The Operating Room Technician is responsible for performing a variety of duties in the Operating Room to assist the surgical team and to assist the nursing team on the hospital floors.

On call required for this position. A. Accountability: Under the delegatory authority of the surgeon, carries out all functions that will assist the surgeon in performing a safe operation with optimal results for the patient. Providing aid in exposure, hemostasis, closure of body planes, securing drainage systems to tissues, selecting and applying appropriate wound dressings. B. Reporting Relationships: The Certified OR Technician First Assistant reports to the Nurse Manager and/or surgeon in charge. This position does not supervise anyone. C. Major Activities: Moving and positioning the patient for surgery. Positioning: the surgeon shall convey the exact position that will give the best exposure for the surgical procedure. The surgical assistant will carry out this order. Consideration will be given for the patient’s comfort and safety. Points of pressure shall be padded. Circulation shall not be impaired, and nerve damage shall be guarded against. The surgical assistant shall be familiar with common positions as they relate to the surgical procedure and will be able to use the equipment necessary to provide the position. Prepping and draping the patient. Retraction of tissue and exposure of operative field during procedure. Appropriate placement and securing of retractors with and without padding. Packing and sponges. Certified OR Surgical Technologist First Assistant Position Description August 31, 2005 Page Two Digital manipulation of tissue. Clamps and ties blood vessels to control bleeding during operative procedure. Keeps operative area dry. Suctioning, irrigating, or sponging. Manipulation of suture materials (e.g.,loops, tags, running sutures). Proper body mechanics to prevent obstruction of surgeon’s view. Utilizing appropriate techniques to assist with hemostasis. Permanent: 1. Clamping and/or cauterizing vessels or tissues. 2. Typing and/or ligating clamped vessels or tissues. 3. Applying hemostatic clips. 4. Placing local hemostatic agents. Temporary: 1. Applying tourniquets. 2. Applying vessel loops. 3. Applying noncrushing clamps. 4. Applying direct digital pressure. Affords surgeon the best possible exposure of the anatomy incident to the operation. Assists in identifying anatomy. Has knowledge of procedure and instruments needed for assigned procedures. Assists in closure of the incision including typing of blood vessels 1. Utilizing running or interrupted subcutaneous suture with absorbable or nonabsorbable material. 2. Utilizing subcuticular closure technique with or without adhesive skin closure strips 3. Closing skin with method indicated by surgeon (suture, staples, ect.) Certified OR Surgical Technologist First Assistant Position Description August 31, 2005 Page Three 4. Other. Selecting and applies appropriate wound dressing. 1. Liquid or spray occlusive materials. 2. Absorbent material affixed with tape or circumferential wrapping. 3. Immobilizing dressing (soft or rigid). D. Education, Training, and Experience: Credentialed as a certified surgical assistant. Certification of a first assistant program. Current certification as a surgical technologist. 2 full years of first assistant experience. Current Kentucky Medical License. (May have 6 months to apply) Competencies include: 1. Fracture tables 2.Head stabilizers 3. Body stabilizers 4. C-arm positions 5. Any other equipment needed CST/SA-C/LPN First Assistants who are also an LPN may also perform the duties as described in the job description of an LPN.

Sets up tables, instruments and supplies required for specific operation. Carries out surgical asepsis.

 

Assists surgical team during operative procedure.

 

Assists in the preparation for surgical procedures.

 

Assists in the preoperative preparation of patients.

 

Assists with table equipment, positioning of patients, application of plaster casts and dressings.

 

Prepares operative specimens, places in preservative solution and delivers to Laboratory for analysis.

 

Assists in transporting patients to and from the Operating Room, Recovery Room, and patient area.

 

Assists in cleaning operating room, equipment and instruments following surgery.

 

Cleans and stocks storage room.

 

Prepares Operating Room for the next case or next day.

 

Records data on patients' record data sheets and O.R. logs.

 

Must rotate on call as required.

 

Performs duties of Nursing Aide as requested, when O.R. is not busy.

 

Performs other related duties as required.

High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

Operating Room Technician Certification