Surgical Tech, HSS, Main OR

Stamford Health•Stamford, CT

About The Position

Under the direct supervision of an RN, the Surgical Tech assists the surgical team as the primary scrub person, handling instruments, supplies, and equipment during surgical procedures. The role supports safe perioperative patient care through aseptic practice, preparation and verification of instruments and supplies, accurate counts and labeling, and effective collaboration with the health care team. The position is full-time, Monday through Friday, with a schedule of either 7 a.m.–5 p.m. or 9 a.m.–7 p.m.

Requirements

Meet at least one of the Connecticut regulatory pathways for performing surgical technology services: completion of a nationally accredited surgical technology program and certification from a Department of Public Health-recognized national certifying body, with certification within six months of hire; completion of an accredited program and certification within 18 months of program completion or six months of hire; qualifying prior surgical technology experience at a health care facility on or before October 1, 2023, with proof retained by the facility; completion of a surgical technology training program in the U.S. armed forces, National Guard, or U.S. Public Health Service; or facility designation as competent based on specialized training or experience.
BLS certification is required upon hire.
Ability to communicate effectively with patients, family members, surgical staff, physicians, and other health care workers.
Ability to read, write, and speak English.

Responsibilities

Protect patient confidentiality and privacy, disclosing information only for professional purposes consistent with patients’ best interests and legal rights.
Verify patient identification and ensure necessary instrumentation, supplies, equipment, and implants are present.
Follow aseptic practices to protect patients from injury, minimize wound contamination, and reduce surgical-site infection risk.
Apply knowledge of anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, microbiology, and pharmacology to surgical patient care.
Maintain knowledge of surgical techniques, instrumentation, equipment, and supplies needed for procedures.
Use required personal protective equipment to protect against exposure to blood, potentially infectious body fluids, chemical disinfectants, and other hazardous substances.
Problem-solve in relation to procedures and respond appropriately to emergencies or changes in procedure.
Anticipate surgeons’ needs and demonstrate attention to detail while scrubbed for procedures.
Perform accurate sponge, sharp, and instrument counts; label medications correctly on the sterile field; and handle and label specimens correctly.
Participate in the pre-incision “TIME OUT.”
Demonstrate knowledge of sterilization and instrument processing.
Assist with development and clinical precepting of students and new employees.
Maintain equipment and use supplies safely and cost-effectively.
Comply with hospital attendance and department staffing policies and rotations, dress codes, policies, procedures, and external agency requirements.
Complete required continuing training and education, including department-specific requirements.
Communicate and collaborate effectively with the health care team and related departments about patients’ perioperative care.
Contribute to a respectful, accountable, collaborative, integrous, and compassionate work environment; avoid disruptive or negative behavior.
Maintain effective working relationships with peers, managers, and other surgical team members.
Participate in developing and implementing goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and standards of care that support the organization’s strategic plan.
Cross-train and rotate to other clinical areas in Perioperative Services as needed.