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

University of Chicago•Chicago, IL

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Surgical Technologist I works in the Birth Center at University of Chicago Medicine, assisting nursing and medical staff in caring for patients undergoing surgical intervention and performing surgical scrub technologist duties. The role collaborates with nursing and other disciplines to revise the plan of care as patient needs change, and has regular contact with operating room staff, physicians, clerical staff, anesthesia staff, and materials management. This is a 100% onsite position based in the greater Chicagoland area, working in the Birth Center delivery room at Hyde Park.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Graduate of an accredited Surgical Technologist program.
CST certification required; certification may 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 with speed, accuracy, and concentration.
Ability to prioritize daily activities, recognize and intervene in life-threatening situations, and maintain composure under stressful circumstances.

Responsibilities

Independently perform the surgical scrub role within the operative field and scrub for 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.
Operate sterilizers and high-level disinfectors, document their use, and maintain required competencies.
Prepare cases, pick case carts, and set up rooms accurately with instruments and trays in coordination with unit leadership, the Charge Nurse, and Central Sterile Processing.
Set up instruments, supplies, and equipment according to surgeons’ preference cards, policies, procedures, and standards of care.
Operate and troubleshoot video systems and collaborate with relevant staff and vendors to maintain them.
Use equipment, instruments, and supplies appropriately and cost-effectively based on assessed needs, standards of care, and surgeons’ preference cards.
Perform 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.
Handle and care for instrumentation properly.
Help prepare the operating room, open packs and supplies, position patients, monitor the sterile field, and open sterile supplies onto the field before procedures.
Perform counts and handle specimens during procedures.
Assist in emergency situations and help ensure quality measures, including Surgical Care Improvement Project core measures, are met.
Communicate and carry out instructions from surgeons, the Circulating RN, and the Surgical Technologist Preceptor as part of the surgical team.