Surgical Technician

Veterans Health Administration • Baltimore, MD

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Surgical Technician (ST) is a member of the Surgical Specialty Operating Room surgical team, aiding the surgeon and other team members during surgical procedures. Under the general supervision of the surgical team, the ST participates in planning and implementing complex procedures. The position functions as a primary scrub person and is responsible for handling instruments, supplies, and complex equipment during procedures; preparing and maintaining sterile setups; anticipating the needs of the surgeon; and helping ensure patient safety and sterile technique. The ST also supports equipment maintenance, inventory practices, training, and quality improvement activities.

The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. This is not a virtual position. Duties are performed in operating rooms in a complex, intense, and fast-paced environment. The role involves exposure to hazardous gases, X-rays, blood and body fluids, lasers, and other operating-room hazards. Appropriate personal protective equipment is provided by the facility.

This is a GS-7 position. Applicants must meet the specialized experience requirement, qualify through the stated education option, or combine education and experience. The position requires U.S. citizenship, completion of the application and online assessment, and applicable pre-employment screening and onboarding requirements. The job announcement states that relocation, recruitment, and permanent change of station incentives are not authorized, and that critical skills incentive is not approved.

Requirements

• U.S. citizenship.
• For GS-7 qualification through experience: one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least GS-6, including experience applicable to the normal line of progression for the occupation.
• Specialized experience includes knowledge of complex surgical procedures and possible complications; anticipating surgical-team needs; responding accurately and promptly; and knowledge of the names, uses, physical characteristics, functions, and processing procedures of surgical supplies and equipment.
• Specialized experience also includes familiarity with dosages and proper use of medications administered from the sterile field.
• Alternatively, applicants may qualify through one full year of graduate education (18 semester hours or equivalent), or an internship in coursework with a major that included courses directly related to the Health Technician work.
• Applicants may combine specialized experience and education to meet qualification requirements.
• Current or former federal employees subject to time-in-grade must have 52 weeks at GS-6 for a GS-7 position by the announcement closing date and submit an SF-50 demonstrating eligibility.
• Complete all required application steps, including the online assessment.
• Selected applicants are subject to required pre-employment screening, background/security investigation, and onboarding; applicants tentatively selected for testing-designated VA employment are subject to urinalysis.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must meet Selective Service registration requirements.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is required for VA Health Care Personnel.
• Serve a one-year probationary period or two-year trial period, as applicable.
• Meet the physical demands of the work, including manual assistance with lifting and positioning patients and extended standing, walking, bending, lifting, pushing, reaching, and stretching; dexterity is required to pass instruments while maintaining aseptic technique.
• Wear required operating-room attire and protective equipment, including sterile gown and gloves, cap, mask or specified hood, protective eyewear, laser glasses when working with lasers, and a 20–30 pound lead apron when required.

Nice To Haves

• Three to five years of recent scrubbing experience.
• Certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Function as the primary scrub person, handling instruments, supplies, and complex equipment during surgical procedures.
• Set up the sterile field and maintain working knowledge of the disposable and non-disposable instruments and other items required for procedures.
• Plan and discuss procedures with surgical professionals and ensure supplies and equipment are available before procedures.
• Prepare, organize, and maintain complex sterile surgical setups.
• Observe each stage of a procedure, maintain concentration, anticipate the surgeon's needs, and respond promptly.
• Use universal precautions and follow infection-control policies when handling specimens, supplies, and equipment.
• Assist with patient positioning, preparation, sterile draping, and safety, including participation in surgical time-out processes.
• Monitor the surgical team and sterile field for breaches in technique and ensure sterility is maintained.
• Maintain accountability for surgical instruments and equipment during procedures.
• Perform non-technical equipment maintenance to help prevent malfunctions.
• Follow requirements for restricted and semi-restricted operating-room areas.
• Provide guidance and support to OR Nursing Assistants and other Surgical Technicians; may oversee volunteers, aides, 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, and OR procedures, including the scrub role.
• Assist surgical team members with quality-improvement activities.
• Update knowledge of surgical technology through continuing education courses.
• Assist in developing and maintaining appropriate, cost-effective inventory practices.

Benefits

• Federal employee benefits package; the posting states that employees and their families have access to a range of benefits, with eligibility depending on position type and other factors.

What This Job Offers

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