Role and Responsibilities

• Selects instrumentation appropriate for procedure.
• Checks room for cleanliness, availability of supplies and equipment at the beginning of the day.
• Open sterile packs and supplies, using surgeon's preference card for specific requests. Use supplies conservatively and efficiently.
• Scrub hands and arms according to Surgical Hand scrub policy. Dons sterile gown and gloves, maintaining sterile technique.
• Sets up back table and mayo using surgeon's preference card as a reference for instruments, medications, etc.
• Performs surgical counts with Circulating RN, if required for procedure.
• Maintains proper sterile technique when gowning and gloving the Surgeon.
• Assists with draping of patient and confirms the operative area.
• Attaches light handles and hands-off to Circulating RN the appropriate equipment to begin the procedure. (Example: bovie, suction, light source, camera).
• Brings mayo stand and back table to the operating room table.
• Participates in surgical time out.
• During procedure:
  • Passes instruments to surgeon and the assistant
  • Is attentive to operative area by being alert for breaks in technique
  • Maintains an attitude of willingness to assist with the procedure
  • Is aware of location of all instruments, needles, sponges, and specimens.
• Keeps mayo and back table neat and orderly.
• Maintains open communication with Circulating RN.
• Cares for surgical specimens following Operating Room policy and procedure.
• Performs surgical counts at end of procedure with Circulating RN, if required for procedure.
• Assists the Surgeon with dressings at end of procedure.
• Breaks down back table. Dispose of sharps in accepted manner. Removes and accounts for all instruments used in field.
• Assists with OR room turnover.
• Transfers soiled instruments to processing room to soak or wash.
• Keeps delicate instruments separate from heavy items.
• Follows proper procedures regarding exposure to Category I tasks. Universal precautions/BBP standards in effect always. Eye protection will always be worn when scrubbed or with-in the area for contamination from splash.
• Follows proper procedures for handling hazardous waste materials.
• Assists SPD with instrument reprocessing.
• Puts unused sterile instruments and supplies away and notifies OR Team leader of damaged or malfunctioning equipment.
• Puts all other supplies away and leaves OR room tidy at the end of the day.
• Helps to stock the operating room, notifies OR team leader when supplies need to be reordered.
• Updates preference cards as necessary.
• Assists with pulling cases for the next day.
• Does monthly cleaning, out dates, and helps to maintain the organization to the "back/sterile" hall.
• Helps to keep supplies in an orderly fashion, making them easy to locate and inventory.
• Assists with any other duties as deemed necessary.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

Licensed as a Registered Nurse or Licensed Practical Nurse, or experience as a Surgical Technician.

Current CPR and ACLS certification for Registered Nurses.

Current CPR certification for Licensed Practical Nurse or Surgical Technician.

Certification preferred but not required for Surgical Technicians.

Demonstrates ability to stand and/or walk at least five hours per day

Demonstrates ability to lift and/or carry over 20 pounds on a regular basis

Demonstrates ability to push/pull over 25 pounds on a regular basis.

Occupational Exposure

Category I exposure to bloodborne pathogens, frequent exposure to chemical hazards and may encounter radiation hazards.