Surgical Technician - Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Authorized

Veterans Health Administration • San Antonio, TX

10d • Onsite

About The Position

The Surgical Technician is a member of the surgical team and provides assistance to the surgeon and other team members during surgical procedures. The Surgical Technician participates with the surgical team members in planning and implementing complex procedures under the general supervision of the surgical team. A Recruitment/Relocation Incentive may be authorized for a Highly Qualified Individual.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job.
• Complete all required steps in the process, including application, questionnaire, and online assessment.
• Tentatively selected applicants for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
• Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA.
• Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
• May be required to undergo a Physical Examination.
• Subject to background/security investigation.
• Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process.
• Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements.
• Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP).
• Required to serve a 1-year probationary period.
• One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-06 grade level in the federal service); experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) and other characteristics to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.
• Specialized experience includes: Knowledge of highly technical medical/surgical instruments, human anatomy, physiology, and aseptic technique to prepare and protect the sterile field during surgery; Knowledge of sterile technique must include sterilizer operations and tests to determine the effectiveness of sterilization, packaging storage, and shelf life, also includes the proper cleaning techniques and the types of detergents to use on various items, as well as the proper handling and rotation of sterile supplies, handling of contaminated items, quality control, and personal hygiene; In-Depth knowledge of standard precautions and know how to implement infection control policies and procedures; Knowledge of operation and function of all surgical instruments and equipment, testing procedures to assure all equipment works, and proper postoperative decontamination procedures; Knowledgeable about and thoroughly understand the concepts and applicability of the Joint Commission (TJC), Occupational Safety Health and Administration (OSHA).
• Possess one full year of graduate education that is directly related to the work of the position to be filled. (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED)
• Possess combination of both education and experience. Equivalent combination of successfully completed graduate education and experience to qualify at the GS-07 level. (TRANSCRIPT REQUIRED)
• To calculate combined education and experience: Identify the percentage of required education you have earned. Identify the percentage of required experience you possess. Add the two percentages. The total percentage must equal at least 100 percent to qualify at the GS-07.
• A transcript must be submitted with your application if you are basing all or part of your qualifications on education.
• Visual acuity (Correctable to 20140), hearing clear distinctive speech (correctable to 20db), and manual dexterity to perform prescribed procedures/computer usage.
• Potentially long periods of continued walking, standing, stooping, sitting, bending, pulling, and pushing.
• Transferring patients and objects may be required.
• Must be a mature, flexible, sensible individual capable of working effectively in stressful situations, and be able to shift priorities based on patient needs.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of aseptic technique
• Anticipate needs of the surgeon
• Set-up a sterile field
• Knowledge of surgical instruments.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates sufficient knowledge of anatomy and multiple complex surgical procedures to anticipate surgeon needs.
• Prepares instruments for the full range of surgical procedures.
• Sets up for the procedure and handles instrumentation.
• Prepares pathological specimens for appropriate laboratory testing such as permanent, fresh, frozen, and cultures.
• Performs instrument count, sharps, and sponge counts according to policy.
• Participates in proper patient identification and surgical site verification using Universal Protocol and Time-Out procedures.
• Assists coworkers to plan and prepare for surgical procedures using equipment properly and supplies effectively.
• Participates and contributes to in-service programs pertinent to the care of surgical patients.
• Coordinates with Environmental Management Services for the cleaning of patient care areas after procedures and educates surgical personnel of environmental sanitation and proper PPE.
• Complies with Infection Control policies and procedures.
• Educates surgical personnel on aseptic technique, hand hygiene, and proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Reads and adheres to SOPs, directives, policies and regulations to disassemble and prepare for high level disinfection of reusable medical equipment.
• Performs proper pre-cleaning of instrumentation and prepare instrument sets and case carts for return to SPS.
• Maintains proper levels of disposable and non-disposable supplies.
• Ensures that all instruments are maintained in sufficient quantity and in good order.
• Assists in the selection and purchase of instruments, supplies, and equipment.
• Assists with training military surgical technology students; answers questions pertaining to surgical procedures; PPE; infection control policies and procedures.

Benefits

• Recruitment/Relocation Incentive Authorized
• A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package.
• As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding.
• Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent.
• Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree