Surgical Technologist

Children's National Hospital

18d•$32 - $64•Onsite

About The Position

The Surgical Technologist (ST) is an integral member of a multidisciplinary surgical team, collaborating with team members to facilitate integrated and comprehensive care in the peri-operative environment. The position works under the direction and supervision of the registered nurse/circulating nurse. In the scrub role, the ST assists the operating surgeon and assistants, prepares for procedures, and cleans up afterward. The ST maintains effective peer and physician relationships to support high-quality patient care and professionalism. The ST prepares the operating room and sterile field, scrubs for routine and complex procedures, anticipates the surgical team's needs, and handles instruments, supplies, medications, and specimens. The role also includes supporting patient safety and sterile technique, operating and caring for equipment, participating in counts and verification procedures, and performing sterilization-related duties. The ST is expected to demonstrate accountability, professional judgment, clear communication, and ongoing participation in required education and training.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Communication skills training, including English written and verbal skills.
Graduation from a surgical technologist program or an OR training program.
Knowledge of aseptic technique and the ability to maintain a surgical conscience.
Human relations and interpersonal skills.
Ability to identify basic surgical instruments by type, function, and name.
Understanding of sterilization exposure verification, sterile-package integrity, and appropriate supply opening.
Ability to identify major surgical materials and understand their preparation and use in specific procedures.
Anatomical and physiological knowledge relevant to specified surgical procedures.
Ability to maintain a safe, organized, clean, and comfortable environment.
Ability to perform basic calculations, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
Ability to use supplies and disposables cost-effectively and support the initiation or maintenance of current preference cards.
Ability to serve as a clinical resource to support and develop peers.
Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification.

Nice To Haves

Experience as a Surgical Technologist.
One year of Sterile Processing experience.
Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) certification.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with the RN and physician to develop a plan of care for each patient.
Prepare the operating room for procedures, opening supplies and equipment onto the sterile field according to the procedure and the child's age.
Identify and prepare basic sterile packs and trays, and scrub for routine and complex procedures.
Anticipate surgical needs by applying knowledge of anatomy, procedures, instrumentation, equipment, and supplies.
Identify, prepare, and operate standard and specialty equipment, including drills, OR tables, Jackson tables, and microscopes.
Use appropriate methods to care for and handle surgical instruments and maintain the sterile field.
Pass instrumentation, supplies, medications, and specimens to the surgical team with dexterity and accuracy.
Prepare irrigation solutions, medications, flushes, and hemostatic agents as needed.
Participate in Universal Protocol and the timeout, including the fire risk assessment, and validate surgical implants with the RN and surgeon.
Use positioning devices correctly to protect the patient and promote optimal exposure.
Handle sharps safely and follow established surgical-count procedures, initiating corrective action when counts are incorrect.
Verify medications, concentrations, and expiration dates with the RN and anesthesia provider, and verify specimens at the end of each case according to policy.
Promote safety by speaking up about unsafe behavior, pausing when uncertain, validating information, communicating clearly, and supporting patients, families, visitors, and coworkers.
Assist the surgical team during emergency situations.
Apply correct disinfection techniques and manufacturer protocols; use appropriate sterilizers; monitor sterilization records and indicators; and follow recall procedures.
Demonstrate accountability and professional judgment, arrive on time, use downtime constructively, and comply with departmental policies and procedures.
Identify learning needs, attend required meetings and training, apply education to daily work, and complete, document, and report mandatory education.