•  The Scrub Assistant, under the guidance of the RN provides services to surgical patients, maintaining an aseptic environment.
   

•Prepares equipment and supplies for use in the procedure.
 
•Determine room is in readiness and OR suite is stocked for case.
 
•Scans case carts / instruments on each case.
 
•Scrubs, gowns and glove self and other team members for the procedures, prepares sterile tables and instruments, utilizing proper aseptic technique.
 
•Prepares instruments and supplies on sterile field in a timely manner.
 
•Passes instruments accurately during case.
 
•Counts sponges, needles and instruments with RN Circulator according to established procedure.
 
•Labels all solutions/medications as they are added to the sterile field.
 
•Handles instruments and supplies correctly and ensure their proper functioning.
 
•Collects and maintains specimens and assures proper identification by the staff nurse.
 
•Anticipate the surgeon’s needs and request additional items from RN Circulator in sufficient time for surgical teams use.
 
•Utilizes physician preference cards in preparing for specific operative procedures and updates after each case.
 
•Utilizes principles of Standard Precautions during surgical procedures.
 
•Direct and assist with between case clean-up and proceed with preparation for the next case, restocks supplies and equipment after surgical procedures.
 
•Performs second assistant duties as outlined by Huntsville Hospital policy.

 
•Performs instrument reprocessing and sterilization procedures.

• Identifies instruments and places in instrument sets completely.
• Operates sterilizers.
• Maintains sterilization records through documentation of the sterilization process.
• Reports problems with sterilization immediately to the O.R. Charge Nurse.
• Performs Attest (biological test) appropriately.
• Assists in orientation of new employee and provides support as needed.
• Demonstrates accountability by staying informed of current changes in practice, new equipment, and quality initiatives.
• Attends/completes all required in-services.

Education: High School Diploma or GED required. Successful completion of a Scrub Tech program.

License, certification and/or registration: BCLS certification required (must be completed within the Provisionary Period).

Highlands Medical Center is a 170-bed hospital located in Scottsboro, offering a wide variety of emergency, inpatient and outpatient services to support the wellness of our community. A part of the Huntsville Hospital Health System, HMC has the strength of a collaborative group of high-performing hospitals across North Alabama to share information, processes, ideas and best practices for continual enhancements to the care and services offered to meet the health care needs of our diverse community. Accredited by the Joint Commission, Highlands Medical Center stands out as one of the top-rated healthcare providers in the state.

In addition to Highlands Medical Center, the system provides many services through owned-entities across the community - Highlands Family Medicine, Highlands Home Health, Highlands Occupational Medicine, Highlands Surgical Services, Jackson County Family Medicine, Scottsboro OB-GYN, Highlands Pediatrics, and Highlands Health & Rehab and Cumberland Health & Rehab, two rehabilitation and long-term care nursing homes. With over 720 employees, HMC is one of the largest employers in Jackson County.