Surgical Technologist-(Columbia County)-FT Days

Wellstar Health System•Magnolia, AR

About The Position

The Surgical Technologist Non-Certified works under the direction of a registered professional nurse to help provide safe, age-appropriate, and culturally aware patient care. The role supports moderate- to high-acuity surgical cases, anticipates the needs of surgeons and other members of the healthcare team, and develops skills for increasingly difficult procedures. The technologist prepares the operative suite and sterile field, gathers instruments and supplies, and may assist during procedures as needed; this is not a certified surgical first assistant role. The position also includes troubleshooting equipment, mentoring or training others, participating in performance improvement, and helping maintain inventory and stock in operating rooms and other perioperative areas. The unit must remain compliant with Joint Commission standards. Call or late coverage may be required depending on the facility. The technologist prepares and maintains the sterile field; checks equipment, supplies, and preference cards; sets up instruments and solutions; performs counts with the circulator; participates in procedure time-outs; passes instruments; prepares dressings; and helps ensure proper specimen handling. They clean and prepare instruments for sterilization, prepare case carts, and assist with room turnover, stocking, supply requests, and preparation for future cases. They apply aseptic principles, maintain financial stewardship of supplies, observe and report changes in patients’ conditions, and adapt to procedural needs and emergencies. The role provides patient-centered care under registered nurse supervision, supports patient safety and advocacy, assists with transport and comfort measures, and collaborates with the healthcare team. It includes completing required competencies and education, maintaining 20 hours of field-related continuing education per evaluation period, supporting students and new hires, and learning new processes, equipment, technology, and procedures. Other duties may be assigned.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or completion of an accredited surgical technology program.
Completion of an accredited program or LPN qualification.
BLS, American Red Cross BLS, or BLS Instructor certification required upon hire.
Ability to read, write, and speak English.
Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.
Ability to collaborate with healthcare providers and delegate to other team members as required.
Ability to multitask and function in stressful and emergency situations.
Strong attention to detail.
Knowledge of surgical procedures.
Basic computer skills, including Word and Excel.
Effective verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities, self-direct, and apply independent judgment.
Ability to think critically and adapt quickly to changing situations.
Maintain 20 hours of continuing education related to the field per evaluation period.

Nice To Haves

Operating room experience.
Certification as a Surgical Technologist, LPN, or Tech in Surgery-Certified.

Responsibilities

Anticipate the needs of surgeons and other healthcare team members during moderate- to high-difficulty surgical cases.
Check procedure supplies and equipment and review the appropriate preference card.
Set up the operating room and sterile table, including opening sterile supplies and organizing instruments, equipment, medications, and solutions.
Perform surgical counts with the circulator and participate in procedure time-outs and post-procedure pauses.
Scrub, gown, and glove; assist with gowning and gloving surgeons and assistants; and help drape the sterile field.
Pass instruments, maintain an organized back table and operative field, and offer suggestions to facilitate procedures.
Maintain sterile technique and apply aseptic principles to help prevent infection and protect patients and employees.
Prepare sterile dressings and ensure proper handling of specimens.
Clean and prepare instruments for terminal sterilization and notify sterile processing of critically needed instruments.
Prepare case carts and assist with reviewing the surgical schedule and preparing for future cases.
Observe patients and immediately report changes or significant findings to the physician and registered nurse.
Plan proactively for procedural steps and adapt when emergencies arise.
Prepare, stock, clean, and turn over operating rooms and other assigned areas; request supplies and prepare instruments for future procedures.
Use supplies and equipment responsibly, opening only required supplies until requested by the surgeon.
Provide patient-centered, age-appropriate, culturally aware care under registered nurse supervision and serve as a patient advocate.
Verify procedures with patients and participate in relief bedside shift reports.
Assist with between-case and terminal room cleaning, room preparation, patient transport, and age-specific comfort and safety measures.
Collaborate with the healthcare team, maintain a positive work environment, and participate in performance improvement initiatives.
Complete required initial and annual competencies, mandatory and population-specific education, and continuing education.
Support students and new hires through mentoring, precepting, or training, and serve as a resource for new technology or procedures.
Care for surgical equipment and accessories and maintain cleanliness and stock of the surgical area.
Complete assigned Success Factor requirements and other duties as assigned.