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Summary
The Open Heart Surgical Technologist functions as a member of the multidisciplinary team providing a safe environment for all age groups of surgical patients; assists the perioperative nurse with patient care; prepares and maintains supplies in the Operating Room (OR); assures that procedure preparations are based on individual patient needs including age specific requirements; and anticipates the needs of the surgeon.
PRINCIPAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
1. *Commits to the mission, vision, beliefs and consistently demonstrates our core values.
2. *Functions in the scrub role by preparing, organizing and anticipating needed instruments, supplies, and equipment for safe patient care and operative procedure.
3. *Will not first assist with any procedure; will not do any incision closures.
4. *May apply skin staples when skin edges have been approximated by credentialed physician/PA/APRN.
5. *May apply skin sealant and steristrips as part of the dressing after skin has been closed.
6. *Assists the surgeon in performing coronary bypasses and valve procedures.
7. Demonstrates current knowledge of all types of OR procedures.
8. *Defines and practices aseptic technique and infection control principles as they apply to the OR.
9. *Manages supplies, instruments, and equipment appropriately according to procedure.
10. *Assists the nurse in perioperative care of the patient, including transporting, positioning, counting, prepping and safety precautions.
11. *Demonstrates ability to assist the nurse in the care of the patient with conditions including:
Multi-system failure/cardio-thoracis trauma
Acute cardiovascular disease
Acute respiratory failure
Acute neurological insult/injury
Acute renal failure
12. *Delivers medications (drug or biologicals) received in the surgical suite to the appropriate operating room via case cart or medication cart.
13. *Handles and prepares medication for use on the sterile field in the operating room under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse and physician.
14. Participates in quality improvement measures to achieve positive patient outcomes; participates and practices safety through active prevention and precautions; assists with various ongoing surgical studies/procedures.
15. Facilitates responsiveness to change, collaborative multidisciplinary team efforts and effective problem solving and critical-thinking skills.
16. Practices communication skills/interpersonal relationships that create a positive climate for interaction with the patient, family, the multi-disciplinary health care team, and students.
17. Coordinates care practices and communicates with other hospital departments as needed.
18. Advances work knowledge by participating in continuing education inservices, reading periodicals/literature and seeking ongoing development opportunities.
19. Performs other related duties as assigned.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Graduate of an approved surgical technology program required. Surgical Technologist Certification desired.
Prior Surgical Tech experience desired.
OTHER CREDENTIALS / CERTIFICATIONS:
Current Basic Life Support (CPR) certification required.
