Certified Surgery Technologist II - Austin, TX



Keywords:  Surgical tech, Operating room, Scrub, GYN, Neurosurgery, Ortho, Cardiovascular, NBSTSA



SHIFT: Full time Evenings (rotating weekends)



Some Relocation assistance available.

 

Position Summary

• The Surgery Tech II assists in the care and preparation of the surgical patient according to Hospital standards and policies.


• Performs scrub duties in all types of surgical interventions.


• Assists surgeons.


• Cares for and cleans Operating Room equipment, suites and instruments and maintains a sterile environment. Performs all required documentation.


• Performs duties in sterile processing. 

Job Responsibilities

• Prepares instruments and supplies for each surgical case.  Follows surgeon’s preference cards in setting up specific instruments, supplies and equipment required.


• Follows the systematic process of specific surgical procedures.  Proficiently and effectively demonstrates the ability to use all required instrumentation.


• Identifies physician preferences in a surgical practice or specialty.  Efficiently and safely passes instruments and holds retractors.


• Notes changes in individual surgeon’s preferences and updates preference cards.


• Gowns and gloves self and surgery team members according to Hospital policy, dispose of gown, and glove appropriately.


• Initiates and maintains a sterile field throughout surgical procedures.  Opens supplies aseptically.


• Identifies breaks in aseptic technique.  Reports any break in sterility to the Circulating Nurse.


• Appropriately handles all specimens (bone grafts, cultures, biopsies, fluids, etc.).  Assists in the collection, transfers to other Circulating Nurse maintaining sterility.


• Assists the Circulating Nurse in maintaining correct needle, sponge and instrument count (as appropriate) for each surgical procedure.  Organizes surgical items in order of need and in a safe manner.


• Adheres to universal precautions in all procedures.


• Knows the location of supplies and acts as a resource person to other staff members.


• Maintains a safe environment for the surgical patient by checking the condition and operations of equipment before the procedure.


• Assists in O.R. sanitation after each case. Assists with turnover and preparation of all Operating Rooms


• Assists others when not assigned by pulling cases, giving breaks and stocking supplies.


• Scrubs in cystoscopy procedure in the O.R. Lithotripsy Department.


• Scrubs in C-section in Labor & Delivery when assigned.


• Handles delicate instruments, maintains video equipment, and scopes before, during and after all procedures to prevent damage.


• Demonstrates working knowledge and skill in central sterile and decontamination procedures daily.


• Obtains supplies from Material Management Department and outside suppliers when necessary via Meditech system.


• Demonstrates appropriate communication skills with physicians, staff and others and maintains professionalism.


• Demonstrates proper technique and documentation of sterilization process and is responsible for checking indicators and reporting any discrepancies.  Labels all steris/flash autoclave loads with appropriate sticker for each patient use.


• Serves as a preceptor for new staff and students.


• Demonstrates flexibility in staffing schedule when necessary or required by the Unit Supervisor or Director of Surgery.


• Assumes responsibility for attending informal educational and in-service programs to enhance skills and knowledge, requesting and accepting supervision in performing new skills of practice and documentation, and attending and participating in pertinent or mandatory unit meetings and in-services.


• Maintains working knowledge of hospital codes.


• Reads and interprets documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.  Writes reports and correspondence. Speaks effectively before small groups of customers and staff members.


• Organizes time efficiently to provide direct patient care as assigned by the Unit Supervisor, Charge Nurse, or RN.


• Follows appropriate chain of command to report pertinent-related problems or unusual situations.


• Observes and preserves patient’s rights to human dignity, and provides emotional support (as appropriate) to patients and their families.


• Promotes cost awareness and actively participates in expense reduction among staff and physicians.


• Maintains flexibility in varying circumstances and remains open to new directives and ideas of the Department.


• May handle sealed procedure kits, which may contain small amounts of medication.


• Demonstrate understanding of HCA’s and “Patients First” safety initiative by strict compliance to all safety protocols and procedures.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Required:  

• Graduation from an accredited high school, or GED certificate; 


• Completion of accredited Surgical Technologist Program and qualifications for certification, or evidence of surgical technician skills and experience or a minimum of six (6) years of recent experience as a surgical technician with verification of competency in four of five surgical specialties (General, GYN, Neurosurgery, CV and Ortho) or any medical school graduate. 

Preferred:  

• Three years of Operating Room (OR) scrub experience. 


• Effective verbal, written, and face-to-face communication skills. 

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

Required: 

• Surgical Tech Certification from an Accredited program such as NBSTSA, CAAHEP, OR ABHES surgical technology program OR eligible to take Certification 180 days post hire. (Employees hired prior to 9/01/09 will be considered “grandfathered” and will not be required to present certification).


• OR Licensed Vocational Nurse


• BLS certification from the American Heart Association