Surgical Technologist I, Birth Center, Full-Time, Night Shift

UChicago Medicine•Chicago, IL

7d•$31 - $36•Onsite

About The Position

The Surgical Technologist I supports nursing and medical staff in caring for patients undergoing surgical intervention and performs surgical scrub technologist duties. The role collaborates with nursing and other disciplines as needed to revise care plans in response to changing patient needs, and has ongoing contact with operating room staff, physicians, clerical staff, anesthesia staff, and materials management. This is a 0.9 FTE, onsite position in the Birth Center Delivery Room at Hyde Park, working the night shift. The employee must be based in the greater Chicagoland area. The position independently performs the surgical scrub role across adult and pediatric services, applies knowledge of surgical techniques and emergency and trauma procedures, and uses proper aseptic and infection-control practices. The Surgical Technologist prepares cases and operating rooms, sets up instruments and equipment according to surgeon preference cards and applicable standards, operates and troubleshoots video systems, and uses supplies and equipment appropriately. The role also supports patient preparation and positioning, maintains the sterile field, performs counts, handles specimens, assists during emergencies, and helps ensure quality measures are met. Candidates must have a high school diploma or equivalent and graduate from an accredited Surgical Technologist program. CST certification and BLS are required; CST certification may be obtained within 12 months of hire. The role requires interpersonal, analytical, organizational, prioritization, and surgical technologist skills, as well as the ability to function effectively on a surgical team, recognize life-threatening situations, and remain composed under stress.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Graduate of an accredited Surgical Technologist program; this is the stated minimum experience qualification.
CST certification required; it can be obtained within 12 months of hire.
BLS required.
Interpersonal skills to facilitate communication.
Basic knowledge and ability to perform surgical technologist skills.
Analytical skills to interpret and communicate data relevant to direct patient care to the RN and MD.
Ability to function as a member of the surgical team and carry out instructions from surgeons, the Circulating RN, and the Surgical Technologist Preceptor with speed, accuracy, and concentration.
Ability to prioritize daily activities, recognize and intervene in life-threatening situations, and maintain composure under stressful circumstances.
Must be based in the greater Chicagoland area.

Responsibilities

Independently perform the surgical scrub role within the operative field across adult and pediatric services.
Apply knowledge of surgical techniques, emergency and trauma situations, and operating-room procedures.
Use proper aseptic technique and infection-control practices when handling blood and body fluids.
Use sterilizers and high-level disinfectors correctly, document appropriately, and maintain required competencies.
Prepare cases and operating rooms in coordination with unit leadership, the Charge Nurse, and Central Sterile Processing; pick case carts and set up instruments, supplies, and equipment according to surgeon preference cards, policies, procedures, and standards of care.
Operate and troubleshoot video systems, collaborating with Administrative Coordinators, Specialty Managers, Clinical Engineering, and in-house vendors to maintain them.
Use equipment, instruments, and supplies appropriately and cost-effectively based on assessed needs, standards of care, and surgeon preference cards.
Perform and support sponge, needle, and instrument counts; maintain aseptic technique; handle and label specimens and medications on the sterile field properly; and care for electrosurgical active electrodes and implants.
Properly handle and care for instrumentation.
Help prepare the operating room, open packs, supplies, and instrument sets, and position patients.
Monitor the sterile field and open sterile supplies onto it before procedures.
Handle specimens and assist with emergency situations.
Help ensure quality measures, including Surgical Care Improvement Project (SCIP) core measures, are met.
Collaborate with nursing and other disciplines to revise care plans when patient needs change.