Surgical Technologist - Adult Surgery

OU Health • Oklahoma City, OK

20h

About The Position

The Surgical Technologist provides 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 experience, education, and other qualifications. Level I is an entry-level role performed under supervision.

The Surgical Technologist prepares and maintains the operating room and sterile field, supports the surgical team during procedures, and assists with post-operative processing of instruments and equipment. The role also includes maintaining supplies and preference cards, supporting patient transport as needed, and following applicable safety and procedural policies. This is a Safety Sensitive position under 63 O.S. 427.8 and is subject to a zero-tolerance drug and alcohol standard in compliance with Oklahoma law.

Requirements

• Graduation from an accredited Surgical Technology school or program.
• Basic Life Support certification issued by the American Heart Association.
• For Level II: at least 3 years of experience as a Surgical Technologist.
• For 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 with others and follow technical written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to provide technical assistance in all specialty areas.
• Understanding of growth and development across the lifespan and ability to provide care appropriate to patients’ age-specific needs, including neonatal, pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients.
• Proficiency in basic computer functions and programs.
• Compliance with the zero-tolerance drug and alcohol standard applicable to this Safety Sensitive position.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Use physician preference cards to help prepare the operating room 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; obtain, open, and arrange items anticipated for the procedure.
• Prepare and continuously monitor the sterile field, working with the nurse to open and prepare it.
• Assist with draping the patient and operative area.
• Assist the nurse with 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 other 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.

Benefits

• Sign-on bonus up to $5,000 for qualified individuals.
• Relocation assistance if moving 100+ miles.
• Paid time off (PTO).
• 401(k).
• Medical and dental plans.
• Comprehensive benefits and compensation package designed to support needs inside and outside the work environment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree