Operating Room Surgical Technologist / WEO

Emory Healthcare•Atlanta, GA

10h•$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 anticipating less predictable outcomes of surgical interventions, expertise in at least one specialty area, and the ability to competently handle multiple specialties. Specialty areas include General Surgery, ENT, Robotics, Ophthalmology (Corneal; Retina Cell transplants), Complex GYN, Complex Ortho/Spine, Thoracic, and Vascular. The position must also function as a clinical expert in two or more complex specialty service lines and float to other complex service lines as needed. Complex specialty areas include Complex Neuro Procedures (aneurysm, craniotomy), Large Organ Transplant, Surg Onc (Head & Neck, Skull Based, HIPEC), and Reconstructive Surgery (e.g. TRAM Flaps). Plans for surgical procedures according to the identified needs of the surgeon and patient, determines the equipment, materials, and resources needed, and implements interventions for identified patient problems. Assists surgeons and nurses with patients, equipment preparation, aseptic technique, and surgical procedures in the operating room. Prepares operating rooms, assembles supplies and equipment, obtains physician-requested special supplies, and 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 contributes to procedure protocols, clinical pathways, policies, and quality improvement; monitors supplies and initiates purchases to maintain par levels; supports staff and patient education, orientation, and competency activities; mentors new staff and students; and participates in professional, research, and performance improvement activities. Documents care according to established procedures and communicates patient and staff needs, procedure progress, and unusual incidents to appropriate personnel.

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: lifting up to 50 lbs, carrying objects up to 25 lbs, and the listed standing, walking, sitting, and close-eye-work demands.

Nice To Haves

Certification in Surgical Technology is preferred.

Responsibilities

Implement and evaluate care for patients undergoing diagnostic and invasive surgical procedures.
Provide care for patients with complex health issues and serve as a clinical resource to staff.
Anticipate outcomes of surgical interventions and identify complex patient needs and procedure problems.
Plan surgical procedures based on the needs of the surgeon and patient, and prioritize procedure processes and supplies.
Determine equipment, materials, and resources needed for the procedure plan and identify available supply resources.
Implement interventions for identified patient problems using appropriate standards of care and collaborative clinical pathways.
Assist surgeons and nurses with patients, equipment preparation, aseptic technique, and surgical procedures in the operating room.
Prepare the operating room; assemble 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.
Monitor and maintain supplies, initiate purchases, and help identify cost-containment activities.
Communicate patient and staff needs, responses, unusual incidents, and procedure progress to appropriate staff and management.
Document all aspects of care according to established unit procedures.
Participate in developing and revising procedure protocols, unit forms, specialty clinical pathways, and relevant policies and procedures.
Establish and meet goals in clinical practice, management, education, and/or research.
Serve as a resource for patient advocacy and complex interdisciplinary needs.
Identify staff and patient education needs, recommend in-service education, and assist with department orientation and unit competency requirements.
Mentor or serve as a role model for new staff and students.
Serve as a clinical resource for Surgical Technologists in a designated service line and orient 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.
Identify researchable problems, analyze and report data, and help identify opportunities to improve patient and procedure outcomes.
Maintain courteous and professional behavior and comply with established policies and procedures.
Complete hospital and department orientation programs and attend educational programs related to the specialty.