Main Operating Room - Surgical Tech

Wellstar Health System•Marietta, GA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Surgical Technologist Non-Certified works under the direction of a registered professional nurse to support safe, age-appropriate, culturally aware patient care in the Main Operating Room at Kennestone. The role supports moderate- to high-acuity surgical cases, anticipates the needs of surgeons and other members of the healthcare team, develops skills for increasingly difficult cases, and organizes an efficient surgical plan. The technologist discusses plans with team members, troubleshoots instruments and equipment, anticipates supply and equipment needs, and may mentor, precept, or train others. The position also participates in performance improvement initiatives. Duties include preparing the operating suite and sterile field, gathering instruments and supplies, assisting with procedures as needed, and maintaining patient safety and sterile technique. Additional duties may include inventory, ordering and stocking operating rooms and other perioperative areas, and ensuring compliance with Joint Commission standards. Call or late coverage may be required depending on the facility. The schedule is five 8-hour shifts, 7 a.m.–3 p.m., plus call, on the day shift. The position is sign-on bonus eligible.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Completion of a general or accredited Surgical Technology program.
BLS, ARC-BLS, or BLS-I certification required upon hire.
Ability to read, write, and speak English.
Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
Ability to collaborate with healthcare providers and delegate to team members as required.
Ability to multitask and function in stressful and emergency situations.
Strong attention to detail and knowledge of surgical procedures.
Basic computer skills, including Word and Excel.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, self-direct, and use independent judgment.
Critical thinking and ability to adapt quickly to changing situations.

Nice To Haves

At least one year of operating room scrub tech experience is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Anticipate the needs of the surgeon and healthcare team during moderate- to high-difficulty surgical cases.
Check supplies and equipment for procedures, including reviewing and using preference cards.
Assist with operating room setup and open sterile supplies.
Set up the sterile table with instruments, supplies, equipment, medications, and solutions in an accurate and timely manner.
Perform surgical counts with the circulator and participate in procedure time-outs and post-procedure pauses, including proper specimen handling.
Scrub, gown, and glove; gown and glove surgeons and assistants; and assist with draping the sterile field.
Pass instruments, maintain an organized back table and operative field, and maintain sterile technique throughout procedures.
Prepare sterile dressings and clean and prepare instruments for terminal sterilization, notifying SPD of critical instrument needs.
Apply aseptic principles to help prevent infection and protect patients and employees.
Prepare case carts and review the surgical schedule to help prepare for upcoming cases.
Observe patients and promptly report changes or significant findings to the physician and registered nurse.
Plan for procedural next steps and adapt appropriately when emergencies arise.
Prepare operating rooms and other assigned areas, including stocking, cleaning equipment or storage areas, turning over rooms, requesting supplies, preparing instruments, and notifying specialty staff about instrumentation or equipment needs.
Use supplies and equipment responsibly, opening only supplies required until requested by the surgeon.
Provide supervised, relationship-based, patient-centered care that reflects age, gender, disease, and cultural considerations; verify procedures and conduct relief bedside shift reports.
Follow current clinical practice standards, organizational policies, legal and regulatory requirements, accreditation standards, patient safety goals, and ethical practices.
Collaborate with the healthcare team, promote a positive work environment, and serve as a patient advocate.
Assist with between-case and terminal room cleaning, room preparation for the next patient, patient transport, and age-appropriate comfort and safety measures.
Participate in performance improvement and seek opportunities to improve processes with the healthcare team.
Complete initial and annual competencies, required education, population-specific education, and computer-based learning; participate in training for new policies, processes, and equipment.
Support students and new hires by providing a positive learning environment and mentoring, precepting, or training as appropriate.
Maintain 20 hours of continuing education related to the field per evaluation period.
Support licensed staff within the skills and equipment for which the technologist is competent; care for surgical equipment and accessories; maintain cleanliness and stock medical supplies; and complete assigned duties and Success Factor requirements.