Surgical Technologist, Int

at  UPMC

Under the general supervision of a registered nurse, performs advanced tasks on a regular basis in an Operating Room that assist the surgical team. Works on complex surgical procedures within at least 2 surgical specialties. Arrange sterile setup for surgical procedures; pass instruments, sponge and suture to surgeons and surgical assistants; prepare sterile supplies; assist in cleanup of the operating room; check placement and operation of equipment; and check and restock operating room. During surgical procedures may be responsible for special trays, graft materials, and record patient data.

• After surgery, may help transfer patients to the recovery room. Clean and restock the operating room.
• Serves as a resource to other staff members; precepts students and new employees.
• Assist in the preparation, care for, and disposal of specimens taken for laboratory analysis and helps apply dressings.
• Participates in committees and inter-disciplinary teams.
• Assist the surgical team with putting on sterile gowns and gloves.
• Before an operation, help to prepare the operating room by setting up surgical instruments and equipment, sterile drapes, and sterile solutions. Assemble both sterile and non-sterile equipment. Adjust and check equipment to ensure it is working properly.
• Collaborates with Clinician to disseminate new knowledge.
• Ensure all medications are labeled and handed to surgeon according to established policies and procedures.
• Ensure clean, safe environment through continued alertness to safety and explosive hazards and aseptic technique.
• Prepare patients for surgery by wash, shave, and ensure aseptic incision sites. May transport patients to the operating room, help position them on the operating table, and cover them with sterile surgical drapes.
• During surgery, efficiently pass instruments and other sterile supplies to surgeons and surgeon assistants. Hold retractors or instruments, cut sutures, sponge or suction the operative site and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments.
• PA legislature House Bill 81 enacted 10/29/2020 and became effective 12/27/2020.2 years of current surgical technician experience that demonstrates advanced knowledge of at least 2 surgical specialties. Surgical specialties include but not limited to: general, orthopedic, vascular, plastic and reconstructive, obstetrics and gynecology, thoracic, ophthalmic, neurosurgery, organ procurement and endoscopic surgical settings. Access to medications is limited to the distribution of the medication to the nurse.
• In addition to those 2 years of prior experience - Must have completed program sponsored by nationally recognized institutional or programmatic accreditation and maintains certification or Has completed appropriate military training program or Maintains certification from accredited program or Was employed as a surg tech in a health care facility on or before effective date of the act (12/27/2020) or Employed as a surg tech at another health care facility two years before effective date (12/27/2020).
• Exception: A health care facility may employ individuals who do not meet the certification requirements if after a diligent and thorough effort has been made they are unable to employ a sufficient number of qualified surg techs who meet the requirements (i.e. certification) and a written record of efforts is made and retained at the health care facility. 1. All of our recruitment efforts are documented and can be supplied for this record. 2. The supply of certified or eligible to be certified surg techs does not meet our needs.
• Continuing education requirements: Compliance with continuing ed requirements specified by the credentialing organization for certification. For individuals not certified - must complete 30 hours of continuing ed every two years
• NY State Law: Public Health Law 2824 Chapter 292 of the Laws of 2013 enacted 01/01/20157. A healthcare facility may employ or otherwise contract with a person who does not meet the requirements of subdivision three of this section to function as a surgical technologist in a healthcare facility if:(a) after a diligent and thorough effort has been made, the healthcare facility is unable to employ or contract with a sufficient number of qualified surgical technologists who meet the requirements of this section;(b) the healthcare facility makes a written record of its efforts under paragraph (a) of this subdivision and retains the record at the healthcare facility; and(c) the person meets the requirements of subdivision three of this section within two years of the start of employment or contracting for the performance of surgical technology.Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:
• Certification for Surgical Technologist. CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hireCertification Details - Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) or Technologist Surgery Certified (TSC) within 6 months of program completion: Note: Staff employed to practice surgical technology by the health care facility on or before the effective date of the law (12/27/2020) or who were employed as a surg tech at another health care facility two years before effective date of the law are grandfathered and therefore not required to have certification. New graduates of a program sponsored by nationally recognized institutional or programmatic accreditation can work for six months prior to certification, but must be certified within six months of program completion. Exception: A health care facility may employ individuals who do not meet the certification requirements if after a diligent and thorough effort has been made they are unable to employ a sufficient number of qualified surg techs who meet the requirements (i.e. certification) and a written record of efforts is made and retained at the health care facility. (1. Recruitment efforts are documented and can be supplied for this record. 2. The supply of certified or eligible to be certified surg techs does not meet the needs of the organization.).
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• Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

• Certified Surgical Technologists (CST) OR Tech in Surgery-Certified (TSC)
• Act 34