Operating Room Surgical Technologist / WEO

Emory•Atlanta, GA

About The Position

Implements and evaluates care for pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients undergoing diagnostic and invasive surgical procedures. Provides care for patients with complex health issues and serves as a clinical resource to staff. The role requires expertise in at least one specialty area, competency across multiple specialties, and the ability to function as a clinical expert in two or more complex specialty service lines while floating to other complex service lines as needed. Specialty areas include General Surgery, ENT, Robotics, Ophthalmology, Complex GYN, Complex Ortho/Spine, Thoracic, and Vascular; complex specialty areas also include Complex Neuro Procedures, Large Organ Transplant, Surgical Oncology, and Reconstructive Surgery. Plans and supports surgical procedures by identifying patient and surgeon needs, determining required equipment and resources, preparing the operating room, and assisting surgeons and nurses with patients, equipment preparation, aseptic technique, and procedures. Sets up and operates specialized instruments and manual and powered equipment, and follows procedures for accounting for sharps, sponges, and instruments before and after operations. Contributes to clinical practice, quality improvement, education, research, cost containment, supply management, protocols, and staff development. Serves as a resource and mentor for staff and students and supports patient advocacy and interdisciplinary care.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Graduation from a surgical technology program or equivalent job training, which may include military perioperative programs and/or hospital-based training programs.
Two years of multispecialty experience, including one year in a complex specialty area.
Ability to function as a clinical expert in two or more complex specialty service lines and float to other complex service lines as needed.
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification in accordance with the American Heart Association.
Ability to meet the listed physical demands, including lifting up to 50 pounds and carrying objects up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Certification in Surgical Technology is preferred.

Responsibilities

Implement and evaluate care for patients undergoing diagnostic and invasive surgical procedures.
Identify complex patient needs by reviewing procedure protocols and physician requests and assessing patients’ physical needs.
Plan surgical procedures according to the identified needs of the surgeon and patient, and prioritize procedure processes and supplies.
Implement interventions for patient problems related to surgical procedures and patient needs, using applicable standards of care and collaborative clinical pathways.
Determine and obtain the equipment, materials, supplies, and resources needed for the procedure plan; monitor par levels and initiate purchases.
Prepare operating rooms by assembling routine supplies, materials, instruments, and equipment and obtaining special supplies requested by physicians.
Set up and operate specialized instrumentation and manual and powered equipment.
Assist surgeons and nurses with patients, equipment preparation, aseptic technique, and surgical procedures in the operating room.
Follow pre- and post-operative procedures for accounting for sharps, sponges, and instruments.
Identify and communicate unusual incidents and complex procedure problems related to patient reactions, symptoms, or changing needs.
Keep the peri-operative team informed of procedure needs and progress, and communicate patient and staff needs and responses to management as appropriate.
Participate in developing and revising procedure protocols, unit forms, specialty clinical pathways, and policies and procedures for specialized patient populations.
Document all aspects of care according to established unit procedures and comply with established policies and procedures.
Establish and meet goals in clinical practice, management, education, and/or research; maintain active membership in a professional organization.
Serve as a clinical resource for complex interdisciplinary needs and patient advocacy issues.
Identify staff and patient education needs and recommend in-service education; assist with department orientation, unit competencies, and mentoring of new staff and students.
Serve as a clinical resource for Surgical Technologists in the designated service line and help orient new employees.
Review and identify revisions to surgical preference cards for the designated service.
Participate in unit-based and hospital-wide performance improvement programs and help identify opportunities to improve patient and procedure outcomes through research or quality monitoring.
Assist with surgery department research activities, identify researchable problems, and analyze and report data to appropriate sources.
Identify cost-containment activities and available supply resources to meet procedure needs.
Attend educational programs to develop specialty knowledge and complete hospital and department orientation programs.
Perform related responsibilities as required.