Surgical Tech - OR - FT - Midshift, Augusta, GA

Wellstar Health System

16d•Onsite

About The Position

The Surgical Technologist Non-Certified works under the direction of a registered professional nurse to support safe, age-appropriate, culturally aware patient care in the operating room. The role supports moderate- to high-acuity surgical cases, anticipates the needs of surgeons and other team members, builds skills for progressively more difficult cases, and helps develop efficient, organized plans for assigned procedures. The technologist prepares the operative suite and sterile field, gathers instruments and supplies, assists as a surgical assistant when needed, troubleshoots equipment, and may mentor or train others. Additional duties can include inventory, ordering and stocking supplies, maintaining Joint Commission compliance, and providing call or late coverage as required by the facility. The position’s stated schedule is 10:45 a.m. to 7:15 p.m. or 9:15 p.m., working either four 10-hour shifts or five 8-hour shifts. The Surgical Technologist checks preference cards and supplies, sets up the room and sterile table, performs counts, participates in time-outs, gowns and gloves the surgeon and assistants, passes instruments, maintains sterile technique, prepares dressings, handles specimens appropriately, and prepares instruments for sterilization. The role also helps ready case carts and rooms, monitors and reports changes in patients’ conditions, supports room turnover and patient transport, manages supplies responsibly, and collaborates with the care team. Practice-development responsibilities include completing competencies and education, supporting learners and new employees, adapting to new processes and equipment, and maintaining 20 hours of field-related continuing education per evaluation period.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED and completion of an accredited surgical technology program, or LPN qualification.
BLS, American Red Cross BLS, or BLS Instructor certification is required upon hire.
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 or 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 handle multiple priorities, self-direct, and apply independent judgment.
Ability to think critically and adapt quickly to changing situations.

Nice To Haves

Operating-room experience.
Certification as a surgical technologist, LPN, or Tech in Surgery—Certified; preferred upon hire.

Responsibilities

Anticipate the needs of the surgeon and healthcare team during moderate- to high-difficulty surgical procedures.
Check required supplies and equipment and review applicable preference cards.
Assist with operating-room setup and open sterile supplies.
Set up the sterile table with instruments, supplies, equipment, and medications or solutions in an accurate, organized, and timely manner.
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, maintain an organized back table and operative field, and maintain sterile technique throughout procedures.
Prepare sterile dressings and ensure appropriate handling and accounting of specimens.
Clean and prepare instruments for terminal sterilization and notify sterile processing of critical instrument needs.
Apply aseptic principles to help prevent infection and protect patients and employees.
Prepare case carts, review surgical schedules, and assist with preparation for upcoming cases.
Observe patient conditions and promptly report changes or significant findings to the physician and registered nurse.
Plan ahead for procedure progression and adapt appropriately during emergencies.
Prepare operating rooms and other assigned areas, including stocking, cleaning, room turnover, supply requests, and preparation of instruments for future procedures.
Use supplies and equipment responsibly, opening only what is required until requested by the surgeon.
Provide patient-centered care that reflects age, gender, disease, and cultural needs 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.
Promote teamwork, collaboration, ethical accountability, and a positive work environment; serve as a patient advocate.
Assist with between-case and terminal room cleaning, room preparation, patient transport, and age-appropriate comfort and safety measures.
Participate in performance-improvement initiatives and seek opportunities to improve processes.
Complete initial and annual competencies, mandatory education, population-specific education, and required computer-based learning.
Support a positive learning environment for students and new hires; mentor, precept, or train students and new employees as appropriate.
Participate in training for new policies, processes, equipment, technologies, and procedures; serve as a resource for new technology or procedures.
Maintain 20 hours of continuing education related to the field per evaluation period.
Support licensed staff within the scope of demonstrated competence; care for surgical equipment and accessories; maintain cleanliness and stock medical supplies.
Complete Success Factor requirements and perform other duties as assigned.
Provide call or late coverage when required by the facility.