Surgical Technologist / Operating Room for Oncology Surgery

Emory•Atlanta, GA

About The Position

The Surgical Technologist supports pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients undergoing diagnostic and invasive surgical procedures, including complex surgical care. The role assists surgeons and nurses with patient and equipment preparation, aseptic technique, and operating-room procedures. It requires clinical expertise across multiple specialties and service lines, with oncology surgery among the relevant complex specialty areas. The technologist plans for procedures based on the needs of the surgeon and patient, determines required equipment and resources, assembles routine and special supplies, and sets up and operates specialized instrumentation and manual or powered equipment. The role monitors patient and procedure needs, communicates with the peri-operative team, documents care, and follows established standards, policies, and protocols. It also contributes to supply management, cost containment, quality improvement, research, staff education, orientation, and mentorship. This is a full-time position with a 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. shift and required call. The work involves operating-room exposures and physical demands that may vary by assigned work area and tasks. Travel may be required.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Graduation from a surgical technology program or equivalent job training, which may include military perioperative programs 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 stated physical requirements, including lifting up to 50 pounds and carrying objects up to 25 pounds.
Competitive candidates will have 2+ years of operating-room experience in a hospital operating-room environment with surgical oncology experience.

Nice To Haves

Certification in Surgical Technology is preferred.

Responsibilities

Implement and evaluate care for patients undergoing diagnostic and invasive surgical procedures.
Assist surgeons and nurses with patients, equipment preparation, aseptic technique, and surgical procedures in the operating room.
Plan surgical procedures based on identified surgeon and patient needs; determine the equipment, materials, and resources required.
Prepare operating rooms by assembling routine supplies, materials, instruments, and equipment, and obtain special supplies requested by physicians.
Set up and operate specialized instrumentation and manual and powered equipment.
Follow procedures for pre- and post-operative accounting of sharps, sponges, and instruments.
Identify complex patient needs and procedure problems, including changes in patient reactions, symptoms, or needs.
Communicate patient and staff needs, responses, procedure requirements, and progress to the peri-operative team and management as appropriate.
Document care according to established unit procedures and comply with policies and standards of care.
Monitor and maintain supplies, initiate purchases to ensure par levels, identify available supply resources, and participate in cost-containment activities.
Participate in developing and revising procedure protocols, forms, clinical pathways, policies, and procedures.
Serve as a clinical resource for Surgical Technologists in the designated service line and assist with orienting new employees.
Assist with staff and patient education, department orientation, unit competency requirements, and mentoring new staff and students.
Participate in unit-based and hospital-wide performance-improvement programs and assist with research and related activities.
Identify researchable problems, analyze and report data, and help identify ways to improve patient and procedure outcomes.
Participate in professional organizations and establish and meet goals in clinical practice, management, education, and/or research.
Serve as a resource for patient advocacy and complex interdisciplinary needs.