W/Alt Surg Tech at Beacon Health System – Elkhart , Indiana

Surgical Support:

• Uses highest standard of sterile technique in all aspects of surgical care.
• Corrects non-aseptic conditions as they occur.
• Performs appropriate counts with circulator as directed by hospital policy.
• Anticipates the needs of the surgeon in order to expedite surgical procedure.
• Acts as assistant to the surgeon during the operation when needed, under the direct supervision of that surgeon.

Maintenance of Surgical Instruments and Supplies:

• Assists with clean up at the end of a case and prepares room for next patient with supplies and equipment needed and assures that all trash and dirty instruments are removed and that floors and furniture are free of blood and debris.
• Stocks room as appropriate.
• Appropriately cares for instruments in preparation for sterilization.
• Sets up with supplies and equipment per physician's preference card.
• Stocks linens.

Unit Maintenance:

• Cleans storage rooms, refrigerator, IV pumps, various rooms within the department, etc.
• Maintains clean patient environment: prepares rooms for new patient, picks up dirty food trays, empties dirty linen, maintains general patient room and cleans bathroom, etc.
• Maintains unit: changes needle and glove boxes, etc.
• Distributes supplies throughout the department, including LDRP's, Triage, Surgery Suites, Recovery, Well-baby Nursery, NICU etc., as needed: equipment to rooms, rooms set-up for new patients, distribute linen to rooms, etc.
• Picks up/return supplies and equipment from CPD and Pharmacy.
• Moves equipment in and out of rooms as needed.
• Assists RN with clean up of LDR after delivery; remove equipment, instrument table and places in proper location for CPD pickup.
• Orders replacement supplies as needed.

Technical Assistance/Department Support:

• Assembles charts as needed for patients.
• Answers phones/call lights as needed and then appropriately/clearly communicates to charge nurse/staff.
• Assembles chart packs, replenishes chart forms in file cabinets/cabinets on pods.
• Keeps storage, unit hallways, and treatment areas orderly.
• Places lab work and other chart documents into patient chart.
• Reports damaged equipment to Unit.

Contribute to the overall effectiveness of the department:

• Completes other job-related duties and projects as assigned.

ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Associate complies with the following organizational requirements:

• Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared.
• Completes mandatory education, annual competencies and department specific education within established timeframes.
• Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes.
• Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year.
• Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR) and other certifications as required by position/department.
• Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self.
• Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.
• Complies with established organization and department policies.
• Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.

Commitment to Beacon's six-point Operating System, referred to as The Beacon Way:

• Leverage innovation everywhere.
• Cultivate human talent.
• Embrace performance improvement.
• Build greatness through accountability.
• Use information to improve and advance.
• Communicate clearly and continuously.

Education and Experience:

The knowledge, skills, and abilities as indicated below are normally acquired through the successful completion of a recognized school of surgical technology (based on State regulations effective July 1, 2009). Preference will be given to graduates. Must maintain 15 hours of continuing education annually. Must obtain Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS/CPR) within 3 months of hire. No previous experience is required--Working as a surgical technologist scrubbing OB/GYN specialty procedures. If training occurred as on the job training, minimum 2 years, preferably 5 years, experience working as a surgical technologist required. Preferred membership in professional association. Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS/CPR) within 3 months of hire.

Knowledge & Skills:

• Familiarity in the use and maintenance of surgical instruments and supplies.
• Thorough knowledge of surgical techniques used in routine and emergency procedures.
• Working knowledge of medical terminology and anatomy and physiology.
• Thorough knowledge of asepsis and sterile technique.
• Thorough knowledge of preparation, including sterilization of surgical supplies and equipment.
• Must be able to juggle multiple tasks in a fast paced environment.
• Be able to communicate with customers (patients) and co-workers in a pleasant manner.
• Be a team player and self-motivated to complete required tasks.

Working Conditions:

• Must be able to deal with moderate to high levels of stress due to demands of the surgical team, the critical nature of some procedures, and fast paced unit.
• May work long hours without break during busy times.
• At risk for occupational exposure to blood borne pathogens and body fluids, exposure to trace gases, laser plume, laser burns, Methyl Methacrylate, and potential radiation exposure as well as hazard from electrical equipment.
• Available to work additional shifts or call.
• Must commit to a weekend alternative schedule.

Physical Demands:

• Able to stand for long periods of time, sometimes in awkward positions due to the length and nature of surgical procedures.
• Prolonged periods of walking and stooping.
• Lifting, pulling, and moving carts, boxes and equipment.