SURGICAL TECHNICIAN

Westchester Medical Center•Poughkeepsie, NY

About The Position

Under the guidance of a Registered Nurse, the Operating Room Surgical Technologist assists with preparing surgical patients by performing routine and delegated duties in accordance with Operating Room and hospital standards and policies. The role supports patient care throughout the intra-operative period, including maintaining aseptic technique, assisting the surgical team, preparing and sterilizing instruments and equipment, and supporting materials management. The Surgical Technician also guides support personnel, contributes to employee orientation and performance feedback, and promotes the WMCHealth Mission, Vision, and CARE values.

Requirements

High school graduate or equivalent.
BLS certification required.
Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) certification required.

Nice To Haves

Minimum of one year of Operating Room experience or recent graduation from an accredited Surgical Technical School.
Membership in AST preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist with surgical interventions according to the preferences of the Surgeon and Anesthesiologist.
Complete assignments promptly and satisfactorily with minimal assistance or direction, and coordinate priorities with other team members.
Ensure necessary equipment is available before procedures and promptly report unsafe conditions.
Apply and monitor aseptic technique throughout the intra-operative period.
Research new ideas related to surgical technology and provide in-service education to peers.
Assist with patient positioning to protect skin integrity and report relevant observations about patient responses to the Surgical Team.
Accurately perform sponge, needle, and instrument counts according to policy and procedure.
Collect and handle specimens according to hospital policy.
Anticipate and meet the surgical team’s needs for instruments, sutures, sponges, and supplies.
Respond appropriately and maintain composure in stressful situations and emergencies.
Prepare and sterilize reusable instrument sets and equipment according to prescribed procedures.
Identify the components of surgical instrument trays and inspect instruments for defects and working order.
Maintain knowledge of specialized Operating Room equipment.
Use supplies judiciously and provide input on evaluation of new products.
Assist the Service Leader with inventory maintenance and supply ordering.
Stock sterile goods appropriately and check supplies for expiration dates and package integrity.
Direct and guide support personnel.
Maintain skills check-off lists for orienting employees and provide written and verbal performance input to the Nurse Manager.
Take professional accountability and responsibility for personal performance.
Assist others with assignments when needed, offer to take additional call as needed, help solve problems, report problems to the coordinator, manager, or designee, and follow through as directed.
Perform other related duties as assigned.
Uphold the WMCHealth Mission, Vision, and CARE values and promote excellence in the patient experience during every encounter.