Surgical Technician

About the position

This position is within the Surgical Care Line at Puget Sound VA Health Care System located in Seattle, Washington. The Surgical Scrub Technician (SST) provides patient care and assistance to the Registered Nurse (RN) and surgeons, and is under the direct supervision of an RN. The SST is responsible for preparation of the operating room for a variety of simple to major surgical procedures with a thorough knowledge of sets of instruments, equipment and supplies.

Responsibilities

• Serves as a member of the surgical team in the OR by performing scrub and other support services for simple and major cases.
• Plans and discusses each procedure with surgical professionals and assures that all supplies and equipment are available prior to the surgical procedure.
• Anticipates the surgeon's needs for instruments, equipment and supplies via surgeon's case preference cards, training as a surgical technician, and familiarity with hospital and OR policies and procedures.
• Handles instruments, supplies and equipment during all surgical procedures such as open heart, thoracic, major vascular, neurosurgery, microsurgery, total joint procedures, and robotic surgery.
• Passes instruments and observes and responds promptly to each stage of the surgical procedures and anticipates the needs of the surgeon by maintaining a high level of concentration for extended periods of time.
• Utilizes sterile techniques as per hospital, OR, and AORN guidelines.
• Follows directions for performing OR policy for sponge, needle, and instrument count.
• Follows infection control policies and procedures.
• Maintains, cares and labels surgical specimens.
• Assists the RN on care of the patient (i.e. positioning, prepping, as needed).
• Assists the surgeon by performing such procedures as preparing skin grafts, suctioning, holding retractors, applying skin staples, and cutting sutures, preparation of prosthesis and surgical devices and preparing sterile dressings.
• Recognizes and helps initiate actions during emergency situations including cardiopulmonary resuscitation when appropriate.
• Stocks, replenishes, and prepares supplies and equipment for use.
• Assists other members of the team with room clean up in readiness for next patient.
• Assists the RN with receiving surgical patients into the OR and ensuring safety of the patient at all times.
• Promptly reports any change in the patient's condition to the RN.
• Assists in training residents, medical students, nursing students, surgical technologist students, and new operating room staff in the operation of equipment, sterile technique, handling of instruments and OR procedures.
• Provides emotional support and comfort measures specific for each patient to alleviate concerns and fears.
• Properly answers telephone calls and directs call to the appropriate person.
• Generates and maintains case cart and preference card lists.
• Works with vendors and support personnel for procurement of specific instrumentation needed for a case.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• Proficient in both spoken and written English.
• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-6 level.
• Education: Successfully completed one (1) full year of graduate education (18 semester hours) or an internship in course matter that must include courses directly related to the work of the surgical technician position.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package as a federal employee.
• Access to a range of benefits designed to make your federal career rewarding.