Certified Surgical Technician (CST) - Hospital

Surgery Partners, Inc•San Antonio, TX

7d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Operating Room Manager/Administrator and at the direction of Registered Nurses, the Certified Surgical Technician performs surgical scrubbing and assisting duties during operative procedures while supporting and maintaining the sterile field. The role includes care and maintenance of surgical instruments and equipment, and requires knowledge of sterile and aseptic techniques, infection control, and the equipment, instruments, procedures, and supplies used in the hospital operating room and hospital outpatient department. The technician provides direct patient care, prepares operating rooms and procedure cases, gathers instruments and supplies based on schedules and preference cards, supports case turnover, and contributes to safe, high-quality clinical care. The position involves collaboration with staff, management, physicians, patients, and families; participation in staff orientation, competency and quality-improvement activities, meetings, and continuing education; and support for service, cost-containment, and facility growth initiatives. The role requires professionalism, confidentiality, compliance with HIPAA and facility policies, and the ability to work effectively under stress. The patient population ranges from a minimum age of 12 years and/or adult stature through geriatric patients in the hospital, and from 6 months through geriatric patients in the hospital outpatient department. The work environment may involve direct exposure to blood and other body fluids, unpleasant sights or odors, stressful situations, limited radiation, hazardous chemicals, and infectious diseases. Duties are performed in clean, neat, well-lit physical conditions; climate and ambient temperature may vary. Hours may be irregular or unexpectedly extended. Personal protective equipment is provided and must be worn.

Requirements

Demonstrated eligibility for employment in the United States.
High school diploma or GED.
Graduation from a surgical technician program and CST certification.
Basic Life Support (BLS) prerequisite.
2–4 years of experience in the field or a related area.
Ability to relate to and work effectively with others.
Knowledge of commonly used concepts, practices, and procedures in the field.
Verbal and written English communication skills sufficient for safe and effective patient care and documentation.
Ability to comprehend written and oral instructions.
Willingness to participate in goal-setting and educational activities for professional advancement.
Basic computer literacy and fundamental computer skills needed to perform essential job-related duties.
Ability to work under stress and demonstrate patience, stamina, endurance, tact, accountability, professionalism, self-direction, receptiveness to change, and teamwork.
Ability to seek guidance, direction, and assistance when needed.
Ability to meet the stated physical demands, including extended walking or standing, required visual and auditory acuity, and manual dexterity.
Ability to wear provided personal protective equipment when working with blood or other body fluids.

Responsibilities

Perform surgical scrubbing and assisting duties during procedures under the supervision of the Operating Room Manager/Administrator and at the direction of Registered Nurses.
Support and maintain the sterile field and follow sterile and aseptic technique, infection-control practices, facility policies, procedures, and AORN standards.
Care for, clean, decontaminate, wrap, and sterilize surgical instruments; use sterilization equipment and confirm sterility.
Prepare operating rooms and cases, pull cases according to preference cards and schedules, and gather appropriate instruments, equipment, and supplies for assigned procedures.
Review the daily schedule, prepare cases based on preference cards and patient-care needs, and communicate updates to preference cards as necessary.
Participate in operating-room case turnover and cleaning and stocking of the operating room.
Provide direct patient care in clinical areas and demonstrate clinical competence.
Perform surgical counts and handle surgical specimens and biohazardous materials according to policy and procedures.
Maintain a safe, clean, and orderly operating-room environment and follow patient-care safety requirements.
Communicate effectively with staff, management, physicians, patients, and family members, and provide exceptional service to customers.
Adhere to staffing schedules and attendance policy and cooperate with daily assignments.
Assist others with operating-room preparation and related duties; participate in physician-oriented service teams as directed.
Participate in orientation of new staff, peer evaluations, competency programs, staff meetings, and quality-improvement activities.
Complete annual LMS courses and continuing-education requirements in a timely manner.
Report in good faith known or suspected activity that may violate laws, rules, regulations, or the SP Code of Conduct.
Conserve resources, assist with cost-saving initiatives, communicate cost-containment ideas, and support appropriate staffing and overtime benchmarks.
Communicate service-line development ideas to facility leadership and engage in physician customer-service conversations supporting facility marketing initiatives.
Maintain patient, coworker, and facility confidentiality and comply with HIPAA policy.
Set priorities, respond to issues in a timely manner, follow through consistently, and assist with other duties as requested.