Surgical Technologist Certified - Surgery General

CHRISTUS Health•Alamogordo, NM

About The Position

Performs technical duties to prepare and care for pre-operative patients, including preparing patient skin, maintaining aseptic technique, providing comfort and support while respecting patient privacy, transporting and positioning patients, and identifying and caring for biological specimens. Prepares the Operating Room by setting up tables, instruments, and supplies according to the type of case. Under the direction of a professional nurse, performs processes related to direct patient care and assistance in the OR before and during surgical procedures. Establishes and maintains the sterile field, passes instruments and sutures to the physician, and assists as directed. Uses physician preference cards when pulling cases and setting up the OR and keeps those cards current and complete. Works as part of the patient-care team, maintains a safe surgical environment, and demonstrates competency in using and caring for surgical supplies, instruments, and equipment. Follows Universal Barrier Precautions, OR traffic and dress-code requirements, sanitation policies, and facility procedures for decontamination, processing, and sterilization. Adapts assigned patient assessment, treatment, and care methods to meet the physical, psychosocial, cultural, age-specific, and developmental needs of patients. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Completion of a Surgical Technology program or an accredited LVN/LPN program.
BLS certification required.
Certified Surgical Technologist certification within 180 days of graduation or an LVN/LPN license required.

Nice To Haves

Two or more years of experience preferred.
Ability to proficiently scrub three specialty areas, including areas such as transplants, open heart, urology, neurology, titanium rib, or robotics, is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Meet the expectations of applicable OneCHRISTUS competencies: Leader of Self, Leader of Others, or Leader of Leaders.
Under the direction of a professional nurse, perform processes related to direct patient care and assistance in the OR before and during surgical procedures.
Prepare and care for pre-operative patients, including preparing patient skin in accordance with hospital standards.
Maintain aseptic technique and monitor for situations that could lead to breaches in aseptic technique.
Provide comfort and support to pre-operative patients while demonstrating sensitivity to patient care and privacy.
Transport patients to and from the Operating Room suite and position them according to the type of surgery.
Identify and care for biological specimens.
Prepare the Operating Room by setting up tables, instruments, and supplies according to the type of case.
Establish and maintain the sterile field; pass instruments and sutures to the physician and assist as directed.
Use physician preference cards as a starting point when pulling cases and setting up the OR; keep cards as up to date and complete as possible.
Work effectively as a member of the patient-care team and cooperate in team planning and execution.
Maintain a safe environment by consistently implementing technical and aseptic practices.
Demonstrate clinical expertise in the use and care of surgical supplies, instruments, and equipment.
Follow Universal Barrier Precautions for patient and personal safety in all patient-care situations.
Monitor and control the surgical environment, including traffic, dress codes, and OR sanitation policies and procedures.
Follow facility policies and procedures for decontamination, processing, and sterilization of instruments and supplies.
Perform assigned patient-care responsibilities in a manner that meets the population-specific and developmental needs of patients served.
Adapt patient assessment, treatment, and care methods to each patient's physical, psychosocial, cultural, age-specific, and other developmental needs.
Perform other duties as assigned.