Surgical Technologist II - Main Operating Room

UIOWA • Iowa City, IA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

University of Iowa Health Care’s Department of Perioperative Services is seeking a Surgical Technologist II to assist with surgical procedures and provide therapeutic, preventive, and emergency patient care duties. The role prepares, operates, and maintains routine and complex equipment, instruments, supplies, and implants. Duties are performed under the direction of a registered professional nurse.

Available units include Cardiothoracic; Neurosurgery/Orthopedic Trauma; Gynecology/Urology/Transplant; Otolaryngology/Oral Surgery; and General Surgery. The position is based at John Colloton Pavilion (JCP) and works rotating 8-, 10-, and 12-hour shifts, with occasional weekends, additional on-call shifts, and holiday rotation.

Requirements

• Satisfactory completion of a vocational or military course in surgical technology, or certification as a surgical technologist through NBSTSA or NCCT.
• Two years of experience as a Surgical Technologist.

Nice To Haves

• Direct patient-care experience in an operating room.
• 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.
• Apply knowledge of emergency situations and surgical procedures in the operating room.
• Understand and apply principles of medical and surgical asepsis; recognize and communicate breaks in aseptic technique.
• Provide proper care and handling of equipment, instruments, supplies, and implants.
• Understand surgical equipment and advanced instrumentation to anticipate procedural needs and improve surgical flow.
• 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 pertinent patient information to verify the procedure and factors affecting preparedness.
• Assist with revising or updating care plans and developing care plans for new procedures or surgeons.
• Organize and review instrument trays and supply shelves.
• Organize and maintain trial or specialty equipment, supplies, and instruments.
• Use critical thinking to anticipate the needs of the patient and surgeon, take preventative action on potential complications, and report unusual incidents.
• Document according to department and division standards in conjunction with the Registered Nurse.
• Perform computer functions within the role's scope as defined by the supported unit or units.
• Precept new staff and student technologists in scrubbing duties; serve as a primary preceptor for Surgical Technology students, Summer 10 Nursing Interns, or new staff.
• Mentor new employees and other surgical team members.
• Practice standard infection-control precautions according to institutional policy.
• Follow changes in patient-care protocols based on research findings.
• Participate in and contribute to unit staff meetings, in-service programs, perioperative initiatives, and shared governance committees.
• Complete other assigned special projects and tasks.
• Ensure daily unit documentation and tasks are completed, 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, and organize and provide specialty in-services.
• Serve on a shared governance committee, POD committee, or EBP workgroup.

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, dental, life, and disability insurance options.
• Employer contributions to retirement plans.
• Relocation assistance may be available to qualified applicants.
• Evening and night shift differentials.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed