Surgical Support Technician

Job Description
Under direct supervision of 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.
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.
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.
Transfers patient from bed, chair, wheelchair, OR table, or stretcher with devices in “locked” position.
Uses appropriate body mechanics in moving, lifting and transporting surgical equipment and instrumentation.
Transports surgical patients to and from units, OR and PACU.
Transports and provides surgical instruments, equipment and supplies for surgical cases when needed. Assists in opening sterile supplies as directed by OR team.
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.
Maintains cleanliness in assigned areas which includes operating room suites and sub-sterile areas, and other specified locations.
Follows infection control policies and implements categories of isolation per departmental standard precautions and expanded precautions (i.E. contact, droplet, airborne).
Applies aseptic technique when carrying out procedures or following unit protocols that require sterile conditions.
Follows Hazardous waste precautions. Decontaminates furniture and equipment with appropriate solutions. Disposes of contaminated laundry, trash and suction material.
Attends/completes all mandatory hospital/department in-service training.
Functions in the role of surgical support technologist using standards and recommendations as outlined by UM REHAB &
ORTHO.
Demonstrates aseptic technique using the standard Universal precautions. Maintains a sterile environment in accordance with aseptic techniques.
Maintains patient safety during positioning including the lithotomy position, the prone position, and the lateral position.
Anticipates equipment conflicts;
respond to urgent and emergent needs with alternative solution to ensure surgical team and circulator supported throughout the case.
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.).
Transports and receive specimens to/from the Laboratory department as needed (i.E. blood, blood products and pathology samples).
Facilitates the transport and storage of sterile supplies, intravenous and irrigation fluids within the perioperative environment.
Assists in the OR suite during various preparatory procedures (i.E. holding various limbs during prepping process and hair clipping). Assists with connection and operation of equipment before and after procedures.
Assists staff in moving equipment and returning equipment to proper area of storage.
Makes beds, replaces supplies and prepares equipment for next case. Cleans procedure room at the end of the day and returns it to ready status.