10-512-127Exploring Surgical Issues
Course Information
Description
Explores a variety of issues related to surgical technology. Emphasis is placed is on becoming a professional member of the surgical team.
Total Credits
2

Course Competencies
  1. Explore the surgical technologist scope of practice and AST best practices
    Assessment Strategies
    in an oral, written, demonstrative, and/or graphic response
    by answering questions that require you to apply knowledge about this competency (Your instructor may require several written exams as part of this course. You will be notified in advance.)
    Criteria
    response provides a description of the profession
    response provides components of a job description
    response identifies differing levels of Surgical Technologist training
    response explores the responsibilities of the Surgical Technologist in the non-sterile role
    response explores the responsibilities of the Surgical Technologist in the sterile role
    response describes the relationship between a Surgical Technologist and other members of the healthcare team
    response explores related career opportunities

  2. Compare and contrast professional organizations and credentialing within the profession
    Assessment Strategies
    by participating in class discussions
    by comparing professional and credentialing organizations and reporting your findings in an oral, written, or graphic presentation
    by answering questions that require you to apply knowledge about this competency (Your instructor may require several written exams as part of this course. You will be notified in advance.)
    Criteria
    comparison includes purposes and differences of each professional and credentialing organization
    comparison includes the benefits of membership to the Association of Surgical Technologists
    comparison includes the steps/preparation required for becoming credentialed
    comparison includes continuing education requirements
    comparison includes professional publications related to the Surgical Technology career
    comparison includes purpose of private volunteer agencies

  3. Examine legal issues related to surgical technology
    Assessment Strategies
    in written or oral responses to describing situations in which you need to make legal and ethical choices
    by answering questions that require you to apply knowledge about this competency (Your instructor may require several written exams as part of this course. You will be notified in advance.)
    Criteria
    responses accurately identify the state and/or federal laws that apply to each situation
    responses describe the legal/ethical issues present in each situation
    responses propose, for each situation, a course of action that complies with state and federal laws
    responses explain logic of the proposed courses of action
    responses predict the ramifications of failure to comply with federal and/or state laws in the context of each situation
    responses identify the legal responsibilities of the surgical technologist
    responses assess the resources available that identify professional standards of conduct

  4. Explore ethical issues related to surgical technology
    Assessment Strategies
    in written or oral responses to describing situations in which you need to make ethical choices
    by answering questions that require you to apply knowledge about this competency (Your instructor may require several written exams as part of this course. You will be notified in advance.)
    Criteria
    responses describe appropriate course of action to ethical conflicts
    responses identify elements of ethical decision making
    responses predict the impact of proposed course of action
    responses integrate concepts of surgical conscience in practice
    responses analyze the American Hospital Association's Patient Care Partnership

  5. Utilize communication techniques appropriate for the operating room
    Assessment Strategies
    in oral responses during class activities
    by answering questions that require you to apply knowledge about this competency (Your instructor may require several written exams as part of this course. You will be notified in advance.)
    Criteria
    responses demonstrate the unique communication skills used in the operating room
    responses demonstrate types of communication relationships
    responses evaluate effective and ineffective listening skills
    responses describe barriers to effective communication in the operating room
    responses demonstrate effective teamwork
    you use the computer to access information and complete work assignments

  6. Explain risk management in the hospital setting
    Assessment Strategies
    in oral or written responses during classroom activities
    by answering questions that require you to apply knowledge about this competency (Your instructor may require several written exams as part of this course. You will be notified in advance.)
    Criteria
    responses evaluate the role of the risk management department
    responses identify risk management issues
    responses identify common errors that may occur in the operating room
    responses describe appropriate preventative and corrective measures to minimize errors in the operating room

  7. Prepare for employment as a Surgical Technologist
    Assessment Strategies
    by completing career readiness activities or a portfolio
    Criteria
    plan includes a current resume or portfolio
    plan includes a sample cover letter
    plan includes interview evaluation/preparation tips
    plan includes goals for life long learning
    plan is well organized and professionally presented
    plan includes discussion of employability qualities

  8. Analyze the needs of the patient
    Assessment Strategies
    by oral or written response during classroom activities
    by answering questions that require you to apply knowledge about this competency (Your instructor may require several written exams as part of this course. You will be notified in advance.)
    Criteria
    response addresses the biological needs of the patient; health and wellness
    response addresses the holistic needs of the patient
    response addresses equitable care for a diverse patient population
    response addresses death and dying issues
    response addresses needs of susceptible patient populations

  9. Develop a professional image as a Surgical Technologist
    Assessment Strategies
    through self, peer, and instructor evaluation
    by answering questions that require you to apply knowledge about this competency (Your instructor may require several written exams as part of this course. You will be notified in advance.)
    Criteria
    you demonstrate effective interpersonal skills
    you follow policy and procedure for surgical attire
    you demonstrate conflict management skills
    you maintain a positive attitude
    you prepare for all assignments
    you demonstrate time management skills
    you accept constructive comments/feedback from others
    you participate as a team member in meeting team goals
    you demonstrate responsible attendance
    you utilize critical thinking skills

  10. Examine the role of a Surgical Technologist in all hazards preparation
    Assessment Strategies
    by answering questions that require you to apply knowledge about this competency (Your instructor may require several written exams as part of this course. You will be notified in advance.)
    in an oral, written, or graphic assessment
    Criteria
    you identify disaster planning for national, personal, healthcare facility and LEMA
    you identify disaster planning for public health emergencies
    you identify effects of emerging infectious diseases
    you recommend immediate response to an all-hazards event
    you identify infection control precautions
    you describe the Surg Tech role in triage
    you identify issues during a disaster
    you identify supporting roles for the Surg Tech

  11. Evaluate information technology tools as they relate to the surgical technologist
    Assessment Strategies
    by answering questions that require you to apply knowledge about this competency (Your instructor may require several written exams as part of this course. You will be notified in advance.)
    in an oral, written, or graphic assessment
    Criteria
    you describe the basic components of a computer system
    you evaluate basic electronic medical records (EMR) systems used
    you evaluate safe practices for implementing information technology
    you describe best practices in securing protected health information (PHI)