Sr L&D Surg Tech

Wellstar Health System•Austell, GA

About The Position

The Senior Surgical Technologist works under the direction of a registered professional nurse to help the healthcare team provide safe, age-appropriate, culturally aware patient care. The role requires advanced knowledge and skill across at least two surgical specialties, including moderate- to high-acuity cases, and the ability to anticipate the needs of surgeons and other team members, organize and discuss surgical plans, and troubleshoot instruments and equipment. The technologist may be expected to work above this case level as facility needs require. The position also calls for the clinical ability and disposition to mentor, precept, and train others, and to initiate performance improvement work with unit leadership. Responsibilities include preparing the operating suite and surgical field, maintaining sterile technique, gathering instruments and supplies, and assisting as a surgical assistant when needed (not as a certified surgical first assistant). Other duties may include inventory, ordering, and stocking supplies in LDRs, ORs, and other assigned areas. The technologist assists providers and nurses with vaginal deliveries, obtains newborn weights, measurements, and footprints, and helps ensure ongoing compliance with Joint Commission standards. Call or late coverage may be required depending on the facility. The Senior Surgical Technologist performs setup, procedural, and post-procedure duties, supports patient safety and room turnover, and collaborates with the healthcare team. The role also includes training students and new employees, serving as a resource for new technology or procedures, maintaining continuing education, and completing assigned training and leadership-development requirements.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED and completion of a general or accredited surgical technology program.
At least 5 years of experience.
BLS, American Red Cross BLS, or BLS Instructor certification required upon hire.
CST, TS-C (NCCT), or CSFA certification required upon hire.
Ability to read, write, and speak English.
Strong customer service, interpersonal, and verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to collaborate with healthcare providers and delegate to team members as needed.
Ability to multitask, manage multiple priorities, self-direct, and exercise independent judgment.
Ability to function in stressful and emergency situations and adapt quickly to changing situations.
Strong attention to detail and knowledge of surgical procedures.
Basic computer skills, including Word and Excel.
Ability to mentor, precept, or train students and new employees.
Ability to perform duties across at least two surgical specialties, including moderate- to high-acuity cases.

Responsibilities

Prepare the operative suite, sterile field, and patient-care areas; gather and organize required instruments, supplies, equipment, and medications or solutions.
Review preference cards and surgical schedules, prepare case carts, and assist with preparation for upcoming cases.
Set up sterile tables; perform surgical counts with the circulator; participate in procedure time-outs and post-procedure pauses; and gown and glove surgeons and assistants.
Pass instruments, maintain an organized back table and operative field, anticipate procedural needs, and suggest ways to facilitate cases.
Maintain sterile technique and apply aseptic principles to help prevent infection and protect patients and employees.
Prepare sterile dressings and ensure appropriate handling of specimens after procedures.
Clean and prepare instruments for terminal sterilization, notifying sterile processing of critically needed instruments.
Observe patient condition and immediately report changes or significant findings to the physician and registered nurse.
Plan for procedural next steps and adapt appropriately to emergencies and changing situations.
Stock, clean, and turn over operating rooms and other assigned areas; request supplies; prepare instruments for future procedures; and notify specialty staff about needed equipment or instrumentation.
Use supplies and equipment responsibly, opening only what is required until requested by the surgeon.
Assist the healthcare team in providing patient-centered, age-appropriate and culturally aware care under registered nurse supervision; verify procedures and participate in relief bedside shift reports.
Advocate for patient care and safety, provide appropriate comfort and safety measures, assist with patient transport, and support between-case and terminal room cleaning.
Collaborate with peers and other healthcare providers, promote teamwork, and participate in performance improvement initiatives.
Complete initial and annual competencies, mandatory and population-specific education, computer-based learning, and training related to new policies, processes, or equipment.
Mentor, precept, and train students and new employees; train others on new information, processes, or equipment; and serve as a resource or super-user for new technology or procedures.
Complete 20 hours of continuing education related to the field per evaluation period and complete annual leadership-development training and Success Factor requirements.
Assist providers and nurses with vaginal deliveries and obtain newborn weights, measurements, and footprints.
Assist with inventory, ordering, stocking, and care of surgical equipment and medical supplies; maintain organization and cleanliness of the surgical area.
Ensure the unit remains compliant with Joint Commission standards and follow Wellstar policies, standards of work, and code of conduct.
Perform other duties as assigned; call or late coverage may be required based on the facility.