Surgical Technologist Extern

Under general supervision of the Director, the Surgical Tech Extern works with surgeons, anesthesiologists or anesthetists, nurses, and surgical technologists as a member of the direct patient care team during surgical intervention. Areas of responsibility include preparing and handling supplies and equipment to maintain a safe and therapeutic environment for the patient through specific techniques and practices designed to exclude all pathogenic microorganisms for the operative wound.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Every effort has been made to make this job description as complete as possible.  However, it in no way states or implies that these are the only duties the incumbent will be required to perform.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or is a logical assignment to the position.

1. Assessment:  Assists the Perioperative Staff Nurse with the collection of data to gather meaningful information pertinent to the planned surgical intervention.
2. Planning:  Assists the Perioperative Staff Nurse in developing a plan of care that prescribes intervention to attain expected outcomes.
3. Implementation:  Assists the other members of the surgical team in implementing the interventions identified in the plan of care.
4. Evaluation:  Assists the Perioperative Staff Nurse in evaluation of patient’s progress toward attainment of outcomes.
5. Demonstrates appropriate sterile techniques.
6. Adheres to infection prevention protocols.
7. Demonstrates an understanding of patient rights, including those pertaining to confidentiality, informed consent and privacy.
8. Demonstrates adaptability, problem solving and professional behavior at all times.
9. Participates in continuous Quality Improvement programs.
10. Actively participates in hospital and departmental group meetings.
11. Actively participates in survey readiness activities and assures that department is compliant with all regulatory standards.
12. Abides by the HMH Legal Compliance Code of Conduct.
13. Maintains patient confidentiality and appropriate handling of PHI.
14. Maintains a safe work environment and reports safety concerns appropriately.
15. Performs all other related duties as assigned.

LATITUDE, CONTACTS/INTERACTIONS

All positions of Huntsville Memorial Hospital are part of an interdisciplinary team, and as such, participate in the care and service delivery process through effective interaction with other team members.  Primarily interacts with hospital staff, medical staff, patients, and visitors.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Currently enrolled in an accredited Surgical Technologist program and has completed at least half of the program’s course work.

Experience: None required, prefer candidates currently performing clinical rotations onsite.

License/ Certification: Basic Life Support certification required within 30 days of employment, before patient care is administered independently.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

Frequent: standing, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling & reaching.

Occasional: sitting, bending, squatting, climbing, kneeling, & twisting.

Visual and hearing acuity required; Color vision required for perceiving changes in patients’ skin color and colors of medicines and solutions.  Work is mostly inside, with good ventilation and comfortable temperature. Must have reliable transportation and means of communication for on-call demands.

Possible exposure to: toxic/caustic chemicals or detergents, moving mechanical parts, potential electric shock, radiant energy, communicable diseases, blood borne pathogens.

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Retirement Plan (401k, IRA)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off
• Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Training & Development
• Wellness Resources