Surgical Technician

Veterans Health Administration • Baltimore, MD

24d • Onsite

About The Position

The Surgical Technician (ST) is a member of the Surgical Specialty Operating Room surgical team who assists surgeons and other team members during surgical procedures. Under the supervision of the surgical team, the ST participates in planning and implementing complex procedures. The role serves as a primary scrub person, preparing and maintaining sterile setups, handling instruments and equipment, anticipating procedural needs, and helping ensure patient safety and sterility throughout surgery.

The position is performed in operating rooms in a complex, intense, and fast-paced environment. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The position is not virtual. Required personal protective equipment is provided by the facility. A one-year probationary period is required.

Requirements

• One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-6, involving application of knowledge, methods, and techniques relevant to the position.
• Knowledge of a wide variety of complex surgical procedures and possible complications to prepare for procedures, anticipate the surgical team’s needs, respond accurately and quickly, and report observations and immediate procedural needs.
• Thorough knowledge of the names, uses, physical characteristics, functions, and processing procedures for a full range of surgical supplies and equipment.
• Familiarity with dosages and proper use of medications administered from the sterile field.
• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Complete the application, questionnaire, and required online assessment.
• Selected applicants are subject to urinalysis for illegal drug use and a background/security investigation; participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required.
• Serve a one-year probationary period.
• The work requires regular manual assistance with lifting and positioning patients, along with recurring standing, walking, bending, lifting, pushing, reaching, and prolonged stretching.
• Must be dexterous in passing instruments while maintaining aseptic technique.
• Must be able to work in an operating-room environment with exposure to potentially infectious blood and body fluids, toxic or noxious gases, x-rays, pure oxygen, and lasers, and use required protective attire and equipment.

Nice To Haves

• Three to five years of recent scrubbing experience.
• Certification is preferred.
• Applicants may qualify through one full year of graduate education (18 semester hours or equivalent), or an internship in a course of study with a major including courses directly related to the Health Technician work.
• Applicants may qualify through a combination of specialized experience and education.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary scrub person, handling instruments, supplies, and complex equipment during surgical procedures.
• Set up and maintain the sterile field and working knowledge of required disposable and reusable surgical instruments and other items.
• Plan and discuss procedures with surgical professionals and ensure supplies and equipment are available before surgery.
• Prepare, organize, and maintain complex sterile surgical setups.
• Observe each stage of procedures, maintain concentration, anticipate the surgeon’s needs, and respond promptly.
• Follow universal precautions and infection-control procedures when handling specimens, supplies, and equipment.
• Assist with patient care, including positioning, prepping, sterile draping, and participation in surgical time-out processes to support patient safety.
• Monitor the surgical team and sterile field for breaches in technique and ensure sterility is maintained.
• Account for surgical instruments and equipment during procedures.
• Perform non-technical equipment maintenance to help prevent malfunctions.
• Follow rules and regulations for restricted and semi-restricted operating-room areas.
• Provide guidance and support to OR Nursing Assistants and other Surgical Technicians.
• May oversee volunteers, aides, non-surgical team members, students, and other personnel.
• May assist with training residents, medical students, nursing students, operating-room technology students, and new OR staff in equipment operation, sterile technique, instrument handling, OR procedures, and the scrub role.
• Assist surgical team members with quality-improvement activities.
• Update knowledge of current surgical-technology trends through continuing-education courses.
• Assist in developing and maintaining appropriate, cost-effective inventory practices.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package.
• VA may grant credit for qualifying job-related non-federal experience or active-duty uniformed military service when determining annual leave accrual; approval must be requested before appointment and is not guaranteed.

What This Job Offers

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