Surgical Technician

Veterans Health Administration•Detroit, MI

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Surgical Technician is an active member of the surgical team who assists surgeons and other team members during surgical procedures. Under general supervision, the technician participates in planning and implementing complex procedures, sets up equipment and instrumentation, and anticipates the surgeon’s needs throughout each procedure. The role includes serving as the primary scrub person for a range of procedures, including thoracic, major vascular, microsurgery, total replacement, major urologic, and laser surgery. The technician prepares and maintains the sterile field, supplies, instruments, and equipment; assists with patient care; handles specimens; performs counts with the circulating RN; and supports the surgeon with tasks such as preparing skin grafts, suctioning, holding retractors, applying staples, and cutting sutures. The technician also helps train students, residents, and new operating-room staff. The work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with rotating call. This is not a virtual position. Relocation and recruitment incentives are not authorized, and the Critical Skills Incentive is not approved. The position requires U.S. citizenship, completion of required application steps and an online assessment, a background/security investigation, and participation in the VA seasonal influenza vaccination program. A one-year probationary period applies. Applicants must meet the GS-0640 occupational requirements. Qualification may be based on specialized experience, qualifying graduate education, or a combination of education and experience. Preferred experience is 2 to 10 years as a Surgical Technician, especially in robotic, vascular, and urology specialties.

Requirements

U.S. citizenship.
One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade, GS-06, in the normal line of progression; experience must involve applying knowledge, methods, and techniques relevant to the position.
Specialized experience examples include using knowledge of medical instruments, anatomy, physiology, and aseptic technique; preparing and protecting the sterile field; operating sterilizers and testing sterilization effectiveness; packaging, storing, and managing the shelf life of sterile supplies; handling instruments and equipment; cleaning and rotating sterile supplies; and applying universal precautions and infection-control procedures.
Alternatively, successful completion of one full year of graduate education (18 semester hours) or an internship in directly related coursework, such as anatomy and physiology, surgical technology, or aseptic techniques, from an accredited college or university.
Alternatively, a qualifying combination of directly related graduate education and specialized experience meeting the total experience requirement for GS-07.
Applicants claiming education must submit transcripts with their application.
Complete all required application steps and an online assessment.
Selected applicants are subject to urinalysis for illegal drug use before appointment; refusal results in denial of employment.
Selected applicants are subject to a background/security investigation and must complete online onboarding and acceptable employment-identification requirements.
Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must register for Selective Service.
Participation in the VA seasonal influenza vaccination program is required.
Serve a one-year probationary period.
Physical duties include regular manual assistance with lifting and positioning patients; recurring standing, walking, bending, lifting, pushing, reaching, and prolonged stretching; and dexterity in passing instruments while maintaining aseptic technique.

Nice To Haves

Two to ten years of Surgical Technician experience, especially in robotic, vascular, and urology specialties.

Responsibilities

Serve as a primary scrub person and handle instruments, supplies, and equipment during surgical procedures.
Set up the sterile field and prepare required equipment and supplies for each procedure, including air-powered, fiber optic, laparoscopic, microscope, laser, arthroscopy, urologic, and recording equipment.
Plan and discuss procedures with surgical professionals and ensure supplies and equipment are available beforehand.
Prepare, organize, and maintain complex sterile surgical setups.
Observe each stage of procedures, maintain concentration, and anticipate the surgeon’s needs.
Follow universal precautions and infection-control policies when handling specimens, supplies, and equipment.
Assist team members with patient care, including positioning, prepping, and obtaining supplies.
Handle specimens appropriately.
Perform sponge and instrument counts with the circulating Registered Nurse to verify accuracy.
Maintain accountability for surgical instruments and equipment during procedures.
Assist the surgeon with tasks such as preparing skin grafts, suctioning, holding retractors, applying skin staples, and cutting sutures.
Prepare prostheses and surgical devices during procedures.
Assist in training residents, medical students, nursing students, operating-room technology students, and new operating-room staff in equipment operation, sterile technique, instrument handling, and operating-room procedures, including the scrub role.
Maintain equipment and the work area; provide guidance and supervision; and perform other duties.