Operating Room Technician II at Jones Memorial Hospital – Wellsville, New York

Under the direction of the RN in charge of the surgical team the OR technician assists in the provision of nursing care and preparation of surgical patients. Functions as a member of the sterile team in gown and gloves, creates and maintains as sterile field and passes instruments to members of the OR team. Provides preoperative and postoperative care under the direction of an RN.

MAJOR TASKS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Prepares operating room with necessary supplies and equipment to perform anticipated procedure(s). Sets up sterile instruments; anticipates and requests additional supplies/instruments as needed.
2. Demonstrates knowledge and proper use of all equipment including those used in specialty procedure including, but not limited to laparoscopic, vascular, orthopedic, gyn, urologic, ophthalmologic, ENT.
3. Assists in the maintenance, care and cleaning of instruments. Assumes responsibility for safe handling and care to prevent patient injury or damage to sophisticated equipment. Recognizes and utilizes correct techniques for cleaning and decontamination. May prepare instrument sets for sterilization.
4. Maintains constant awareness of aseptic technique. Alerts team to potential breaks in technique.
5. May assist in transport and preparation and positioning of patient. Assists in review of pertinent chart information.
6. May apply monitoring equipment in preoperative area.
7. Utilizes proper gowning and gloving techniques. Assists surgeons and other members of the surgical team in gowning and gloving.
8. Assists in meeting needs of surgical team through out procedure by anticipating and passing appropriate instruments, sutures, sponges. May adjust lights and/or equipment as directed.
9. Does required sponge, needle and instrument counts with circulating RN before, during, and at closed of procedure. Handles and cares for operative specimens correctly. May apply post operative dressing.
10. Assists team in safe transfer of patient to post anesthesia care unit.
11. Completes cross training and assists the RN in PACU. Applies monitoring equipment; monitors vital signs. Observes patient closely for changes in condition. Reports changes to RN promptly.
12. Transports stable patients to room, gives comprehensive report to receiving unit staff. Completes documentation of PACU observations and interventions.
13. Completes cross training and assists RN in minor out-patient procedure rooms or ASU as needed.
14. May occasionally assist with emergency procedures in ER or ICU.
15. Assists or assumes responsibility for clean up of operating room. Gathers instruments for cleaning, removes linens, gloves, utensils, equipment and wastes. May operate decontamination and/or sterilizing equipment.
16. Maintains strict infection control principles. Utilizes universal precautions at all times.
17. Assists in maintenance of inventory, may order supplies as directed by Nurse Manager of Surgical Services.
18. Demonstrates knowledge of proper handling of hazardous materials and hazardous wastes.
19. Demonstrates familiarity with fire and safety policies of the institution.