Surgical Technologist II - Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania

Responsibilities:

• Need for environmental safety, comfort. ▪ Identifies patient according to HUP Policy before carrying out functions. ▪ Carries out HUP fire and safety regulations. ▪ Promotes infection control: ▪ Washes hands before and after patient contact. ▪ Carries out isolation procedures according to Infection Control Manual. Deals with blood and body fluids according to the standard precautions policy. ▪ Reports needle stick injuries to charge nurse. ▪ Reports exposure to communicable diseases and infections. Clinical Aseptic Technique ▪ Demonstrates principles of aseptic technique in clinical practice. ▪ Follows aseptic technique when opening sterile supplies. ▪ Sterilizes instruments and supplies in autoclaves as directed by Perioperative policies. ▪ Follows department policy on scrubbing, setup, gowning and gloving. ▪ Observes for contamination and/or breaks in aseptic technique. ▪ Drapes the patient with sterile materials in the manner directed by the surgeon or RN circulator. ▪ Demonstrates proper handling of implants and prosthesis. ▪ Demonstrates the ability to differentiate between clean and dirty areas i.e. Endoscopy Unit. ▪ Follows proper procedure for handling contaminated instruments after procedure i.e. cleans case cart after removing instruments. ▪ Uses appropriate instrument tables for each case i.e. back and side tables. Professionalism ▪ As needed, maintain supplies such as IV fluids, needles and syringes ▪ Demonstrates awareness of legal responsibilities regarding instrument, needle and sponge counts. ▪ Follows policy for case with incorrect counts, reports and documents discrepancies appropriately. ▪ Counts and signs items as dictated per OR count policies. ▪ Follows safe practice when drugs and solutions are placed on the sterile field. ▪ Labels all drugs and solutions properly. ▪ Assist in the proper labeling, handling of all surgical specimens. ▪ Utilizes policies and procedures as a resource ▪ Routinely attends in-service programs ▪ Follows Perioperative Call Policy ▪ Attends at least one related conference/course or completes 12 continuing education units every year. Collaboration ▪ Demonstrates the ability to facilitate each case progression in a timely manner. ▪ Anticipates the surgeon’s need when passing instruments, sutures, and supplies. ▪ Provides relief staff with concise and accurate report i.e. medications, specimens, and relief counts. ▪ Knows when to seek help. ▪ Adapts when there are schedule changes. ▪ Anticipates the needs of the surgeon during the surgical procedure. Technical Skills ▪ Modifies scrubbing procedures based on patient’s individual needs. ▪ Communicates with team members for special care needs. ▪ Incorporates patient care information into scrubbing role. ▪ Recognizes pertinent patient care information that requires modifying standard approach to care i.e. needing larger retractors. ▪ Demonstrates knowledge and responds appropriately to emergency situations. ▪ Able to practice in two specialties: proficient in one area and able to adequately perform in the other area. Initiative ▪ Makes professional use of downtime: stocking suture, returning unused supplies. ▪ Maintains one area of responsibility in the operating room. ▪ Acts as team player i.e. assist RN with patient care. ▪ Helps gather needed supplies for procedure i.e. positioning devices, instrumentation, and scopes. Problem Solving ▪ Identifies and reports defective instruments, supplies and equipment. ▪ Maintains a safe environment through inspection of facilities by applying safety rules. ▪ Stats to inventory instrument sets and recommends necessary changes to Nurse Manager. ▪ Completes Perioperative core and specialty team competencies. Communication ▪ Demonstrates active communication skills. ▪ Respects patient’s rights to privacy, safety and dignity i.e. HIPPA. ▪ Demonstrates professional attitudes and behaviors. ▪ Learns effective strategies to manage stress and resolve conflict. ▪ Learns to accept constructive criticism appropriately.Teaching/Preceptorship ▪ Identifies and communicates educational needs. ▪ Seeks supervision of performance when appropriate. ▪ Begins to share knowledge gained through participation in continuing education activities. ▪ Seeks information from other personnel and written aids when unfamiliar/uncomfortable with assigned procedure. ▪ Offers feedback in a spirit of helpfulness with respect for peers. ▪ Begins to assess unit wide learning needs and participates in planning activities to meet those needs. ▪ Acts as a preceptor for students in general areas. ▪ Begins to function as a positive role model. ▪ Attends Operating Room preceptor course. Values ▪ Respects patient’s rights to privacy, safety and dignity. ▪ Maintains patient confidentiality.Leadership ▪ Demonstrates teamwork by willingly assisting other team members in such activities as room cleaning, turnover, case set up, patient transport, instrument cleaning etc. in a timely manner. ▪ Demonstrates flexibility in assignment changes. ▪ Learns cost control by efficient use of patient and unit supplies. ▪ Learns to carry out daily assignment independently. ▪ Although not required, provides an educational program at clinic meeting related to their specialty. Continuous Quality Improvement ▪ Identifies recurring practice problems in specialty areas and reports to appropriate individuals. Make observations-plan and organize work, assess patient needs under the supervision of registered nurse. Keeps appropriate levels of supplies on unit. Participates in unit cost containment efforts.

Credentials:

• Certified Surgical Technologist (Required)
• Basic Cardiac Life Support

Education or Equivalent Experience:

• H.S. Diploma/GED (Required)
• And Possess two years of continuous recent surgical technologist experience. Education Specialization:
• Other (Required)
• Graduate of a Surgical Technologist training program or practical nurse program. Education Specialization: