About The Position

The University of Iowa Health Care Downtown Campus is hiring at either the Surgical Technologist I or Surgical Technologist II classification, based on the successful candidate’s qualifications. Under the direction of Staff Nurses, the Surgical Technologist assists with surgical procedures and therapeutic, preventive, and emergency patient care. The role prepares, operates, and maintains routine and complex equipment, instruments, supplies, and implants. The position is based at the Downtown Campus, a 194-bed hospital in Iowa City. The role is listed at 90% time, with a schedule of days and every third weekend. Shift differentials are available for evening and night work. Qualified candidates may be eligible for a sign-on incentive of up to $5,000; current UI employees are not eligible. The Surgical Technologist prepares the surgical area, anticipates the needs of the surgical team, maintains the sterile field, and contributes to safe, effective patient care. The role also includes precepting and mentoring students and staff, maintaining procedural supplies and equipment, contributing to unit initiatives and education, and completing documentation and assigned projects.

Requirements

  • For Surgical Technologist I: satisfactory completion of a vocational or military course in surgical technology, or certification as a Surgical Technologist.
  • For Surgical Technologist II: satisfactory completion of a vocational or military course in surgical technology, or certification as a surgical technologist through NBSTSA or NCCT.
  • For Surgical Technologist II: two years of Surgical Technologist experience.
  • Knowledge of medical and surgical asepsis, medical instruments, and supplies.
  • Demonstrated competency in scrub duties in three or more surgical specialties.
  • Knowledge of anatomy related to surgical procedures and the instrumentation required to anticipate the surgeon's needs.
  • Ability to perform CPR and emergency care procedures, set priorities, and respond appropriately to actual or potential life-threatening situations.
  • Ability to work effectively and efficiently under pressure in a stressful environment, often without relief.
  • Ability to maintain patient confidentiality and provide care appropriate to patient condition and age.
  • Ability to meet customer service needs and provide excellent service to patients, visitors, and staff.
  • Ability to communicate effectively with internal and external customers.
  • Ability to work safely and comply with special safety and health precautions, universal precautions, and disposal protocols for linen, waste, and contaminated items.
  • Ability to use supplies and equipment cost-effectively.
  • Ability to maintain personal appearance in accordance with the dress code.
  • Ability to alter work schedule to meet unit and patient needs.
  • Ability to be punctual and dependable and maintain effective working relationships.
  • Resume must be attached as part of the application process.
  • Successful candidates must self-disclose conviction history and undergo a criminal background check and credential and education verification.
  • Up to five professional references will be requested later in the recruitment process.

Nice To Haves

  • Direct patient-care experience.
  • Experience working in a health care environment.
  • Ability to scrub surgical procedures.
  • Strong written communication skills.

Responsibilities

  • Prepare the surgical area for patient care and anticipate the needs of the surgical team.
  • Assist with surgical procedures and therapeutic, preventive, and emergency patient care under the direction of Staff Nurses.
  • Apply knowledge of emergency situations and surgical procedures in the operating room.
  • Maintain medical and surgical asepsis, recognize and communicate breaks in aseptic technique, and follow standard and universal precautions.
  • Properly care for and handle equipment, instruments, supplies, and implants; understand surgical equipment and advanced instrumentation to anticipate procedural needs.
  • Perform delegated technical functions and clinical activities in accordance with institutional policies.
  • Facilitate patient care based on the patient's condition and age.
  • Collaborate with peers on surgical patient-care decisions, maintain the sterile field, and report incidents to the surgeon.
  • Participate in collaborative review of patient information for procedural accuracy and preparedness.
  • Assist in revising or updating care plans and developing plans for new procedures or surgeons.
  • Organize and review instrument trays and supply shelves, and maintain trial or specialty equipment, supplies, and instruments.
  • Use critical thinking to anticipate the needs of patients and surgeons, take preventive action on potential complications, and report unusual incidents.
  • Document care according to department and division standards in conjunction with the Registered Nurse.
  • Perform computer functions within the role's scope as defined by the unit or units supported.
  • Precept new staff and student technologists in scrubbing duties; mentor new employees and other surgical team members.
  • Participate in unit staff meetings, in-service programs, perioperative initiatives, and shared governance committees or workgroups.
  • Complete daily unit documentation and tasks, including case reviews for procedures, implants, and supplies.
  • Communicate with surgeons about implants, instruments, or supplies for future cases.
  • Organize or revise specialty carts, care plans, and service-line information; organize and provide specialty in-services.
  • Perform other assigned special projects and tasks.
  • Transport and/or escort patients as needed.
  • Use supplies and equipment cost-effectively and follow protocols for disposal of linen, waste, and contaminated supplies and equipment.
  • Maintain patient confidentiality, follow dress code, and comply with safety and health precautions.
  • Adjust the work schedule to meet unit and patient needs and maintain punctuality and dependable working relationships.

Benefits

  • Qualified candidates may be eligible for a sign-on incentive of up to $5,000; current UI employees are not eligible.
  • Paid vacation.
  • Sick leave.
  • Health insurance options.
  • Dental insurance options.
  • Life insurance options.
  • Disability insurance options.
  • Generous employer contributions into retirement plans.
  • Shift differentials for evening and night work.
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