Reports to Director, Patient Care Services. Through the direct supervision of the professional nursing staff, assists in the care of patients undergoing surgical intervention and assists in the care, preparation, and maintenance of sterile and unsterile supplies and equipment. These positions act as a primary scrub person who handles the instruments, supplies and equipment necessary during the surgical procedure; anticipates the needs of the surgeon; has the necessary knowledge and ability to ensure quality patient care during the operative procedure; has an understanding of procedures being performed; is consistently on vigil for maintenance of the sterile field; sometimes acts as an unsterile member of the surgical team, obtaining instruments, supplies and equipment while the surgical procedure is in progress.

MISSION, VALUES and SERVICE GOALS

• MISSION: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.
• VALUES: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.
• SERVICE GOALS: Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.

Applies the principles of asepsis when scrubbing and assisting surgeons or when acting as a second circulator by:

• Observing and practicing principles of sterile technique.
• Correcting breaks in technique by personnel immediately.
• Demonstrating appropriate technique when performing skin preps.
• Maintaining sterility of field during procedure.

Assists in emergency situations and uses sound judgment in instituting corrective procedures as directed by:

• Performing CPR.
• Monitoring sterility of tables and supplies during an emergency.
• Calling for additional help as needed.
• Taking direction from the Surgeon, Anesthesiologist, Charge Nurse and/or circulating nurse.

Uses initiative to acquire and transfer knowledge of surgical procedures and subjects relating to the operating room and to the surgical patient by:

• Preparing for unusual cases requiring unique procedures by reading appropriate preparatory literature, seeking assistance from personnel who are familiar with procedure.
• Surgical Technicians but maintain their surgical certification as established by the National Organization for Technicians/LPN's must maintain current licensure in the State of Indiana
• Attending a variety of committee and team meeting related to surgical procedures.
• Reviewing daily morning report notes and team meeting minutes.
• Serving as a resource person in areas of expertise, such as, procedure, equipment and instruments to students and other staff members.
• Scrubbing in and setting up instrumentation prior to patient entering the surgery room.
• Ensuring that all necessary items are in place on sterile field and as listed on preference card.

Utilizes state of the art knowledge in the role of the scrub technologist and in the organization of work using economy in time, motion and materials by:

• Checking case carts, sorting items, placing "Hold" items on bottom shelf.
• Updating preference cards within 24 hours of notice of change.
• Opening surgery room for procedure assuring all necessary equipment/instruments/supplies are available.
• Ensuring that necessary table parts and furniture are available for procedures.
• Anticipating needs of surgical team for instrumentation/suture, etc. during surgical procedure.
• Initiating clean up and turnover of the surgery room.

Respects and maintains the patient's right to privacy, dignity, and comfort by:

• Avoiding exposing the patient unnecessarily.
• Reporting immediately and in writing, faulty equipment/instrumentation to charge person.
• Assisting in positioning of patient (safety strap, proper alignment, etc.)
• Assists in providing and maintaining a safe, efficient environment for the surgical patient.

Follows the policies and procedures of the Surgery Department of Memorial Hospital by:

• Following established guidelines in all areas relating to scrub/assistant circulator roles.
• Reporting to charge nurse when assignments cannot be completed.
• Channeling problems and/or complaints to appropriate resource person for investigation and resolution.

Performs other functions to maintain personal competence and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the department by:

• Performing other job-related duties 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 a successful completion of an accredited school of surgical technology, training as surgical technologist in the Armed Forces, the successful completion of an LPN accredited school of nursing. Must maintain subsequent certification/licensure. Must maintain current BLS certification.

Knowledge & Skills

• Knowledge of fundamentals of anatomy and physiology.
• Thorough knowledge of sterilization procedures and aseptic techniques.
• Knowledge of maintenance and care of supplies and equipment.
• Basic knowledge of surgical procedures needs and steps in use of instrumentation, materials and supplies.
• Knowledge and skills to assist in the proper handling and care of specimens.
• Basic knowledge of safety, departmental and hospital policies, and emergency disaster procedures.
• Knowledge and skills to prepare operating rooms, perform surgical scrubs, drape patients, and maintain aseptic conditions.
• Demonstrates interpersonal skills necessary to establish and maintain effective relationships with patients, co-workers, visitors, physicians, and allied health staff.

Working Conditions

• Works in a patient care/operating room environment requiring physical exertion, frequent changes in job demands, certain undesirable patient care activities and exposure to biohazards and anesthetic gases.
• When On Call and Called In to work, must report to hospital within 30 minutes of being call in.
• Must maintain a weekend alternative schedule and follow policy guidelines.

Physical Demands

• Requires the physical ability and stamina (i.e., to walk/stand for prolonged periods of time, push carts/wheelchairs up to 50 pounds, to position/lift patients at a maximum of 35 pounds unassisted, over 35 pounds requires assistance, provide CPR, etc.) to perform the essential functions of the position.