The Surgical Technologist III is a Certified Surgical Assistant who works in collaboration with the surgeon, as a first assistant, and the health care team members to achieve optimal patient outcomes. The Surgical Technologist III must have acquired the necessary knowledge, judgment, and skills specific to the expanded role of the surgical technologist and surgical assistant clinical practice.
Intraoperatively, the Surgical Technologist III practices under the direction and guidance of the surgeon. The Surgical Technologist III has the obligation and responsibility to refuse to perform any delegated act, whether oral or written, if not within the parameters of his/her defined role and certification.Education:Successful Completion of an accredited course in surgical first assisting certificate program that meets the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs standards.Licensures/Certifications:* Certification as a Surgical First Assistant, e.g. CFA or CSA* Healthcare Provider CPR Certification, e.g. BLSExperience:Minimum of 3 years' experience as a surgical technologist and demonstrated proficiency and demonstrated proficiency as a surgical technician in at least 3 surgical service areas.Skills:* Advanced knowledge of anatomy, physiology, surgical interventions, surgical techniques and surgical hazards relative to operative procedures wherein the Surgical Technologist III assists.* Advanced knowledge and skill in handling surgical instrumentation, in aiding in exposure, retraction, hemostasis, suctioning, tissue handling including dissecting, suturing, tying, stapling and stab wound.* Ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with surgical patients and their significant others to enlist their involvement and cooperation in the entire treatment process.* Ability to perform effectively in stressful and emergency situations with behaviors that are unique to functioning as a first assistant.* Able to function as a Surgical Technologist as needed to the benefit of the patient/unit.Principal Duties and Responsibilities:Clinical competency- Provide a safe, therapeutic core by collaboration with the surgeons and healthcare team in performing a safe operation with optimal outcomes for the patient. The Surgical Technologist III practices perioperative care and must have acquired the necessary knowledge, skills, and judgment specific to clinical practice.Teamwork - Communicates effectively and works cooperatively with others. Has respect for and understanding of clinical disciplines. Uses an integrated approach toward patient outcomes.1. Demonstrates effective communication skills.2. Using evidence based practice model,works with a multidisciplinary team to implement practice changes and other initiatives in a positive and productive manner.3. Assists as needed with the staffing schedule coverage to meet daily department needs.4. Assists with room set-up, opening supplies and room turn-over. Helps with lunches and breaks. Assists with patient positioning and safe transport of patient to the PACU.5. Assists staff to indentify learning needs and helps to educate and train as needed. Acts as a preceptor to Students, Surgical Technologists I and II and other healthcare staff6. Collaborates with the team in keeping costs under control and controls wastage in the room with regard to supplies; promotes maximum productivity.7. Assists RN3/4/charge nurse in updating and developing physician preference cards.Quality/Best practices - Utilizes standards, guidelines, and pathways for care delivery. Incorporates data and information to continuously improve care and practice to enhance outcomes.1. The Surgical Technologist III acts as a leader or participates in quality improvement process. Actively identifies variances and explores alternatives to care or practice.2. Evaluates staff on practice delivery and recommends additional education if needed. Assists with implementation of practice initiatives.Professional development- Ensures improvements in practice settings by assuming responsibility for self-development in life-long learning. Provides direction and guidance to others regarding practice, serves as a resource, preceptor, and mentor. Leadership skills demonstrated in decision making and problem solvingClinical and Technical SkillDemonstrates knowledge of procedures to which assigned.a. Participates in clinical decision making and modifies techniques based on clinical findings.b. Identifies normal and abnormal anatomy.c. Anticipates the needs of surgeon, steps in surgical procedure.Clinical and Technical SkillAssesses, plans, implements, and evaluates patient care needs.a. Collaborates with the surgical team members to plan perioperative patient care.Clinical and Technical SkillCommunicates