Open Heart Surgical Technologist

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.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

*Commits to the mission, vision, beliefs and consistently demonstrates our core values.

*Functions in the scrub role by preparing, organizing and anticipating needed instruments, supplies, and equipment for safe patient care and operative procedure.

*Will not first assist with any procedure; will not do any incision closures.

*May apply skin staples when skin edges have been approximated by credentialed physician/PA/APRN.

*May apply skin sealant and steristrips as part of the dressing after skin has been closed.

*Assists the surgeon in performing coronary bypasses and valve procedures.

*Defines and practices aseptic technique and infection control principles as they apply to the OR.

*Manages supplies, instruments, and equipment appropriately according to procedure.

*Assists the nurse in perioperative care of the patient, including transporting, positioning, counting, prepping and safety precautions.

*Demonstrates ability to assist the nurse in the care of the patient with conditions including:

1. Multi-system failure/cardio-thoracis trauma
2. Acute cardiovascular disease
3. Acute respiratory failure
4. Acute neurological insult/injury
5. Acute renal failure

*Delivers medications (drug or biologicals) received in the surgical suite to the appropriate operating room via case cart or medication cart.

*Handles and prepares medication for use on the sterile field in the operating room under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse and physician.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Graduate of an approved surgical technology program required.  Surgical Technologist Certification desired.

Prior Surgical Tech experience desired. Current Basic Life Support (CPR) certification required.