Surgical Technologist

Sanford Health•Beaver Dam, WI

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Surgical technologists are an integral part of the team of medical practitioners providing surgical care to patients. This role assists in the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of care that meets the mission and goals of quality care and service excellence at Sanford. The surgical technologist works under the supervision and delegation authority of a surgeon, and in some cases other clinical licensed professionals, to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of invasive and non-invasive surgical procedures. This includes ensuring the operating room environment is safe, that equipment functions properly, and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety. Key responsibilities include accurately accounting for items used during a procedure, maintaining an organized sterile field, and demonstrating knowledge in the theory and application of asepsis and sterile technique. The technologist combines knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and the use of tools and technologies to facilitate a provider's performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. They actively participate in safety measures, maintain an organized sterile field, and are aware of the location of all supplies needed for the procedure. Preparation of the surgical environment before procedures includes ensuring supplies and dedicated devices are sterile and ready for surgery, as well as clipping, transporting, positioning, and ensuring aseptic incision sites. The role may also assist in patient preparation prior to procedures, make minor adjustments to avoid instrument malfunctions, and keep instruments in operating condition. Quality assurance checks on sterile and unsterile supplies may be conducted according to sterilization principles before procedures. Verification of the completeness of items returned from the surgical site and participation in reconciliation activities are also part of the role. The surgical technologist must demonstrate positive interpersonal relationships and well-developed critical thinking skills, with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment and adjust to changes in duties with minimal notice. Additional administrative duties for case preparation of patients may be required. This position provides services for patients during surgical procedures and assists in the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of care in accordance with established standards of performance. LPN duties may be included in the scope of practice for those possessing an LPN license.

Requirements

Graduate of an approved school of surgical technology or graduate of an accredited school of practical nursing as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) required.
Must have a good knowledge of anatomy, physiology, medical and surgical terminology, instrumentation, aseptic techniques, and surgical procedures acquired through post-secondary training.
If an LPN, currently holds an unencumbered Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license with State Nursing board and/or possess multi-state licensure privileges.
Basic Life Support (BLS) required within first 60 days of employment into position.
Completes required annual continuing education units (CEU) and competency training requirements of the department and facility.
Obtains and subsequently maintains required department specific competencies and certifications.
If working in North Dakota and not an LPN, must be on the North Dakota Board of Nursing Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP) Registry at the time employment begins.

Nice To Haves

Experience in an operating room setting is preferred.
National certification as a Surgical Technologist preferred.

Responsibilities

Assists in the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of care that meets the mission and goals of quality care and service excellence at Sanford.
Assist with assessing, planning, implementing, evaluating, or documenting the care of patients.
Work under the supervision and delegation authority of a surgeon, and in some cases other clinical licensed professionals, to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of invasive and non-invasive surgical procedures.
Ensure that the operating room environment is safe, that equipment functions properly, and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety.
Accurately account for items used during a procedure and maintain an organized sterile field to facilitate accountability for all items during and after a procedure.
Demonstrate knowledge in the theory and application of the principles of asepsis and sterile technique to combine the knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation and tools and technologies to facilitate a provider's performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.
Actively participate in safety measures, maintain an organized sterile field, as well as maintain awareness of the location of all supplies needed for the course of the procedure.
Prepare the surgical environment before procedures; ensuring that supplies and dedicated devices are sterile and ready for surgery, as well as clipping, transporting, positioning, and ensuring aseptic incisions sites.
Assist in the preparation of patients prior to procedures.
Make minor adjustments to avoid instrument malfunctions and keeping them in operating condition.
Conduct sterile and unsterile supply quality assurance checks are according to sterilization principles before procedure.
Verify the completeness of items when returned from the surgical site.
Participate in reconciliation activities.
Demonstrate positive interpersonal relationships and well-developed critical thinking skills.
Work in a fast-paced environment and adjust to changes in duties with minimal notice, as the schedule requires.
Assist with additional administration duties as needed for case preparation of patients.
Provide services for patients during surgical procedures.
Provide services for patients during surgical procedures.