Surgical Technician

University of Utah Health•Salt Lake City, UT

About The Position

University of Utah Health seeks a Surgical Technician to support the surgical team as the primary scrub person during surgical procedures. The position handles instruments, supplies, and equipment; maintains the sterile field; and assists with equipment and instrument maintenance and supply inventory. The incumbent may access and handle medications within their scope of practice, under provider direction, and in accordance with state law. University of Utah Health is a patient-focused organization committed to improving health and well-being through patient care, research, and education. The University of Utah is a Level 1 Trauma Center, and its five hospitals and eleven clinics provide comprehensive services, medical advancement, and patient care.

Requirements

Ability to perform the essential functions of the job.
Knowledge of medical terminology, physiology, and anatomy.
Demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills; tact and diplomacy when addressing breaks in the sterile field.
Ability to provide care appropriate to the population served and to assess patient-status data in accordance with department policies and procedures.
Authority and ability to alert operating room staff to breaks in the sterile field and take appropriate corrective measures.
Ability to maintain a fast pace while working for multiple surgeons and anticipating their individual needs and preferences.
Ability to ensure proper care, maintenance, and coordination of surgical instruments and supplies.
Successful completion of an accredited O.R. Technician program or military training as a scrub technician, or two years of hands-on experience as a surgical technician.
Current RQI Healthcare Provider eCredential through the University of Utah Health RQI system; it must be obtained within 30 days of hire.
Additional license requirements as determined by the hiring department.
Ability to meet the position’s physical and working-condition requirements with or without accommodation.
Wear protective attire at all times in view of occupational exposure hazards.

Nice To Haves

Certification by the Surgical Technologist Association.
Two years of experience.

Responsibilities

Check supplies, instrumentation, and equipment needed for procedures and ensure they are functioning properly.
Open sterile supplies and set up the table for each surgical procedure.
Provide and maintain a sterile field, applying aseptic technique and alerting the surgical team to any breaks in sterility.
Ensure surgical team members are properly attired and assist the surgeon with draping the patient to isolate the operative site.
Anticipate the surgeon’s needs and pass instruments and supplies.
Follow perioperative count policy by counting sharps, instruments, sponges, and other items in collaboration with the circulating nurse; know which counted items are used at the sterile field.
Clean, wrap, and prepare instruments for sterilization.
Assist in maintaining specialty surgical services.
Prepare the sterile dressing for the patient’s incision.
Orient medical and nursing students and technicians to the unit.
Assist in developing unit goals and objectives, quality improvement, and cost-containment measures.
Arrange for borrowing or lending equipment as directed.
May assist in scheduling surgical procedures.
Provide care appropriate to the age and needs of patients served, following department policies and procedures.
May access and handle medications within scope of practice, under provider direction, and according to state law.