Surgical Technician

Amsurg•Springfield, MA

About The Position

Responsible for rendering professional care to patients undergoing surgical procedures within the Center in accordance with established procedures. The Surgical Technician works cooperatively with physicians and staff, demonstrating teamwork, and may be responsible for the proper care and use of surgical instruments. The role may also include transporting patients to and from the operating or procedure room, maintaining cleanliness, and assisting with procedure room turnover. The position supports safe, effective surgical care by preparing equipment and supplies, maintaining aseptic technique, assisting the RN and circulating nurse, performing required counts, and responding appropriately to safety concerns and equipment issues. The technician also contributes to quality improvement, staff orientation, policy review, and ongoing professional development. Work days and hours may vary to meet patient and Center needs. The work takes place in a well-lit, ventilated, climate-controlled Center, though lighting may be reduced for patient-care or procedure requirements. The role involves medical and office equipment, close work with patients and coworkers, and possible exposure to blood, potentially infectious materials, toxic chemicals, and cleaning solutions. Procedure rooms may be small and crowded with equipment.

Requirements

Graduate of an approved surgical technologist program (mandatory).
Surgical Technician Certification (mandatory).
BLS certification.
Able to read, write, and communicate in English; if the Center is bilingual, the bilingual language is required.
Ability to understand, read, write, and speak English and to read, analyze, and interpret manufacturers’ instructions or instructions for use.
Ability to perform arithmetic using whole numbers, common fractions, decimals, and percentages.
Ability to make sound decisions and exercise good judgment; multitask effectively, efficiently, and accurately with attention to detail; use initiative and insight; interpret varied instructions; and recognize issues and communicate them to the Registered Nurse or Center Leader.
Ability to sit, stand, and walk for long periods, approximately 6–8 hours per day.
Ability to lift, push, pull, or carry objects up to 50 pounds and to lift or transport patients.
Ability to perform physical activities including climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, handling materials, preparing procedure rooms, and setting up patient-care equipment.
Ability to maintain steady hand and arm control, maintain or regain balance, and exert oneself physically for extended periods.
Ability to respond quickly to signals using the hand, finger, or foot.
Vision abilities including close and distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and adjustment of focus.

Nice To Haves

One year of experience as a surgical technologist (preferred).
Membership in a CST association (preferred).

Responsibilities

Provide professional care to patients undergoing surgical procedures in accordance with established procedures.
Work cooperatively with physicians and staff and contribute to teamwork.
Care for and use surgical instruments properly.
Transport patients to and from operating or procedure rooms when needed.
Assist with procedure room cleanliness and turnover.
Follow the Code of Conduct and Center policies and procedures.
Provide a safe environment for patients and communicate safety concerns through the Chain of Command.
Document legibly when required by Center policy and procedure.
Promote patient and physician satisfaction.
Use appropriate cleaning and sterilization techniques, aseptic practices, sterile processes, PPE, and universal precautions.
Refer situations beyond the role’s ability or function to the appropriate person and attend required education.
Maintain regular and predictable attendance and perform other related duties as assigned or requested.
Assist with protective padding based on the patient’s skin integrity and surgical position, and maintain proper body alignment of anesthetized patients.
Plan for proposed surgical interventions by selecting appropriate equipment and supplies according to physician preference.
Assist the RN with duties assigned under Center policy and procedure and provide input to the circulating nurse regarding patient problems.
Count sponges, sharps, and instruments before, during, and after procedures according to policy and procedure.
Ensure appropriate supplies and equipment are available during procedures.
Label medications on the sterile field according to Center policy and procedure.
Initiate corrective action when aseptic technique is broken.
Handle tissue specimens accurately according to policy and procedure.
Follow facility standards for sharps safety, electrosurgical safety, and biohazard waste disposal.
Use supplies cost-effectively and take corrective action when counts are unacceptable, including informing the surgeon, circulating nurse, and Center Leader.
Identify, sequester, and report malfunctioning equipment to the Registered Nurse or Center Leader.
Operate specialty equipment according to manufacturer recommendations and applicable policy and procedure.
Assist with orientation of new personnel.
Participate in Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement activities, policy and procedure review and updates as required, and the surgical time-out.
Support professional growth through educational programs, current literature, and in-service meetings.
Collaborate with the healthcare team, maintain integrity and flexibility, and participate in staff meetings, in-services, and continuing education as required.
Use mathematical skills to perform calculations with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, and percentages.
Read, understand, and communicate in English; read and interpret manufacturers’ instructions for use; and interact professionally with managers, employees, clients, vendors, patients, coworkers, and the public.
Exercise alertness and judgment, multitask accurately with attention to detail, use initiative and insight, interpret instructions, and recognize and communicate issues to the Registered Nurse or Center Leader.