Job Description

Summary

The Surgical Technologist/Internal Agency is a 26 week temporary full time assignment working on various units.

Responsible for assisting the surgical team by acting as a primary scrub person who handles surgical instruments, supplies and equipment used in a specialized area during surgical procedures. Maintains constant vigilance for the maintenance of the sterile field. Models appropriate behavior as exemplified in MLH Mission, Vision and Values.

Education/Experience/Licensure

Education/Formal Training Work Experience Credential/Licensure
REQUIRED: Must demonstrate education/training through one of the following methods under TN Code Ann. \xc2\xa7 68-57-101(a):

• Completion of a CAAHEP accredited program in surgical technology;
• Completion of an appropriate training program for surgical technologists in the armed forces, CAAHEP accredited hospital, or CAAHEP accredited ambulatory surgical treatment center program; or
• Successfully completed the surgical technologists NBSTSA certifying exam.

OR
Grandfathered under TN Code Ann. \xc2\xa7 68-57-102(a):

• Prior to July 1, 2006, was employed for not less than 18 months as a surgical technologist in a hospital, medical office, surgery center, or school; OR

Began training to be a surgical technologist in an accredited surgical technology program Minimum of three years\' experience as a Surgery Tech

• Current national certification from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) as a Surgical Technologist (CST) required.
• Please note: Effective July 1, 2013, the State of Tennessee requires surgical technologists to complete 15 CEs annually to remain qualified for employment at MLH. Certified surgical technologists are exempt from the new requirement, but they must maintain a current and active national CST certification from NBSTSA.
• Effective June 1, 2018: New Hires and Transfers are required to have current BLS Certification.

PREFERRED: N/A N/A N/A
SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED: N/A N/A N/A

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Must be available for on-call if required in designated area and respond within the designated time frame for emergency procedures.
• Available to work a flexible schedule according to agreed commitment level.
• Must be able to travel independently to assigned locations.
• Demonstrates ability to communicate verbally with co-workers, physicians and other outside professional staff.
• Demonstrates ability to organize tasks and maintain control of work flow.
• Demonstrates ability to perform basic arithmetic calculations as would be acquired through completion of high school.
• Demonstrates ability to read and follow written instruction as would be acquired through completion of high school.
• Demonstrates the required knowledge and technical skills to perform core and specialty procedures in assigned services. Surgical procedures include but are not limited to: scheduled general, cardiac, neuro, pediatric, GYN, GU, vascular, orthopedics, as well as common emergencies.
• Demonstrates sound knowledge and proficient practice in the surgery tech role.
• Demonstrates the ability to rapidly problem solve and respond to changing clinical situations.
• Demonstrates critical thinking skills in relation to anticipating the perioperative needs of the patient and surgeon.
• Participates in orientation and training to attain competency in complex cases and achieve Level III.
• Possesses knowledge of multiple types of equipment pertinent to Surgical Technologist role.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Performs scrub duties to assist physician/surgeon during surgical procedures.
• Maintains a sterile field for surgical services. Ensures adherence to the sterile field by applying principles of aseptic techniques.
• Effectively manages resources such as supplies and equipment. Plans work and completes job responsibilities in an efficient and productive manner.
• Demonstrates professional work behavior and excellent customer service routinely in all interactions.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements

• The physical activities of this position may include climbing, pushing, standing, hearing, walking, reaching, grasping, kneeling, stooping, and repetitive motion.
• Must have good balance and coordination.
• The physical requirements of this position are: medium work - exerting up to 50 lbs. of force occasionally and/or up to 25 lbs. of force frequently.
• The Associate is required to have close visual acuity including color, depth perception, and field of vision to perform an activity, such as assessing patients, preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; or extensive reading.
• Frequent invasive and non-invasive patient contact.
• Exposure to patient body fluids as well as exposure to hazardous or poisonous materials.
• Ability to react quickly to emergency situations.

Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare