Periop Surg Support Tech

I. General Summary

Under direct supervision of a perioperative nursing, performs delegated functions including those of an Operating Room Assistant. Fulfillment of the job duties requires the employee to have access to medication storage areas.

II. Principal Responsibilities and Tasks 

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.

1. Establishes and maintains courteous and effective relationships with patients, visitors, co-workers, and other members of the health care team; demonstrates sensitivity and awareness to the needs of patients, visitors and co-workers and responds promptly to verbal and/or written instructions.

2. Transfers patient from bed, chair, wheelchair, OR table, or stretcher with devices in “locked” position.

3. Uses appropriate body mechanics in moving, lifting and transporting surgical equipment and instrumentation.

4. Transports surgical patients from same day surgery and units to the OR, PACU.

5. Transports surgical instruments to the Instrument Room. Pulls for surgical case including instruments and supplies utilizing the appropriate preference lists and pick tickets.

6. Assists in arranging the OR suite for surgery. Assists in the transfer of patients from stretcher to the operating room (OR) table. Under the direction of the circulating nurse, sets up equipment and supplies appropriate for the surgical procedure.

7. Maintains cleanliness in assigned areas which includes operating room suites and sub-sterile areas, and other specified locations.

8. Follows infection control policies and implements categories of isolation per departmental standard precautions and expanded precautions (i.e. contact, droplet, airborne).

9. Applies aseptic technique when carrying out procedures or following unit protocols that require sterile conditions.

10. Follows Hazardous waste precautions.

11. As appropriate, and within confines of training, initiates CPR procedure. Attends all mandatory hospital in-services including CPR training.

12. Functions in the role of surgical support technologist using standards and recommendations as outlined by UMMC Perioperative Services.

13. Demonstrates aseptic technique using the standard Universal precautions. Maintains a sterile environment in accordance with aseptic techniques. 

14. Maintains patient safety during positioning including the lithotomy position, the prone position, and the lateral position.

15. Anticipates equipment conflicts; respond to urgent and emergent needs with alternative solution to ensure surgical team and circulator supported throughout the case.

16. Identifies Personal Protective Equipment and its indicated uses. Must wear appropriate surgical attire according to policy in (and out) of the surgical environment (i.e. hat, shoe covers, scrubs, etc.).

17. Transports and receive specimens to/from the Laboratory department as needed (i.e. blood and pathology samples). 

18. Facilitates the transport and storage of sterile supplies, intravenous and irrigation fluids within the perioperative environment.

19. Assists in the OR suite during various preparatory procedures (i.e. holding various limbs during prepping process). 

20. Assists staff in moving equipment and returning equipment to proper area of storage.

III. Education and Experience

1. High School Diploma or equivalent (GED) is required.

2. One year of previous experience as an Operating Room Assistant, or competent job performance in a role of hospital support services, is preferred.

3. CPR certification required.

IV. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Demonstrated knowledge of universal blood and body fluids precautions and aseptic technique.

2. Demonstrates knowledge of role in Operating Room emergency procedures (i.e. code, malignant hyperthermia, and fire). 

3. Highly effective verbal communication and interpersonal skills with patients, visitors, and other healthcare team members to establish working relationships that foster optimal quality of patient care.

4. Ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the patient population(s) served. Ability to demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and ability to assess data reflective of the patient's requirements relative to his or her population-specific and age specific needs.

V. Learning Activities/Resources

The following activities will be completed in the 90-day initial employment period and will lead to achieving competency at the surgical support technician level for the General OR. Training shall include the following areas of educational focus.

1. General Orientation Classes

A. Human Resources

B. Infection Control

C. Compliance

D. Customer Service

E. Hospital Orientation

F. Environment of Care

G. Pastoral Services (Ethics)

2. Basic Orientation Competencies – Surgical Support Assistant 

(Note: Complete the self-assessment column during the first week of orientation)

Unit I: Core Information Systems

Unit II: Job Specific Processes

Unit III: Age Specific (for direct patient contact)

Unit IV: Equipment

Unit V: Surgical Support Technician Role

3. Operating Room Orientation

A. General Information

B. Unit Orientation

C. Aseptic Technique

D. Positioning

E. Malignant Hyperthermia

F. Equipment

G. Instrument Care

H. Transporting

I. Sanitation

J. Basic Control Desk Equipment / Clerical duties

K. Packaging and Opening of Sterile Instrumentation and Supplies

L. Application of TED’s, SCD’s, etc.

M. Sterile Gowning and Gloving

N. Body Mechanics

O. Surgical Asepsis

P. Traffic Flow

Q. OR Attire

R. PPE

S. Housekeeping for the Perioperative Area

T. Room Turnover

U. Prepping Technique / Supplies

V. Service Specialties

W. Electrical Safety

X. Point of Care ABG testing

Y. Respiratory Therapy Class

1. Oxygen Transport

Z. Basic Life Support Class

1. Heart saver

VI. Patient Safety

Ensures patient safety in the performance of job functions and through participation in hospital, department or unit patient safety initiatives.

1. Takes action to correct observed risks to patient safety.

2. Reports adverse events and near misses to appropriate management authority.

3. Identifies possible risks in processes, procedures, devices and communicates the same to those in charge.