Surgical Technologist III, Registry

The University of Chicago Medicine•Crown Point, IN

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Join a world-class academic healthcare system, UChicago Medicine, as a Surgical Technologist III - Registry in our Outpatient Surgery Center at our Crown Point facility. UChicago Medicine Crown Point brings outstanding adult and pediatric care to the Northwest Indiana community. Its features include an eight-bed emergency department and small inpatient unit, an outpatient surgery center, and a cancer center. The Surgical Technologist III is involved in process improvement or quality initiatives within Perioperative Services. This position also assists the nursing and medical staff in providing care to patients undergoing surgical intervention and performing surgical scrub technologist duties; collaborates with nursing and other disciplines, when necessary, to revise the plan of care to meet the changing needs of the patient. Has constant contact with the Operating Room staff, physicians, clerical staff, anesthesia staff, and materials management.

Requirements

A completed high school diploma or equivalent
Graduate of an accredited Surgical Technologist program
A minimum of 5 years of past operating room experience
An active Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association
An active CST certification is required, and if not already obtained, must be achieved within 12 months of hire
Basic knowledge and ability to perform surgical technologist skills, analytical skills necessary to interpret and communicate data relevant to direct patient care to RN and MD
Ability to function as a member of the surgical team, carrying out the instructions of surgeons and of the circulating RN with speed, accuracy, and concentration
Able to prioritize daily activities
Able to recognize and intervene in life-threatening situations
Able to maintain composure under stressful circumstances
Demonstrates higher-level critical thinking and problem-solving skills, thinks on an organizational level; demonstrates a competent, courteous, and professional manner with coworkers, physicians, visitors, patients, and others, maintaining confidentiality in execution of all duties, and superior knowledge and expert practice in the scrub role in advanced surgical procedures. Exhibits a high level of collaboration with peers in making decisions related to surgical patient care
Demonstrates critical thinking skills in relation to anticipating the perioperative needs of the patient and surgeon
Able to perform repetitive and physically demanding tasks
Able to wear lead aprons (ranging in weight from 10-25 pounds) for prolonged periods of time for protection from exposure to radiation
Able to fulfill on-call responsibilities, being alert and ready to work in emergencies

Responsibilities

Independently performs surgical scrub role within the operative field and can scrub in open, laparoscopic, and robotic cases in all service lines, including trauma, thoracic, vascular, orthopedics, general, gynecology, urology, otolaryngology, plastics, and colorectal
Applies knowledge of advanced surgical techniques, is highly collaborative with colleagues, and is considered a role model among peers
Applies knowledge related to emergency and trauma situations and surgical procedures in the operating room
Demonstrates infection control practices by utilizing proper aseptic technique while dealing with blood/body fluid
Correctly uses all sterilizers and high-level disinfectors related to surgical procedures; documents appropriately and maintains competencies, as required
In conjunction with Unit leadership, Charge Nurse, and Central Sterile Processing, demonstrates organizational skills in case preparation, case cart picking, and accurate room set-up for instrument and tray contents in scheduled cases. Sets up instruments, supplies, and equipment according to the surgeon’s preference cards, policies, procedures, and standards of care
Acts as an exemplary mentor and teacher for students and staff orientees
Operates and troubleshoots video systems as needed. Works in collaboration with Administrative Coordinators, Specialty Managers, Clinical Engineering, and In-house Vendors to maintain video systems
Provides input in organizing and coordinating the effective use of personnel and materials
Provides cost-effective care by the proper use of equipment and instruments. Demonstrates appropriate utilization of supplies based on assessed needs, standard of car,e and surgeon’s preference cards
Demonstrates knowledge of immediate and long term outcomes of surgical activities, including, but not limited to: sponge, needl,e and instrument count, aseptic technique, proper handling of specimens, proper labeling and handling of medications on a sterile field, and care of electrosurgical active electrodes and implants
Properly handles and cares for instrumentation
In collaboration with Perioperative Educators, develops, organizes, and delivers continuing education topics and/or courses for operating room technologist colleagues and Central Sterile Processing staff
Helps the team to prepare room
Helps open packs, supplies, and instrument sets
Helps position patient
Monitors sterile field
Opens sterile supplies onto the sterile field before procedure
Performs counts
Handles specimen(s)
Assists with emergencies
Assures quality measures are met, such as the Surgical Care Improvement Project (SCIP) core measures
In collaboration with Unit leadership and the Charge Nurse, determines individual patient/surgeon needs and adjusts instrumentation and supplies according to those needs
Inventories and restocks supplies in individual OR suites and Specialty Service carts
Responsible for reviewing and updating preference cards in collaboration with the specialty team
In collaboration with the Specialty Manager & Central Sterile Processing management team, acts as a liaison to CSP in the maintenance of specialty instrumentation necessary to enhance the delivery of quality patient care for assigned service(s)
Perform unit-based in-services to peer groups on a bi-yearly basis for education and learning purposes
Communicates with the oncoming shift any pertinent information regarding patients or unit activities
Acts as a resource person to patients, visitors, physicians, & other staff
Facilitates inter- and intradepartmental communication flow of the OR schedule
Collaborates with the Scheduling Board Manager, Anesthesia Coordinator, Charge Nurse, and Perioperative management team in providing accurate and timely information regarding patient status and OR schedule
Assists in efficient room turnover and case set-up
Performs other duties assigned
Consistently demonstrates leadership abilities in support of UCMC’s goals, including excellence in safety, quality, and the patient experience
Performs the preceptor role in the training of students, orientees, and OR staff; Assists in the orientation of staff
Serves as a mentor and role model
Serves as a resource for float staff
Actively participates in at least one department or medical center committee
Contributes to creating a work climate that encourages positive staff morale, motivation, and commitment for all who participate in the care of patients
Participates in a changing environment by being supportive and cooperative with changes at the unit level. Recognizes and seeks opportunities to learn from others and is receptive to new ideas, programs, and solutions to patient care