A surgical technologist assists with patient care and related activities in the operating room under the direction and supervision of an RN, in accordance with accepted standards, policies, and procedures.

ACCOUNTABILITIES
*All duties listed below are essential unless noted otherwise*
1. Participates in planning, implementing, and evaluating surgical instrumentation during the operative procedure.

2. Collects instruments, packs, and extra supplies for assigned surgical procedure. Opens supplies and sets up operating room, along with the RN circulator. Scrubs, gowns, and sets up sterile field. Anticipates physicians’ instrumentation and equipment needs during the operative procedure. Provides for same. May cut suture and hold retractors. Takes sponge, needle, and instrument counts according to policy and procedure.

3. Demonstrates knowledge of surgical asepsis and utilizes appropriate sterile procedures, including but not limited to developing and maintaining a sterile field.

4. Demonstrates knowledge of surgical procedures routinely performed, including but not limited to ophthalmology, orthopedics, general surgery, gynecology, urology, ENT, podiatry, and oral surgery. Demonstrates understanding of sequencing of surgical procedures.

5. Demonstrates knowledge of specific uses of surgical instrumentation and equipment, appropriate utilization of supplies, counting procedures, anticipation of physician needs by passing instrumentation, helping to maintain and visualize the operative field including sponging, retraction, camera function and cutting suture as directed.

6. Demonstrates knowledge to assist the post anesthesia and/or the circulating nurse, if assigned.

7. Supplies dressings appropriately and assists the surgical team in patient transfer from surgical bed.

8. Removes instrument and supplies to proper area. Demonstrates knowledge to clean/process instruments and equipment as indicated. Cleans as indicated. Cleans and restocks area, as needed.

9. Safeguards hospital supplies, property, and equipment from damage, misuse, or loss. Efficiently uses supplies and inventory.

10. Understands level of independent practice and performs with appropriate supervision.

11. Performs other related duties as assigned, including covering the operating room desk functions and central sterile activities.