Surgical Technologist I

MyMichigan Health•Midland, MI

About The Position

The Surgical Technologist I works in the Operating Room and demonstrates knowledge of surgical procedures and standards of practice. The role ensures supplies, instruments, and equipment are available, correctly assembled, and in working condition; anticipates the surgeon’s needs; maintains and monitors the sterile field; and accurately accounts for medications, sharps, instruments, and sponges. The technologist independently scrubs basic surgical procedures and maintains operating-room competency. The position also requires effective collaboration with patients, visitors, physicians, coworkers, and interdisciplinary personnel. The technologist participates in regulatory surveys and performance improvement, assists with orientation and staff development, and keeps current with professional standards and developments. On-call responsibilities and extra-shift coverage may be required as needed.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Technical certificate or completion of a surgical technology program accredited by CAAHEP, a military surgical technology program, or a certified Surgical Technology program.
A graduate of an accredited surgical technology program who is awaiting the certification exam must obtain certification within 6 months of hire or transfer.
BLS: Basic Life Support from the AHA within 1 month of hire or transfer.
Independently scrub basic surgical procedures and maintain operating room competency.
Manual dexterity and mechanical skills to properly use and hold surgical instruments.
Interpersonal and communication skills to interact with individuals and groups at all levels and communicate ideas clearly.
Competency in Microsoft Windows and willingness to participate in further learning opportunities offered by MyMichigan Health.
Ability to wear personal protective equipment, including latex materials or an appropriate substitute if required.
Ability to move freely about the facility, with or without an assistive device, and perform the job’s outlined functions.
Vision and hearing sufficient to perform the job, with or without assistive devices.
Ability to sit, stand, and walk for long periods and make frequent postural changes such as stooping, kneeling, or crouching.
Ability to handle multiple tasks, work independently, get along with others, maintain regular and predictable attendance, and stay awake.
Dexterity for handling, reaching, grasping, fingering, and feeling, with repetition of these movements on a regular to frequent basis.
Ability to meet the stated medium physical demand level: occasionally lift or carry 21–50 pounds; frequently handle 20 pounds and/or walk, stand, push, or pull using arm/leg controls; and constantly handle 10 pounds.
Follow MyMichigan Health bloodborne pathogen and TB testing requirements.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in Surgical Technology.
Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) certification.
Surgical Tech certificate graduate holding Tech in Surgery-Certified (TS-C) certification.

Responsibilities

Demonstrate knowledge of surgical procedures and problem-solve in relation to the procedure being performed.
Verify items on the physician preference card and ensure supplies are accounted for so patient charges are billed accurately.
Use, assemble, clean, and sterilize equipment and disposables; ensure equipment, supplies, and instruments are correctly assembled and in working condition.
Maintain the sterile environment, monitor the sterile field, and recognize breaks in sterile technique.
Set up the sterile field and instruments in a timely manner.
Accurately account for medications, sponges, instruments, and sharps on the sterile field according to policy.
Demonstrate a positive, courteous, and helpful attitude toward patients, visitors, physicians, and coworkers.
Develop and maintain effective working relationships with interdisciplinary personnel to meet patient needs.
Remain calm and efficient in stressful situations.
Share information and report significant changes or abnormal findings to appropriate team members.
Participate in regulatory surveys and performance improvement activities.
Assist with orientation, ongoing competencies, education, and staff development.
Attend and participate in professional association activities and programs to stay current with regulations, guidelines, and professional standards of care.
Stay current on developments by reading professional journals and attending seminars.
Fulfill on-call responsibilities and provide extra-shift coverage as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.