Certified Surgical Technologist

FLSA Status

Job Role Summary

The Certified Surgical Technologist I (CST) is an individual with specialized education who handles instruments, supplies, and equipment necessary for surgical procedures; has an understanding of the procedures being performed and anticipates the needs of the surgeon; has the necessary knowledge and ability to ensure quality patient care during the operative phase; and is constantly on vigil for maintenance of the sterile field.   

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

•    Performs assigned surgical procedures and preparations in conjunction with the activities of the total surgical team
•    Maintains sterile technique/environment 
•    Prepares operating room for surgical procedures with appropriate supplies, equipment, and instrumentation 
•    Ensures sterility of instruments and supplies
•    Prepares/maintains/labels medication on the sterile field 
•    Provides for appropriate handling/labeling/disposition of surgical specimens
•    Performs appropriate counts with circulating nurse 
•    Assists with patient positioning and positioning devices, and providing patient comfort measures
•    Gowns and gloves self and other sterile personnel
•    Prepares/maintains sterile field and drapes 
•    Handles, cares for, cleans, and passes instruments
•    Assists/holds retractors or instruments as directed by the surgeon
•    Accounts for all instrumentation 
•    Cleans and stocks room 

OB CST additional duties include:

Cleaning and restocking warmers, delivery tables, and LDR supplies
Checking for outdated supplies before restocking
Setting up ready rooms and stock rooms including linen, masks, boots, and hats
Setting up infant warmers in OR
Stocking epidural carts with supplies and check for out dated items
Assisting RN in delivery room obtaining supplies and equipment
Transporting surgical specimens to pathology per hospital policy
Preparing instruments for processing 
Delivering and retrieving instrument carts to CSR
Communicating with Clinical Manager supplies/instruments that need to be special ordered
Placing foley/I&O cath
Perform blood draw on adults
Perform EKG on adults
Perform Point of Care Testing including Accucheck, Urine dip stick, and UPT
Weighing triage patients
Taking vital signs on adults
Placing EFM and Toco on patients with communication to charge/lead nurse
Assist with labor positioning
Taking vital signs on baby
Obtaining length of baby
Obtaining weight of baby
Obtaining footprints of baby
Performing heel sticks on baby (including serum bili & PKUs)
Performs ABRs
Gives baby baths

Job Requirements

•    Current CST certification through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).  New graduates must obtain CST certification within 45 days of their start date.  
•    CSTs must complete continuing education credits for AST and NBSTSA recertification every 2-years
•    15 CEUs annual
•    0 to 2 years experience as CST  
•    Current BLS certification
•    NRP Certification required for OB CST
•    Member of Association of Surgical Technologists (AST)(preferred)
 

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

•    Skills in the use of sterilization equipment, highly technical surgical equipment, and accurate use and care of instrumentation
•    Knowledge and application of anatomy/physiology as it applies to surgical procedures
•    Knowledge of instruments/supplies/equipment required for surgical procedures
•    Ability to identify/apply principles of asepsis, disinfection, sterilization, and environmental control
•     Maintains an empathetic attitude toward patients
•    Ability to make sound decisions during highly stressful situations, anticipate/prioritize to maintain proficient performance
•    Ability to communicate effectively, both verbal and written
•    Ability to follow exact specifications, and oral/written instructions
•    Ability to concentrate and exhibit continuous attention/perception during surgery-related tasks
•    Knowledge and skills to provide care appropriate to the age of patients served.  
•    Must be able to help evacuate patients via stairwells
•    Ability to maintain visualization of instrumentation, equipment, supplies and items on sterile field in dimly lit environment