Surgical Technologist / Operating Room for Oncology Surgery

Emory Healthcare•Atlanta, GA

3d•$37 - $45•Onsite

About The Position

The Surgical Technologist supports diagnostic and invasive surgical procedures for pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients, including patients with complex health issues. The role assists surgeons and nurses with patient and equipment preparation, aseptic technique, and surgical procedures in the operating room. The technologist prepares operating rooms by assembling routine supplies, materials, instruments, and equipment, obtaining physician-requested specialty supplies, and setting up and operating specialized manual and powered equipment. The role follows pre- and post-operative accounting procedures for sharps, sponges, and instruments. This position serves as a clinical resource for Surgical Technologists in a designated service line, helps orient new employees, and supports staff and student education, competencies, and mentoring. The technologist contributes to procedure protocols, clinical pathways, policies, preference-card revisions, research activities, and performance-improvement efforts. The role monitors supplies and par levels, identifies resources and cost-containment opportunities, communicates procedure needs and patient responses, and supports patient advocacy and interdisciplinary problem-solving. The position requires expertise in at least two complex specialty service lines and the ability to float to other complex service lines as needed. The posted schedule is 6:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., full-time, with call required. Competitive candidates have at least two years of operating-room experience in a hospital environment and surgical oncology experience.

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.
The posting identifies two or more years of operating-room experience in a hospital operating-room environment as a qualification for competitive candidates.

Nice To Haves

Certification in Surgical Technology is preferred.
Surgical oncology experience.

Responsibilities

Assist surgeons and nurses with patients, equipment preparation, aseptic technique, and surgical procedures in the operating room.
Prepare the operating room by assembling routine supplies, materials, instruments, and equipment, and obtaining special supplies requested by the physician.
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 by reviewing procedure protocols and physician requests and assessing patients' physical needs.
Plan surgical procedures based on the identified needs of the surgeon and patient; determine the equipment, materials, and resources needed.
Implement interventions for patient problems related to the surgical procedure and patient needs, using appropriate standards of care and collaborative clinical pathways.
Communicate patient and staff needs and responses to management as appropriate, and keep the peri-operative team informed about procedure needs and progress.
Identify and report unusual incidents and complex procedure problems related to patient reactions, symptoms, or changing needs.
Monitor and maintain supplies, initiate purchases to maintain par levels, identify supply resources, and participate in cost-containment activities.
Serve as a clinical resource for Surgical Technologists in the designated service line and help orient new employees.
Assist with staff and patient education, department orientation for new staff and students, and unit-based competency requirements; serve as a role model or mentor.
Participate in developing and revising procedure protocols, unit forms, specialty clinical pathways, and policies and procedures for specialized patient populations.
Review and identify revisions to surgical preference cards for the designated service.
Participate in unit-based and hospital-wide performance-improvement programs and identify ways 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.
Establish and meet goals in clinical practice, management, education, and/or research, and maintain active membership in a professional organization.
Resolve patient advocacy issues and act as a resource for complex interdisciplinary needs.
Comply with established policies and procedures and complete hospital- and department-based orientation programs.
Attend educational programs to develop knowledge in the specialty area.