Job Abstract

Position Summary

The surgical technologist in the first scrub role handles the instruments, supplies, and equipment necessary during the surgical procedure. He/she understands the procedure being performed and anticipates the needs of the surgeon. He/she has the necessary knowledge and ability to ensure quality patient care during the operative procedure and is constantly on vigil for maintenance of the sterile field.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Preoperative duties are as follows:

1. Donning OR attire and personal protective equipment (PPE).
2. Gathers, checks, and opens supplies and equipment needed for the surgical procedure.
3. Performs the surgical scrub, and donning gown and gloves.
4. Sets up the sterile back table and Mayo stand with instruments, supplies, equipment, and medications/solutions needed for the procedure.
5. Performs initial instrument, sharps and sponge counts with the circulator.
6. Assists the team members with gowning and gloving.
7. Assists with draping the patient and establishing the sterile field.
8. Participates in the surgical site and patient verification during the time out procedure.
9. Secures tubing, cords and other sterile accessories.

Intraoperative Duties are as follows:

1. Prepares and acticipates additional instrumentation, equipment, and supplies for usage during the procedure.
2. Anticipates the needs of the surgeon by passing instruments and supplies to surgeon during the procedure.
3. Measures and passed medication, hemostatic agents, and irrigation solutions utilized during the surgical procedure.
4. Holds retractors or instruments as directed by the surgeon.
5. Sponges or suctions the operative site.
6. Applies electrocautery to clamps or forceps on bleeders.
7. Cuts suture material as directed by the surgeon.
8. Coordinates the camera or changes out robotic arms/instruments during endoscopic surgery as directed by the surgeon.
9. Maintains highest standard of sterile technique during the procedure.
10. Performs additional counts as necessary.
11. Prepares sterile dressings and/or immobilization devices.
12. Prepares and passes off specimen(s) as appropriate.
13. Cleans and prepares instruments for terminal sterilization.
14. Assists other members of the team with terminal cleaning of room.
15. Assists in prepping the OR for the next patient.
16. Participates in debriefing and quality improvement practices to ensure quality patient care.

Additional Duties:

The surgical technologist in the second scrub role assists the surgeon and/or surgical assistant during the operative procedure by carrying out tasks including sponging, suctioning, cutting suture, holding retractors, and manipulating the endoscopic camera. This role is distinct from that of the first scrub and surgical first assistant.

The surgical technologist assisting in circulating obtains additional instruments, supplies, and equipment necessary while the surgical procedure is in progress. He/she monitors conditions in the operating room and constantly assesses the needs of the patient and surgical team.

1. Review the patient’s chart, identifies patient, verifies surgery to be performed with consent forms, and brings the patient to the assigned operating room.
2. Assists with transferring patient to the operating room table.
3. Monitors the comfort of the patient and provides verbal and tactile reassurance to the patient.
4. Assists in maintaining normothermia.
5. Assists the anesthesia provider.
6. Assists with positioning the patient, using appropriate equipment and anatomical principles to avoid patient injury.
7. Applies the electrosurgical grounding pad.
8. Assists with applying tourniquets and monitors before the procedure begins.
9. Completes the patient skin prep prior to draping by the sterile surgical team.
10. Performs instrument, sharps, and sponge counts with the surgical technologist in the first scrub role prior to the operation and before the incision is closed.
11. Anticipates additional supplies needed during the procedure.
12. Keeps accurate records throughout the procedure.
13. Properly cares for specimens.
14. Secures dressings after incision closure.
15. Helps transport the patient to the post anesthesia care unit.
16. Performs urinary catheterization.
17. Updates and keeps accurate records of the surgeon’s preferences.

Salary Range:

$72,745.40 - $87,829.56