A certified surgical technologist with at least 5 years of experience, demonstrating advanced knowledge and proficiency in the "first scrub" role, often taking on greater responsibility in patient care by anticipating surgeon needs, assembling specialized equipment, maintaining a sterile field, and performing complex surgical procedures with minimal supervision across various specialties.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities (*Essential Functions)

1. * Assists physician during surgery as a member of surgical team.

2. * Must be competent in 4 service lines.

3. Passes instruments and supplies as directed. Scrubs and conforms to sterile technique for each procedure.

4. Assists in draping the patient.
5. Provides proper retraction of tissue

6. At the direction of the surgeon, can hold retractor (but cannot place retractor).

7. Assists in controlling hemostasis by applying a Bovie to a clamp at the direction of the surgeon.
8. Assists with sponging, suctioning, and performing sponge, needle/sharp, and instrument counts.
9. Prepares suture for closure of surgical incision.
10. Applies proper surgical dressing as directed by physician (wound healing and dressings).

11. Recognizes, responds to, and assists in acute emergency situations following established procedures and policies.

12. Hold and position video camera under direction of the surgeon.
13. Check surgeon's preference cards and prepare sterile setup for surgeon.
14. Count with circulating nurse, before she/he preps the patient.
15. Be accountable for items required for documentation on that procedure.
16. Anticipate wants of surgeon and keep adequate sutures and supplies ready.
17. Keep Mayo Stand and Back table neat and orderly, make sure that there are no loose needles on the field.
18. Confirm all specimens with the surgeon.
19. Handoff specimens to the circulator prior to the end of the case or earlier if directed by the surgeon.
20. Takes all instruments to workroom for washing or places in cart to return to SPD.
21. Remove suction bottles, etc., disposes of any contaminated instruments.
22. Adheres to methods of sterilization, disinfecting, antisepsis & aseptic techniques.
23. Packaging, storing and dispensing surgery supplies.
24. Principals for maintaining environmental safety: including handing of surgical specimens and body fluids.
25. Required counts.
26. Drains, tubes, and collection mechanisms, catheters.
27. Modes of transportation to and from the O.R., including ICU transport.
28. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
29. Assists surgeons with surgical procedures, in other patient areas according to patient needs, i.e. tracheostomy and bedside procedures.
30. Serves as a mentor and role model.
31. Performs the preceptor role in training students.

32. Member of at least one department or healthcare facility committee, such as Laser Safety, Process Improvement, or Emergency Response Committee.

33. Performs the role of surgical specialty team leader that includes but is not limited to:
    • Ordering equipment, instruments, and supplies
    • Training CSTs to be a member of the surgical specialty team.
    • Ensuring equipment is in working order or needs to be tagged and sent to the biomedical department for repair.
    • Confirming the equipment, instruments, and supplies for the scheduled surgical procedures are available, including third-party instrumentation that has been delivered and processed through the central sterile supply department.
    • Responsible for maintaining updates of the surgeon's preference cards.
34. Maintain knowledge of instrumentation used in specialty
35. Work closely with the Sterile Processing Department (SPD) to ensure sets are complete and available on the day of surgery.
36. Ensure that there are adequate numbers of instrumentation sets to avoid delay in surgical case or the need for immediate use sterilization.
37. Collaborates with surgeon and team members to standardize sets as much as possible.
38. Review sets yearly with SPD coordinator to ensure they remain current based on IFU's and surgeon's needs.
39. Collaborates with SPD to ensure sets are maintained.
40. Other duties as assigned or required.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and 

• Expertise in robotic surgery and/or four separate service lines.

• Knowledge of electrical and radiation hazards and fire safety.

• Knowledge of patient care and emergency procedures.

• Demonstrates advanced knowledge and proficiency in the first scrub role in the majority of surgical procedures

Education

• All post high school education must have been obtained from a recognized College or University.  Additional education or experience may be substituted requirements on a year for year basis should the substitution not conflict with State or Board certification/license requirements
• High School Diploma/GED, General Studies, Required

• Certificate Accredited Surgical technician Program Required

• 5 years experience Certified Surgical Technician Required
• Surgery Technician Certification Required

Model of Care and Conduct

Methodist Hospitals strives for excellence and insists on high standards of conduct and performance in everything we do. Our Model of Care and Conduct is designed to create a positive work environment which Methodist desires for all employees. This is foundational to the high level of patient, family and physician satisfaction we strive for each day. As part of all position’s duties at Methodist Hospitals, all employees are responsible to conduct themselves in accordance with the Model of Care and Conduct and will be evaluated according to these standards of behavior.