Surgical Tech II - Surgery - Full Time 12 Hour Days (Non-Exempt) (Union) (Open)

University of Southern California•Los Angeles, CA

About The Position

Under the general guidance of a Registered Nurse, the Surgical Tech II applies proficient to advanced knowledge, competencies, and skills in surgical and aseptic techniques and practices. The role assists the surgical team, performs a variety of operating-room tasks, prepares and maintains surgical equipment and instruments, and is responsible for the care and safety of patients under their care. This intermediate-to-advanced position is generally assigned a triad of difficult surgical procedures, such as head, neck, neurological, spine, and/or orthopedic surgeries. The Surgical Tech II uses critical thinking and independent judgment, adapts to the operative procedure, anticipates the surgical team’s needs, and supports safe, smooth surgical interventions. The position also contributes to student training, equipment and supply decisions, and process-improvement efforts.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Completion of a CAAHEP-accredited Surgical Technician program.
At least one year of experience as a Surgical Technician or Surgical Technician intern; intern experience must be paid and completed at Keck Medicine of USC.
Active practice as a Surgical Technician within the six months before applying.
Organization and time-management skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Valid Surgical Technologist certification (CST) from an accrediting organization, CAAHEP or ABHES.
Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider certification from the American Heart Association.
Fire Life Safety Training (LA City) where required; if the card is not held upon hire, it must be obtained within 30 days and maintained through renewal before expiration.

Responsibilities

Follow applicable safety standards and policies, including those related to surgery, specimen collection, sterile processing, Title 22, and JCAHO.
Apply aseptic technique and promptly take corrective action when a break in sterile technique occurs.
Remain attentive during procedures, anticipate the surgical team’s needs, and respond appropriately to intraoperative emergencies.
Communicate with the circulating nurse and other surgical team members about changes in patient status and surgical progress.
Arrange and inventory sterile setups for operations.
Help facilitate surgical procedures by preparing with updated preference cards and knowledge of instruments and equipment.
Perform the scrub role, including anticipating needs, passing instruments, and cutting sutures, according to standards.
Prepare, clean, and maintain instruments, equipment, and other surgical items according to established guidelines.
Transport patients, equipment, supplies, and specimens.
Prepare operating rooms by setting up tables, instruments, and supplies for the specific procedure.
Precept and train students.
Participate in decisions related to evaluating and acquiring surgical equipment, instruments, and supplies.
Recommend, implement, and participate in ongoing process-improvement projects.
May mentor or lead other surgical technicians.
May assist with circulating skills and tasks.
Perform other duties as assigned.