframe below

• Basic Life Support

Within 30 Days of Employment

Required

Mental Demands:

Ability to perform as a team member, cooperate with others, follow directions precisely, demonstrate initiative, set priorities, and function under stress.