Surgical Technician – Veterans Affairs Careers

You must have one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade (GS-06) in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience includes but is not limited to: Preparing and protecting the sterile field during surgery using knowledge of highly technical instrumentation, human anatomy, and aseptic technique. Determining the effectiveness of sterilization, packaging, storage, and shelf life. Applying standard precautions and implementing infection control policies and procedures. Utilizing all appropriate technical names, uses, physical characteristics, functions, and processing procedures for the full range of surgical instrumentation, supplies and equipment. Preparing for the surgical procedure, selecting the correct instruments for a procedure, anticipating the needs of the surgeon during the procedure, and on a regular and recurring basis recognizing and responding to a variety of critical situations, including emergency and life-threatening conditions. Using and understanding the effects of anesthesia in order to recognize the hazards of anesthetic agents and to recognize and respond to adverse conditions during course of procedure. During procedures properly handling of prosthesis such as intraocular lenses, grafts, and/or pacemakers. Storing of instruments and supplies to maintain sterility. Position patients depending on the types of procedures, being able to provide emotional support to patients, and being able to assist anesthesia providers when implanting pain control devises.

Key Responsibilities:

• Functioning as a primary scrub person responsible for handling instruments, supplies, and equipment during all surgical procedures such as: vascular gynecology, urology, ophthalmology, otolaryngology, plastic surgery, a full range of general surgery cases, minimally invasive procedures, and orthopedic surgery.
• Recognizing potentially hazardous situations (e.g., frayed cords, water on floor) and takes corrective action.
• Cooperating fully with equipment inventory, including meeting established timelines.
• Handling all specimens appropriately.
• Assisting in all aspects of supply management, including but not limited to ordering of supplies and putting them away, as assigned.
• Assisting in developing and maintaining appropriate and cost-effective inventory practices.
• Setting up sterile field with all required items for each procedure such as air-powered equipment, fiber optic equipment, laparoscopic equipment, microscopes, lasers, arthroscopy equipment, urologic equipment, recording devices, and other operating room supplies and equipment.
• Assisting surgical team members in quality improvement activities.
• Observing and responding promptly to each stage of the surgical procedure and anticipates the needs of the surgeon by maintaining a high level of concentration for extended periods of time.
• Assessing equipment needs and maintaining adequate stock of supplies and materials.
• Utilizing universal precautions and follows all infection control policies and procedures when handling specimens, supplies, and equipment.
• Planning and discussing each procedure with surgical professionals and assures that all supplies and equipment are available prior to the surgical procedure.
• Monitoring front OR desk and handles OR phone calls, as assigned.
• Maintaining Operating Room (OR) area.
• Preparing, organizing, and maintaining highly complex sterile surgical setups.
• Assisting the team members with care of the patient, i.e., positioning, prepping, and obtaining supplies.