OB Tech - Labor & Delivery

This job description is not to be construed as a complete listing of the duties and responsibilities that may be given to any employee.  The duties and responsibilities outlined in this position may be added to or changed when deemed appropriate and necessary by the person who is managerially responsible for this position. 

Summary:

Under the direction of the RN or provider, the OB Technician performs activities of preparation, assistance, and clean up for vaginal deliveries and surgical procedures in the Labor and Delivery department. Functions as a member of the surgical team performing scrub functions, and other roles, which supporting the perioperative plan of care.

Education Requirement:

High school education or equivalent required.

Incumbents must also meet one (1) of the following requirements:

1. Hold current national surgical technologist certification through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or National Association of Health Professionals (NAHP); OR
2. Have completed a program for surgical technology accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education programs (CAAHEP); OR
3. Have completed an appropriate training program for surgical technologists in the armed forces or at a CAAHEP accredited hospital or CAAHEP accredited ambulatory surgical treatment center program.  For purposes of this chapter, “armed forces: means the army, navy, air force, marine corps, coast guard, or public health service of the United States; OR
4. Successfully complete the surgical technologists NBSTSA certifying exam; OR
5. Grandfathered under TN Code Ann. 68-57-102(a) which states individuals who began training or was employed as a surgical technologist prior to July 1, 2006 for no less than eighteen (18) months in a hospital, medical office, surgery center, or school shall meet the requirements to function as a Surgical Technologist in the State of Tennessee.

Experience Requirement:

Patient Care experience within the OB area desired.

Licensure/Certification Requirement:

• Current CPR/BLS certification required.
• Certification as a Certified Surgical Technologist through The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or National Association of Health Professionals (NAHP), preferred.

Key Job Responsibilities:

1. Assists in preparing the operating/ procedure rooms, providing perioperative care to patients and performing assigned support duties within established standards and practices. 

• Checks supplies/instrumentation and equipment needs for operative procedure and ensures they are working properly.
• Provides sterile field.  Maintains linen, supplies and instruments needed for successful completion of scheduled procedures.
• Assists in the preparation, draping and positioning of patients for procedure.
• Participates in the post-operative cleanup of the OR room and restock of surgical/procedural areas.

1. Scrubs and assists circulators under direct supervision of RN and providers for operative procedures, including prepping and draping of the operative site as needed.

• Assists surgical team during operative procedures as assigned following established standards and practices. May scrub in a second or third assist when directed.
• Assists in preparing patient or operative site.
• Maintains and monitors aseptic technique throughout operative procedures.
• Observes progress of procedure and anticipates patient needs and obtains supplies as to not delay progress surgery.

• Counts sponges and sharps with RN prior to surgery and before incision is closed.
• Prepares sterile dressing and assists with the application of dressings and devices when applicable.
• Assists in the preparation of operative specimens for analysis.
• Participation in resuscitation procedures.
• Demonstrates knowledge and skills to provide care, maintain clinical competency and meet age specific patient needs required within department.

1. Works effectively with staff to coordinate and implement activities related to job duties. Communicates surgeon's/provider’s preferences to RN circulator and/or appropriate individuals and documents/updates on preference cards if applicable.

1. Follows established organization and departmental policies and procedures.

• Maintains required department records, reports and files for administrative and compliance purposes. 
• Adheres to established department policies, procedures, objectives, compliance and quality improvement with consideration given to risk management, infection control and patient safety practices.
• Completes required continuous training and education, including department specific requirements.

1. Assists with care and maintenance of department equipment and utilizes supplies in a cost-effective manner.  Reports malfunction of equipment to supervisor. 

1. Assists in the orientation of new staff members and students when they provide patient care, treatment and services as part of their training.

1. Creates an atmosphere which fosters team work and open communication among staff.

1. Performs all other duties as assigned or requested.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Exhibits knowledge of technical skills required to implement patient care and OR Tech services as demonstrated through the sterile technique and utilization of equipment, instruments and supplies and the preparation of the OR and providing patient care activities. 
• Demonstrates interpersonal skills to work within a diverse team environment with the ability to communicate effectively/professionally with hospital staff, patients, family, visitors, and physicians under routine and stressful situations.
• Compliance with organizational Standards of Behavior. Embraces the organizational strategic vision, premier behaviors and collaborative cultural beliefs that support high quality, patient-centered care.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of patient, department and hospital information. Adheres to established department and organization policies in processing and releasing patient information (i.e. HIPPA, Confidentiality, and Compliance Policies).
• Ability to respond to problems/opportunities to improve work environment and participates in unit-based performance improvement activities which includes committees, monitoring and follow up.
• Ability to provide coverage for relief and absences as required. 
• Ability to respond to emergency situations. 
• Must complete Labor & Delivery’s orientation period successfully within 90-day probation.

Supervision Provided by this Job:

• There are no lead or supervisory responsibilities assigned to this role.

Physical Demands/Conditions:

• Exposure to blood/body fluids and infectious agents.  Constant standing, walking, lifting, pushing and bending.  Heavy Work - Exerting up to 150 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 75 pounds frequently, and/or up to 30 pounds of force constantly to move objects.  (May be further defined as "with or without assistance.")