Casual, Surgical Technologist, Sr. - UPMC Somerset

UPMC•Somerset, PA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

UPMC Somerset is hiring a casual Surgical Technologist, with placement at the Tech, Intermediate, or Senior level based on experience and education. The role supports operating-room teams throughout surgical cases by preparing sterile fields, passing instruments, maintaining equipment readiness, handling specimens, and helping ensure patient safety and efficient procedures. The Senior-level starting rate is $26.36 per hour; the posting also lists starting rates of $23.27 for Surgical Technologist and $24.34 for Surgical Technologist, Intermediate. This is an as-needed casual position requiring at least 16 hours per six-week scheduling period and at least 120 call hours per year. Participation in weekend and holiday call coverage is required. Applicants must meet the qualifications for the level at which they are placed, as well as applicable certification, CPR/BLS, and clearance requirements.

Requirements

Meet at least one applicable Pennsylvania surgical technologist qualification: completion of a program sponsored by nationally recognized institutional or programmatic accreditation and certification; qualifying new-graduate status with certification within six months of program completion; appropriate military training or certification from an accredited program; or eligibility under the stated grandfathering provisions for prior employment as a surgical technologist.
Comply with continuing-education requirements specified by the credentialing organization; individuals who are not certified must complete 30 hours of continuing education every two years.
For the Intermediate level: meet the base qualifications and have two years of current surgical technician experience demonstrating advanced knowledge of at least two surgical specialties.
For the Senior level: meet the base qualifications, complete a formal surgical technician program offered by a community or junior college, vocational school, university, hospital, or the military, and have three years of current Operating Room experience.
For the Senior level, advanced knowledge of at least two surgical specialties is required; one year of experience in a selected specialty is desired.
Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) or Tech in Surgery-Certified (TSC) credential, subject to the stated new-graduate and grandfathering provisions.
CPR or BLS; CPR must meet AHA standards and include didactic and skills-demonstration components within 30 days of hire.
Act 31 Child Abuse Reporting, with renewal.
Act 33 clearance, with renewal.
Act 34 clearance, with renewal.
Act 73 FBI Clearance, with renewal.
Meet the stated minimum commitment of 16 hours per six-week scheduling period and minimum 120 call hours per year, including weekend and holiday call coverage.

Nice To Haves

For the Senior level, one year of experience in a selected surgical specialty is desired.

Responsibilities

Teach skill-based and theoretical principles to new employees and students.
Pass instruments and sterile supplies to surgeons and assistants; assist during surgery with retractors or instruments, cutting sutures, sponging or suctioning the operative site, and counting sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments.
Under the Clinician’s direction, take responsibility for repairs, ordering, and maintenance of supplies, equipment, lasers, and instrumentation related to the specialty service; assist with oversight of supplies and equipment used for patient care and safety.
Prepare operating rooms by setting up instruments, equipment, sterile drapes, and sterile solutions; assemble sterile and non-sterile equipment and check that equipment is functioning properly.
Identify and address patient-care and technical problems that could improve Operating Room function and operations.
Coordinate day-to-day supervision of surgical technicians and serve as shift lead to answer questions and resolve issues.
Prepare patients for surgery, including washing and shaving and ensuring aseptic incision sites; may transport and position patients and cover them with sterile drapes.
Assist the surgical team with putting on sterile gowns and gloves; scrub, maintain asepsis, select and sterilize instruments, set up procedures, obtain additional supplies, and store equipment and instruments.
Prepare, care for, and dispose of laboratory specimens and help apply dressings.
Support cost containment in the use of materials and equipment.
Use in-depth knowledge of a specific surgical specialty or broad knowledge across multiple specialties; communicate and collaborate with surgeons, specialty team members, and other departments.
Serve as a resource for staff and other disciplines, identify process-improvement opportunities, and assist with implementation.
Ensure medications are labeled and handed to the surgeon according to established policies and procedures.
After surgery, may help transfer patients to the recovery room; clean and restock the operating room and maintain a clean, safe environment by remaining alert to safety and explosive hazards and following aseptic technique.
Assist the head nurse by precepting students and new employees.