CVOR Surgical Technologist

Emory•Atlanta, GA

About The Position

The CVOR Surgical Technologist supports patients undergoing diagnostic and invasive surgical procedures across pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric populations. The position provides expert clinical support in complex surgical care, with expertise in at least one specialty area and the ability to handle multiple specialties. Specialty areas include General Surgery, ENT, Robotics, Ophthalmology, Complex GYN, Complex Ortho/Spine, Thoracic, and Vascular; complex service lines may include Complex Neuro Procedures, Large Organ Transplant, Surgical Oncology, and Reconstructive Surgery. The technologist plans for surgical procedures based on surgeon and patient needs; prepares the operating room, supplies, instruments, equipment, and materials; and assists surgeons and nurses with patient and equipment preparation, aseptic technique, and surgical procedures. The role also serves as a clinical resource and mentor, contributes to staff and patient education, protocols, quality improvement, research, and cost-containment activities, and communicates procedure progress and patient or staff needs to the perioperative team and management.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Graduation from a surgical technology program or equivalent job training, which may include military perioperative programs and/or hospital-based training programs.
Two years of multispecialty experience, including one year in a complex specialty area.
Ability to function as a clinical expert in two or more complex specialty service lines and float to other complex service lines as needed.
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification in accordance with the American Heart Association.
Ability to meet the stated physical demands, including lifting up to 50 pounds and carrying objects up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Certification in Surgical Technology is preferred.

Responsibilities

Assess complex patient and procedure needs by reviewing procedure protocols and physician requests and considering patients’ physical needs and responses.
Plan surgical procedures based on identified surgeon and patient needs, and determine the equipment, materials, supplies, and resources required.
Prepare the operating room by assembling routine supplies, materials, instruments, and equipment and obtaining special supplies requested by the physician.
Set up and operate specialized instrumentation and manual and powered equipment.
Assist surgeons and nurses with patients, equipment preparation, aseptic technique, and surgical procedures in the operating room.
Follow procedures for preoperative and postoperative accounting of sharps, sponges, and instruments.
Implement interventions for patient problems related to surgical procedures and use appropriate standards of care or collaborative clinical pathways.
Prioritize procedure processes and supplies for specialty patient groups and identify available supply resources.
Monitor and maintain supplies, initiate purchases to maintain par levels, and participate in cost-containment activities.
Identify and communicate unusual incidents and complex procedure problems related to patient reactions, symptoms, or changing needs.
Communicate patient and staff needs and responses to management as appropriate, and keep the perioperative team informed of procedure needs and progress.
Document care according to established unit procedures and comply with established policies and procedures.
Participate in developing and revising procedure protocols, unit forms, specialty clinical pathways, and policies related to specialized patient populations.
Establish and meet goals in clinical practice, management, education, and/or research, and maintain active membership in a professional organization.
Serve as a resource for patient advocacy and complex interdisciplinary needs.
Identify staff and patient education needs and recommend in-service education; assist with department orientation, unit competencies, and education of new staff and students.
Serve as a role model or mentor and as a clinical resource for Surgical Technologists in a designated service line, including orienting new employees.
Review and identify revisions to surgical preference cards for the designated service.
Participate in unit-based and hospital-wide performance improvement programs and assist with surgery department research activities.
Identify researchable problems, assist in research and quality monitoring, and analyze and report data to appropriate sources.
Attend educational programs to develop specialty knowledge and successfully complete hospital and department orientation programs.
Maintain courteous and professional behavior and perform related responsibilities as required.