Surgical Technician

Veterans Health Administration • Saint Cloud, MN

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Surgical Technician (ST) is a member of the Surgical Specialty Operating Room surgical team in the surgical specialty service line of the St. Cloud VA Healthcare System. The position’s primary purpose is to directly assist the surgeon and other team members during surgical procedures. The technician serves as a primary scrub person for a variety of procedures and prepares and maintains sterile setups, equipment, and supplies. The work is performed in operating rooms and involves close coordination with the surgical team, adherence to aseptic technique and infection-control procedures, and assisting with patient care. The role follows a Monday–Friday schedule, 7:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m., with variable tours. It is not a virtual position.

The VA Midwest Health Care Network follows a Whole Health System of care, which seeks to empower Veterans to take charge of their health and well-being through personalized health plans, healing relationships and environments, and connection to the Veteran’s community. This approach aligns with the VHA mission to honor America’s Veterans by providing exceptional health care that improves their health and well-being.

Requirements

• Proficiency in basic written and spoken English.
• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade, GS-06, in the normal line of progression. Relevant experience includes knowledge of medical instruments, anatomy, physiology, and aseptic technique; maintaining a sterile field; sterilizer operations and effectiveness testing; handling instruments and supplies during surgery; cleaning and rotating sterile supplies; and infection control and universal precautions.
• Alternatively, one year of graduate education (18 semester hours) or an internship in directly related coursework, such as anatomy and physiology, surgical technology, or aseptic techniques, from an accredited college or university.
• A combination of qualifying specialized experience and directly related graduate education or internship may be used to qualify.
• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Complete the application, questionnaire, and required online assessment.
• Selected applicants are subject to urinalysis screening for illegal drug use, a background/security investigation, and online onboarding.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for VA Health Care Personnel.
• A one-year probationary period is required.
• A transcript must be submitted when relying on education to meet qualification requirements; foreign education requires a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary scrub person and handle instruments and equipment during procedures including endoscopy; general surgery, including laparoscopy; orthopedics, including arthroscopy; central line insertions; urology; podiatry; and ophthalmology.
• Set up the sterile field and required equipment and supplies, including powered equipment, ceiling-mounted booms, Neptune suction, Phaco, fiber-optic equipment, laparoscopic equipment, microscopes, arthroscopy and urologic equipment, and recording devices.
• Plan and discuss each procedure with the assigned surgical team and confirm supplies and equipment are available before the procedure begins.
• Prepare, organize, and maintain complex sterile surgical setups; check sterile packaging integrity and visual chemical indicators.
• Maintain concentration, observe each stage of the procedure, and anticipate the surgeon’s needs.
• Follow standard precautions and infection-control policies when handling specimens, supplies, and equipment.
• Handle specimens appropriately and participate with the circulating RN in two-person verification of specimen labeling and patient identification.
• Assist team members with patient positioning, prepping, and obtaining supplies.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support efficient department operations.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type and should be confirmed with the hiring agency.
• Annual leave accrual is based on federal service; VA may approve credit for qualifying job-related non-federal experience or active-duty uniformed military service, if requested and approved before appointment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed