Surgical Technologist - Adult Surgery

OU Health•Oklahoma City, OK

About The Position

The Surgical Technologist works under supervision to provide technical assistance in an operating room, labor and delivery, or another unit performing surgical or invasive procedures. The position may be filled at Level I, II, or III depending on the individual’s experience, education, and other qualifications. The role supports surgical procedures by preparing and maintaining the operating room and sterile field, providing instruments and supplies, assisting with patient and specimen handling, and supporting post-operative processing and room cleaning. The Surgical Technologist also helps evaluate new products, methods, and equipment and acts as a liaison between physicians and management regarding instruments and supplies. This is a safety-sensitive position subject to a zero-tolerance drug and alcohol standard in compliance with Oklahoma law. OU Health offers a comprehensive benefits package, including PTO, 401(k), medical and dental plans. A sign-on bonus of up to $5,000 is available for qualified individuals, and relocation assistance is available for those moving 100 or more miles.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited Surgical Technology school or program.
Basic Life Support certification issued by the American Heart Association.
Level I: no experience required.
Level II: at least 3 years of experience as a Surgical Technologist.
Level III: at least 5 years of experience as a Surgical Technologist.
Knowledge of medical asepsis as it applies to the operating room.
Knowledge of instruments used for different types of surgical procedures and proper operating room setup.
Knowledge of proper methods for handling and transferring instruments and supplies.
Knowledge of proper handling of tissue specimens, cultures, and smears.
Knowledge of inventory methods.
Ability to maintain effective working relationships and follow technical written and verbal instructions.
Skills in providing technical assistance in all specialty areas.
Understanding of growth and development across the lifespan and ability to provide care appropriate to the patient’s age-specific needs, including neonatal, pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients.
Proficiency in basic computer functions and programs.

Nice To Haves

Previous hospital experience preferred for Level I.
Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) certification issued by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), or Tech in Surgery (TS-C) certification issued by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT), preferred for Level I.

Responsibilities

Use physician preference cards to help prepare the operating room for procedures and assist in maintaining and updating the cards.
Maintain adequate instruments and supplies to meet the patient’s changing needs.
Scrub in and set up instruments and supplies before procedures.
Prepare and continuously monitor the sterile field, including obtaining, opening, and arranging anticipated instruments and supplies.
Assist with opening and preparing the sterile field with the nurse, and with draping the patient and operative area.
Assist the nurse in correctly identifying operative specimens for laboratory analysis.
Remain attentive during surgery and provide additional instruments, supplies, or other items as needed.
Recognize and correct breaks in sterile technique.
Deliver medications to the surgeon.
Participate in sponge, needle, and instrument counts as directed by policy.
Report drains, packs, implants, and similar items to the circulating nurse and assist with applying dressings.
Inform appropriate personnel of potential problems involving the patient or procedure, and take emergency action as required.
Assist with post-operative processing of instruments and equipment.
Clean operating room areas and dispose of sharps from the sterile field according to policy.
Participate in evaluating new products, methods, and equipment for quality.
Act as a liaison between physicians and management regarding instruments and supplies.
Assist with patient transport as needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.