Operating Room Surgical Technologist / WEO

Emory Healthcare•Atlanta, GA

1d•$37 - $45

About The Position

Implements and evaluates care for pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients undergoing diagnostic and invasive surgical procedures. Provides care for patients with complex health issues and serves as a clinical resource to staff. The role requires expertise in at least one specialty area and competence across multiple specialties, with the ability to function as a clinical expert in two or more complex specialty service lines and float to other complex service lines as needed. Specialty areas include General Surgery, ENT, Robotics, Ophthalmology (Corneal and Retina Cell transplants), Complex GYN, Complex Ortho/Spine, Thoracic, and Vascular. Complex specialty areas include Complex Neuro Procedures (aneurysm, craniotomy), Large Organ Transplant, Surgical Oncology (Head & Neck, Skull Based, HIPEC), and Reconstructive Surgery (e.g., TRAM Flaps). Assists surgeons and nurses with patients, equipment preparation, aseptic technique, and operating-room procedures. Prepares the operating room by assembling routine supplies, materials, instruments, and equipment and obtaining physician-requested special supplies. Sets up and operates specialized instrumentation and manual and powered equipment. Follows procedures for pre- and post-operative accounting of sharps, sponges, and instruments. The role also supports clinical practice, education, research, and quality improvement. It contributes to procedure protocols, clinical pathways, policies, and performance-improvement activities; serves as a resource and mentor for staff and students; and supports orientation, competency, research, and supply-management activities. Physical demands are classified as Medium and include lifting up to 50 pounds, carrying objects up to 25 pounds, standing and walking, and close eye work. Environmental exposures may include blood-borne pathogens, bio-hazardous waste, chemicals, gases, fumes, vapors, communicable diseases, electrical shock, varied floor surfaces and temperatures, indoor/outdoor conditions, latex, patient-care or handling injuries, radiation, shift work, and possible travel. Personal protective equipment, including respirators, may be used.

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 Medium physical requirements, including lifting up to 50 pounds and carrying objects up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Certification in Surgical Technology is preferred.

Responsibilities

Implement and evaluate care for patients undergoing diagnostic and invasive surgical procedures across pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric age groups.
Anticipate and analyze outcomes of surgical interventions, including less predictable outcomes, and identify complex patient and procedure needs.
Plan procedures based on surgeon and patient needs, prioritize procedure processes and supplies, and determine required equipment, materials, and resources.
Implement interventions for patient problems related to surgical procedures and follow appropriate standards of care and collaborative clinical pathways.
Assist surgeons and nurses with patient care, equipment preparation, aseptic technique, and surgical procedures in the operating room.
Prepare operating rooms by assembling routine supplies, materials, instruments, and equipment, and obtain special supplies requested by physicians.
Set up and operate specialized instrumentation and manual and powered equipment.
Perform pre- and post-operative accounting of sharps, sponges, and instruments used in surgical setups.
Identify and report 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 peri-operative team informed of procedure needs and progress.
Monitor and maintain supplies, initiate purchases to maintain par levels, identify available supply resources, and participate in cost-containment activities.
Lead service-area committees and participate in developing and revising procedure protocols, unit forms, specialty clinical pathways, and policies and procedures.
Document all aspects of care according to established unit procedures and comply with established policies and procedures.
Establish and meet goals in clinical practice, management, education, and/or research, and maintain active membership in a professional organization.
Serve as a resource in patient advocacy and complex interdisciplinary needs, and provide clinical guidance to Surgical Technologists in a designated service line.
Assist with identifying staff and patient education needs, recommend in-service education, support department orientation for new staff and students, and assist with unit competency requirements.
Serve as a role model or mentor for new staff and students and assist with 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 identify ways to improve patient and procedure outcomes through research or quality monitoring.
Assist with surgery-department research activities, identify and communicate researchable problems, and analyze and report data to appropriate sources.
Successfully complete hospital- and department-based orientation programs and attend educational programs to develop specialty knowledge.
Perform related responsibilities as required.