Surgical Tech (Per Diem)

Job Summary:

The Surgical Technologist is an integral member of the perioperative surgical team responsible for assisting in the preparation and performance of surgical procedures while maintaining a safe, sterile, and efficient operating room environment. Working under the direction of the Registered Nurse and in collaboration with surgeons, anesthesia personnel, Surgical Assistants, and other members of the perioperative team, the Surgical Technologist prepares the operating room, surgical instruments, supplies, equipment, and sterile field for operative procedures. The Surgical Technologist functions primarily in the scrub role, anticipates the needs of the surgeon, passes instruments and supplies during procedures, maintains sterile technique, assists with surgical counts, and supports patient safety throughout the perioperative process.

Position Qualifications/Requirements:

Education/Experience:

• Successful completion of a formal Surgical Technology program or an equivalent education/training pathway recognized by an accepted national surgical technology certifying organization.
• Graduate of a Surgical Technology program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) preferred.
• Associate degree in Surgical Technology or a related healthcare discipline preferred.
• Previous Surgical Technologist experience in an acute-care hospital operating room preferred.
• Previous experience scrubbing surgical procedures in multiple specialties referred.

Licenses/Certifications:

• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association or other hospital-approved provider required.
• Current nationally recognized Surgical Technologist certification, including one of the following:
  • Certified Surgical Technologist (CST®) through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA); or
  • Tech in Surgery – Certified, TS-C (NCCT) through the National Center for Competency Testing.
  • Certified Surgical Technologist (CST®) through NBSTSA preferred.

Skills/Requirements:

• Knowledge of surgical asepsis and sterile technique.
• Knowledge of operating room policies, practices, and procedures.
• Knowledge of surgical anatomy, physiology, terminology, and procedural sequence.
• Knowledge of surgical instrumentation, equipment, supplies, sutures, medications, and implants commonly used in operative procedures.
• Ability to identify surgical instruments and their appropriate uses.
• Ability to anticipate surgeon and surgical team needs during operative procedures.
• Ability to organize and maintain an efficient sterile field.
• Understanding of surgical counts and prevention of retained surgical items.
• Knowledge of infection prevention and Standard Precautions.
• Knowledge of appropriate handling of surgical specimens.
• Knowledge of appropriate handling and preparation of reusable surgical instruments.
• Understanding of manufacturer's instructions for use as applicable to surgical equipment and instrumentation.
• Strong manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
• Ability to maintain concentration and attention to detail during lengthy surgical procedures.
• Ability to function effectively in stressful, urgent, and emergency situations.
• Ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced perioperative environment.
• Ability to recognize breaks in sterile technique and respond appropriately.
• Ability to communicate effectively with physicians, nurses, anesthesia personnel, and other members of the healthcare team.
• Ability to accept direction and work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary surgical team.
• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality and demonstrate professional conduct at all times.