Job Overview

Employment Type:

Full time

Shift:

Day Shift

Description:

Surgical technologists are an integral part of the team of medical practitioners providing surgical care to patients. Surgical technologists work under the supervision of a surgeon to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of invasive surgical procedures, ensuring that the operating room environment is safe, that equipment functions properly, and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety. Surgical technologists possess expertise in the theory and application of sterile and aseptic technique and combine the knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation tools and technologies to facilitate a physician's performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. 

The Operating Room Technician must be a graduate of a School of Surgical Technology. Certification preferred but not required upon hire, but will be required within an agreed upon timeframe. Basic Life Support (BLS).

The Operating Room Technician is a member of the MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center healthcare team and practices under the supervision of the registered professional nurse providing holistic, compassionate, individualized, and effective patient care by assisting with patient care that is consistent with the Mission of MercyOne, Vision of patient Care Services, evidence-based standards of care, and established policies and procedures.  The Operating Room Technician is a member of the surgical team and functions under the supervision of the Registered Nurse.  The surgical technician has knowledge of sterile and aseptic technique, human anatomy, and surgical procedures.  They provide technical assistance in activities related to assembling surgical trays, passing instruments during surgery and preparing equipment which facilitates the performance of the surgical procedure while providing a safe environment for the patient.

POSITION EXPECTATIONS:

Function in an assistive role under the supervision of the Registered Nurse, retaining accountability for one’s own actions and behaviors. Carry out the Mercy Medical Center Mission & Values and the Vision of Patient Care Services. Continuously seek out opportunities to improve the quality of patient care delivery through innovative and creative problem solving. Support and participate in shared leadership and interdisciplinary care. Demonstrate ethical conduct and practice consistent with the Code of Ethics for Nurses with Interpretive Statements (2001). Contribute to the positive image of nursing and enhance the magnetic culture of the organization by modeling professional behavior both in the organization and in the community. Exhibit “caring principles” as outlined in Mercy Medical Center’s Professional Model of Care--Caring Model. Personally adhere to the Mercy Medical Center Citizenship Standards and Customer Service Standards. Serve as a mentor to students, new surgical technicians, peers, other colleagues, and staff. Embrace change and lifelong learning, taking personal accountability to seek out experiences that reflect current practice in order to maintain skills and competence in clinical practice and role performance. Seek feedback concerning one’s own practice.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:

Mercy Medical Center supports a shared leadership philosophy and encourages nursing staff to demonstrate accountability for their own practice.  Therefore, the nursing organization reflects a flat structure.  The Operating Room Technician reports to a Supervisor or Director, who in turn reports to the Vice President of patient Care Services/Chief Nursing Officer.  No subordinates formally report to this position, but the incumbent may serve as a mentor to other nursing staff.

OPERATING ROOM TECHNICIAN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under supervision of the Registered Nurse provides technical assistance in performance of the surgical procedure by assembling supplies and equipment, passing instruments and providing a safe environment for the patient. Understands basic operative procedures and anticipates needs accordingly.  Demonstrates knowledge of human anatomy and physiology. Follows policies and procedures pertaining to surgical procedures. Respect the confidentiality of an individual or group, unless obligated to disclose under proper authorization of legal compulsion. Provide age-appropriate care for surgical patients by having appropriate instruments and supplies available. Maintain a safe environment of care by following safety recommendations in use of all surgical equipment and instrumentation. Identifies reports and follows through with equipment repair or replacement needs by notifying manager or appropriate person. Demonstrates ability to first scrub cases as directed. Communicates effectively with surgeon and surgical team to assure safe patient care and proper disposition of specimens. Demonstrates knowledge of asepsis and sterile technique. Assists registered nurse circulator with operating room preparation.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

In a normal working day the employee may be required to sit 1 hour and stand for 7 hours or more. Employee’s job requires frequent (21-50% of work time) squatting, crawling, crouching, kneeling, and balancing, frequent bending/stooping, and reaching above shoulder level, pushing/pulling. Job requires the use of both hands for fine manipulation. Job requires lifting and carrying frequent (21-50% of work time) 11-24 lbs., and occasionally (6-10% of work time) up to 35 lbs. May be exposed to marked changed in temperature and humidity, infectious diseases, hazardous waste, and chemicals. Must be able to see at near visual acuity level. Must be able to see a fine discriminate detail acuity level. Must be able to speak. Must be able to hear speech.

MINIMUM EDUCATION, LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

The Operating Room Technician must be a graduate of a School of Surgical Technologist, Certification is not required but is strongly encouraged.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
 

Trinity Health is one of the largest not-for-profit, Catholic healthcare systems in the nation. Built on the foundation of our Mission and Core Values, we integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion in all that we do. Our colleagues have different lived experiences, customs, abilities, and talents. Together, we become our best selves. A diverse and inclusive workforce provides the most accessible and equitable care for those we serve. Trinity Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by law.