Surgical Technician

AMSURG•Springfield, MA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

Responsible for rendering professional care to patients undergoing surgical procedures within the Center in accordance with established procedures. Works cooperatively with physicians and staff as part of the healthcare team. May ensure the proper care and use of surgical instruments, transport patients to and from the operating or procedure room, maintain cleanliness in procedure areas, and assist with procedure room turnover. The role performs operating-room duties such as preparing equipment and supplies for planned procedures, supporting the RN, maintaining patient positioning and safety, conducting required item counts, using aseptic and sterilization practices, handling specimens, and following safety and waste-disposal procedures. The technician also participates in staff education, quality assurance and performance improvement activities, policy reviews, and orientation of new personnel. The position requires the ability to communicate in English, exercise sound judgment, multitask accurately, and follow instructions and Center policies. Work days and hours may vary to meet patient and Center needs. The work takes place in a well-lit, ventilated, climate-controlled Center and may involve close work with patients and coworkers, medical equipment, exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials and chemicals, and confined procedure-room spaces.

Requirements

Graduate of an approved surgical technologist program (mandatory).
Surgical Technician Certification (mandatory).
BLS certification.
Able to read, write, and communicate in English; bilingual language skills are required if the Center is bilingual.
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide using whole numbers, common fractions, decimals, and percentages.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret manufacturer instructions or instructions for use.
Ability to communicate professionally and effectively with managers, employees, clients, vendors, patients, coworkers, and the general public.
Ability to make quality decisions, exercise good judgment and initiative, multitask effectively and accurately, and pay attention to detail.
Ability to interpret instructions in various forms and recognize issues and communicate them to the Registered Nurse or Center Leader.
Ability to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods, approximately 6–8 hours per day.
Ability to lift, push, pull, or carry objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
Ability to perform physical activities including climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, handling materials, and lifting or transporting patients or setting up patient-care equipment.
Ability to maintain hand and arm steadiness, maintain or regain balance, and exert oneself physically for extended periods.
Ability to respond quickly to visual or auditory signals.
Close and distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Nice To Haves

One year of experience as a surgical technologist (preferred).
Membership in a CST association (preferred).

Responsibilities

Provide professional care to patients undergoing surgical procedures in accordance with established procedures.
Work collaboratively with physicians, staff, and the healthcare team.
Ensure proper care and use of surgical instruments, as assigned.
Transport patients to and from the operating room or procedure room, as needed.
Assist with procedure-room cleanliness and turnover.
Follow the Code of Conduct and Center policies and procedures.
Provide a safe environment for patients and communicate safety concerns through the Chain of Command.
Document legibly when required by Center policy and procedure.
Use proper cleaning and sterilization techniques according to policy and manufacturer instructions.
Practice aseptic techniques and sterile processes, wear appropriate PPE, and observe universal precautions.
Refer situations beyond the role’s ability or function to the appropriate person.
Attend required education and maintain regular, predictable attendance.
Assist with protective padding based on the patient’s skin integrity and surgical or procedural position.
Maintain proper body alignment for anesthetized patients as determined by the procedure.
Select appropriate equipment and supplies for planned procedures in line with physician preference.
Assist the RN with duties assigned under Center policy and procedure and provide input to the circulating nurse when identifying patient problems.
Count sponges, sharps, instruments, and other items before, during, and after procedures according to policy.
Ensure appropriate supplies and equipment are available during procedures.
Label medications on the sterile field according to Center policy and procedure.
Initiate corrective action when aseptic technique is breached.
Handle tissue specimens correctly and accurately according to policy and procedure.
Follow facility standards for sharps safety and electrosurgical safety.
Use supplies cost-effectively and take appropriate action if an item count is unacceptable, including notifying the surgeon, circulating nurse, and Center Leader.
Dispose of biohazard waste according to Center policy and procedure.
Identify, sequester, and report malfunctioning equipment to the Registered Nurse or Center Leader.
Operate specialty equipment according to manufacturer recommendations and/or policy and procedure.
Assist with orienting new personnel and participate in QAPI activities.
Assist with policy and procedure reviews and updates as required.
Support professional growth through educational programs, current literature, and in-service meetings.
Actively participate in the time out.
Participate in staff meetings, in-services, and continuing education as required.
Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.