Surgical Tech

Wellstar Health System•Acworth, GA

About The Position

The Surgical Technologist Certified works under the direction of a registered professional nurse to help provide safe, age-appropriate, culturally aware patient care. The role supports moderate- to high-acuity surgical cases, anticipates the needs of surgeons and other healthcare team members, and develops skills for progressively more difficult cases. The technologist prepares the operating room and sterile field, gathers instruments and supplies, assists during procedures, troubleshoots equipment, and may mentor or train others. Additional duties can include inventory, ordering and stocking supplies, and maintaining compliance with Joint Commission standards. Call or late coverage may be required depending on the facility. The technologist maintains sterile technique, assists with surgical counts and time-outs, passes instruments, prepares dressings, handles specimens appropriately, and cleans and prepares instruments for sterilization. The role also involves preparing case carts and rooms, supporting patient safety and comfort, observing and reporting changes in patient condition, assisting with room turnover and patient transport, and participating in performance improvement and ongoing training. A certificate or associate's degree in surgical technology and national certification are required by the description.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Completion of a general or accredited surgical technology program; the description defines certified surgical technologists as having a certificate or associate's degree from a community college or technical school.
National certification is required.
Required certification upon hire: BLS, ARC-BLS, or BLS-I, and CST, TS-C (NCCT), CSFA, or CSA.
Ability to read, write, and speak English.
Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
Ability to collaborate with healthcare providers and delegate to team members as required.
Ability to multitask and function in stressful and emergency situations.
Strong attention to detail and knowledge of surgical procedures.
Basic computer skills, including Word and Excel.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, self-direct, apply independent judgment, think critically, and adapt quickly to changing situations.

Responsibilities

Anticipate procedural needs of the surgeon and healthcare team in moderate- to high-difficulty surgical cases.
Check supplies and equipment and review applicable preference cards.
Set up the room and sterile table with instruments, supplies, equipment, medications, and solutions.
Perform surgical counts with the circulator and participate in procedure time-outs and post-procedure pauses.
Scrub, gown, and glove; gown and glove surgeons and assistants; and assist with draping the sterile field.
Pass instruments and maintain an organized back table and operative field while maintaining sterile technique.
Prepare sterile dressings and ensure proper handling of specimens.
Clean and prepare instruments for terminal sterilization and notify Sterile Processing and Distribution staff of critical instrument needs.
Apply aseptic principles to prevent infection and protect patients and employees.
Prepare case carts and operating rooms, review schedules, and help prepare for future cases.
Observe patient condition and promptly report changes or significant findings to the physician and registered nurse.
Plan proactively for procedural developments and adapt during emergencies.
Prepare, stock, clean, and turn over operating rooms and other assigned areas; request supplies and notify specialty staff about needed equipment or instrumentation.
Use supplies and equipment with financial stewardship, opening only what is required until requested by the surgeon.
Provide safe, age-appropriate, culturally aware, patient-centered care under registered nurse supervision.
Partner with patients by verifying procedures and conducting relief bedside shift reports.
Follow clinical practice standards, organizational policies, legal and regulatory requirements, accreditation standards, and patient safety goals.
Support evidence-based practice, ethical accountability, teamwork, collaboration, and a positive work environment.
Advocate for patient care and safety; assist with room cleaning, room preparation, patient comfort and safety measures, and patient transport.
Participate in performance improvement initiatives and seek process improvements with the healthcare team.
Complete initial and annual competencies, mandatory and population-specific education, and required training.
Support a positive learning environment and mentor, precept, or train students and new employees.
Maintain 20 hours of field-related continuing education per evaluation period.
Serve as a resource for new technology or procedures and implement new processes and equipment practices.
Care for surgical equipment and accessories; maintain surgical area organization, cleanliness, and medical supplies.
Complete Success Factor requirements and perform other assigned duties.