SURGICAL TECHNICIAN (FULL-TIME)

Natchitoches Regional Medical Center•Natchitoches, LA

About The Position

The Surgical Technician assists surgeons and physicians during operative, invasive, and endoscopic procedures. The role ensures that the Operating Room or Endoscopy Suite is prepared, instruments and supplies are available, and surgical or endoscopic equipment is cleaned, maintained, and sterilized. The technician supports patient care, maintains aseptic conditions, and participates in departmental meetings and performance improvement activities. During procedures, the technician prepares and maintains the sterile work area, assists with positioning and preparation of patients, handles specimens, performs accurate counts, anticipates the physician’s needs, and provides technical assistance under the direction of the Circulating RN or physician. First-assisting activities may include providing operative-site exposure, using instruments as directed, handling tissue appropriately, and suturing or assisting with wound closure within the technician’s preparation, experience, and scope of practice. The role also includes cleaning and preparing rooms between cases, processing instruments, documenting work within the shift, maintaining patient privacy and confidentiality, communicating effectively with the care team, and following hospital policies, safety practices, and the chain of command.

Requirements

Minimum high school diploma or equivalent.
Current BLS Certification.
Current CST certification.
Basic computer knowledge.
Ability to communicate effectively in English, verbally and in writing.
Ability to use appropriate discretion in handling confidential material and information.
Knowledge of endoscopic or surgical equipment.
Knowledge of infection control principles and sterilization processes.
Ability to interact professionally with coworkers, patients, families, physicians, vendors, and other customers, demonstrating hospitality, customer service, teamwork, and respect for the organization.

Nice To Haves

Graduation from an approved Surgical Technology Program.
Endoscopic experience preferred for Endoscopy Technician.

Responsibilities

Interact professionally with patients and families, provide explanations and reassurance as necessary, and adapt procedures to the needs of patients across age groups.
Prepare the Operating Room or Endoscopy Suite with anticipated instruments, sutures, supplies, and equipment for each procedure.
Handle specimens accurately and demonstrate competence in specimen care.
Assist with patient positioning, prepping, and draping.
Complete operating room counts accurately and follow procedure for incorrect counts, reporting discrepancies to the Circulating Nurse and physician and/or correcting them immediately.
Maintain medical and surgical asepsis, follow aseptic technique when opening sterile supplies, and establish sterile procedure setups.
Maintain a safe environment for patients, coworkers, and self in accordance with hospital policies and procedures.
Check equipment and instruments before procedures, report malfunctions to the Manager, and perform routine cleaning and maintenance as needed.
Set up, scrub, and prepare for procedures at least 15 minutes before the scheduled time unless otherwise directed.
Perform technical or manual services under the direction of the Circulating RN or physician.
Maintain an orderly and sterile instrument table and work area, following department setup standards.
Anticipate and assist with the physician’s needs during surgical and endoscopic procedures.
Clean and prepare rooms between procedures and after the last case, restock supplies as necessary, and organize end-of-case cleanup.
Take responsibility for instruments and equipment during intraoperative and postoperative phases, including cleaning and processing instruments.
Follow written steam-sterilization procedures and understand chemical and biological monitoring responsibilities.
Consult other staff when unfamiliar with equipment or procedures and collaborate with the nursing team to maintain equipment and supplies.
Complete documentation within the shift and follow current standards, policies, and procedures.
Communicate effectively and maintain professional working relationships with coworkers and other job-related contacts; accept supervision and constructive criticism.
Make sound decisions within the technician’s scope of practice, based on knowledge of the case and instruments or trays required.
Complete assigned tasks thoroughly, follow rules and policies, demonstrate safe practices, and use equipment and supplies economically.
Comply with attendance requirements, respect authority, discuss problems through the chain of command, and maintain patient confidentiality.
Demonstrate excellent guest relations, cooperation, self-control, courtesy, and respect for patients, families, coworkers, and other contacts.
Initiate appropriate intraoperative behaviors unique to first assisting, including providing operative-site exposure with retractors and other instruments, suctioning, or sponging while remaining aware of anatomical structures.
Use surgical instruments skillfully as directed by the surgeon and handle tissue appropriately to reduce the risk of injury or compromised blood supply.
Suture using appropriate materials and techniques, and assist with or independently perform wound closure under the surgeon’s direction.
Practice within the limitations of preparation and experience and understand the legal aspects of the job function.
Participate in departmental staff meetings, performance improvement activities, and other assigned activities and duties.