Scrub Tech

Position Summary:

The Surgical Tech (OR Tech) in the first scrub role handles the instruments, supplies, and equipment necessary during the surgical procedure. This position must understand the surgical procedure being performed and anticipates the needs of the surgeon. This position ensures aseptic and sterile technique throughout procedure and has the necessary knowledge and ability to ensure quality patient care during the surgical procedure. This position performs and understands the cleaning process and maintains cleanliness of the operating room during turnover in between surgical cases.

Preoperative Duties are as follows:

• Donning OR attire and personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Gathers, checks and opens supplies and equipment needed for the surgical procedure.
• Performs the surgical scrub, and donning gown and gloves.
• Sets up the sterile back table and mayo stand with instruments, supplies, equipment, and medications/solutions needed for the procedure.
• Accountable for all sterile fields count prior to, during, and after closing of surgical procedure.
• Assists the team members with gowning and gloving.
• Assists with draping the patient and establishing the sterile field.
• Participates in the surgical site and patient verification during the time out procedure.
• Secures tubing, cords and other sterile accessories.

Intraoperative Duties are as follows:

• Prepares and anticipates additional instrumentation, equipment and supplies for usage during the procedure.
• Anticipates the needs of the surgeon by passing instruments and supplies to surgeon during procedure.
• Measures and passes medications, hemostatic agents and irrigation solutions utilized during the surgical procedure.
• Holds retractors or instruments as directed by the surgeon.
• Sponge or suctions on the operative site.
• Applies electrocautery to clamps or forceps on bleeders.
• Cuts suture material as directed by the surgeon.
• Coordinates the camera or changes out robotic arms/instruments during endoscopic surgery as directed by the surgeon.
• Maintains highest standard of sterile technique during the procedure.
• Performs additional counts as necessary.
• Prepares sterile dressings and/or immobilization devices.
• Prepares and passes off specimens as appropriate.
• Cleans and prepares instruments for terminal sterilization.
• Assists other members of the team with terminal cleaning of room.
• Assists in prepping the OR for the next patient.
• Participates in debriefing and quality improvement practices to ensure quality patient care.
• Perform and understand the process of instrumentation that is damaged or is improperly functioning. Will notify the appropriate staff of the need to replace or repair such items.

Additional Duties:

The Surgical Technologist in the second scrub role assists the surgeon and/or surgical assistant during the operation by carrying out tasks including sponging, suctioning, cutting suture, holding retractors and manipulating the endoscopic camera. This role is distinct from that of the first scrub and surgical first assistant.

The Surgical Technologist assisting the circulating nurse obtains additional instruments, supplies, and equipment necessary while the surgical procedure is in progress. He/she monitors conditions in the operating room and constantly assesses the needs of the patient and surgical team.

• Assist with transferring patients to the operating room table.
• May help monitor the comfort of the patient and provide verbal and tactile reassurance to the patient.
• Assists with positioning the patient, using appropriate equipment and anatomical principles to avoid patient injury.
• Understands how and where to apply the electrosurgical grounding pad.
• May assist with applying tourniquets and monitors before the procedure begins.
• May assist with the patient skin prep prior to draping by the sterile surgical team.
• Anticipates additional supplies needed during the procedure.
• Properly cares for specimens.
• Secures dressings after incision closure.
• If needed, help transport the patient to the post anesthesia care unit.
• Make accurate notes and turn in changes to surgeon’s preference cards.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Adhere to established hospital safety requirements and procedures to ensure a safe working environment.
• Demonstrates the importance of continuing education to the performance of responsibilities and growth in profession.
• Demonstrates the safe operation of equipment and machinery and follows procedures for reporting and correcting an unsafe situation.
• Participates in committees and contributes to quality improvement process.
• Actively participates in the Quality Improvement program and other ongoing risk management and safety programs as part of the O.R. team.
• Interacts and demonstrates the ability to maintain interpersonal relationships with all patients, families, visitors, and fellow employees in a mature, responsible manner to ensure a positive and professional environment.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Actively supports and upholds the mission and core values of the Hospital.
• Remains knowledgeable of and follows the policies of the Hospital.
• Always maintains patient and hospital confidentiality.
• Keeps OR Supervisor apprised of day-to-day situations if appropriate.

Qualifications:

Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent. Certified Surgical Scrub Technologist preferred. Completion of surgical Scrub training at approved training facility or equivalent experience.  One year experience as Surgical Technologist in hospital operating room.

 Certification:

• BCLS (Basic Cardiac Life Support) required.

 Environmental and Physical Requirements:

Standing and Walking: 

•  The role requires frequent and prolonged periods of standing and walking, often for the entire duration of a surgical procedure, which can last several hours. There could be occasional sitting required for shorter duration procedures.

Lifting and Moving: 

•  Scrub techs must regularly lift and move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift or assist in moving items (such as heavy instrument trays or equipment) or patients weighing up to 100 pounds or more.

Dexterity and Coordination: 

•  Excellent manual dexterity, control, and eye-hand coordination are essential for handling delicate instruments and supplies quickly and accurately within the sterile field.

Physical Movements: 

•  The job involves frequent bending, twisting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, climbing, balancing, and reaching with hands and arms above head and below waist. Vision for near, mid-range, far and accommodation.  Hearing for low, medium, and high pitch. 

Stamina: 

•  High physical stamina is required to maintain focus and physical performance throughout long, demanding shifts, which may include nights, weekends, and on-call work.

Patient Handling: 

•  Technologists may need to assist with positioning, lifting, and transferring conscious or unconscious patients to and from the operating table or stretchers.

Environmental Exposure:

• The work environment in the operating room is temperature controlled. However, the environment can involve exposure to unpleasant sights and odors, communicable diseases, toxic/caustic chemicals, fumes, and the need to always wear protective attire. 

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) & Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Statement:

Our hospital is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Additionally, we provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities in the application and employment process. If you require assistance or accommodation due to a disability, please contact Human Resources so that we may engage in an interactive process to determine appropriate accommodation.