relevant data to team members.a. Reports lab results, x-rays. Diagnostic tests.b. Discusses procedures and special techniques to be implemented during surgery.c. Identifies any unusual instrumentation requiredClinical and Technical SkillAnalyzes critical situations and initiates appropriate corrective or preventative action.a. Applies principles of aseptic technique and reports any variances.b. Identifies and reports safety hazards.c. Monitors changes in patient's condition and reports concern to appropriate team members.d. Prioritizes calmly and efficiently in emergency situations.Clinical and Technical SkillDemonstrates the following skills:a. Preparation of the surgical sitei. Hair Removalii. Positioningiii. Surgical Preppingb. Drapingc. Surgical Site Exposure - under the direction and guidance by the surgeoni. Retractionii. Wound Exposure - i.e. Dissection, initial surgical incision/stab wound, secondary trocar insertioniii. Tissue Handlingd. Suctioninge. Manual dexterity in appropriate use of surgical instrumentationf. Hemostasisi. Electrosurgeryii. Bipolar cauteryiii. Spongingiv. Clampingv. Collagensvi. Bone waxvii. Other: _________g. Suturing skillsi. Knot-tyingii. Staplingiv. Cuttingv. Approximationvi. Ligating vesselsvii. Skin closureviii. Subcuticular closureix. Securing wound drainsh. Application of wound dressingi. Assists in post-op care and transfer of the patient from the operating room.j. Under the direction of the surgeon, administers medications at the surgical site including administering local anesthesia for the purpose of closingk. Cleans and returns instruments, supplies, and equipment, and assures the working order of delicate instrumentation, including endoscopes and accessories by using the proper cleaning and storage protocol.l. Obtains stock and supplies for operating room, and assists in maintaining specialty procedure cards and instruments.Intra-operative phase (under the direct supervision and direction of the operating surgeon.)Positions, preps, and drapes patient.Provides hemostasis by clamping blood vessels, coagulating bleeding points, ligating vessels, and by other means as directed by the surgeon.Provides exposure through appropriate use of instruments, retractors, suctioning, and sponging techniques.Handles tissue as directed by the surgeon (i.e. dissecting, stab wound (nick) for laparoscopy surgery or drains).Performs wound closure as directed by the surgeon: sutures the peritoneum, fascia, subcutaneous tissue, and skin.Applies surgical dressings.All roles must demonstrate GBMC Values:RespectI will treat everyone with courtesy. I will foster a healing environment.
- Treats others with fairness, kindness, and respect for personal dignity and privacy
- Listens and responds appropriately to others' needs, feelings, and capabilitiesExcellenceI will strive for superior performance in every aspect of my work. I will recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of others.
- Meets and/or exceeds customer expectations
- Actively pursues learning and self-development
- Pays attention to detail; follows throughAccountabilityI will be professional in the way I act, look and speak. I will take ownership to solve problems.
- Sets a positive, professional example for others
- Takes ownership of problems and does what is needed to solve them
- Appropriately plans and utilizes required resources for various job duties
- Reports to work regularly and on timeTeamworkI will be engaged and collaborative. I will keep people informed.
- Works cooperatively and collaboratively with others for the success of the team
- Addresses and resolves conflict in a positive way
- Seeks out the ideas of others to reach the best solutions
- Acknowledges and celebrates the contribution of othersEthical BehaviorI will always act with honesty and integrity. I will protect the patient.
- Demonstrates honesty, integrity and good judgment
- Respects the cultural, psychosocial, and spiritual needs of patients/families/coworkersResultsI will set goals and measure outcomes that support organizational goals. I will give and accept help to achieve goals.
- Embraces change and improvement in the work environment
- Continuously seeks to improve the quality of products/services
- Displays flexibility in dealing with new situations or obstacles
- Achieves results on time by focusing on priorities and manages time efficientlyCOVID-19 VaccinationAll applicants must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 or obtain a GBMC approved medical or religious exemption prior to starting employment at GBMC Healthcare, to include Gilchrist and GBMC Health Partners. Equal Employment OpportunityGBMC HealthCare and its affiliates are Equal Opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.
