Certified Surgical Tech (CST) - Inpatient Surgery - St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital

Surgical Technologist Certified - St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital

THIS IS A COLLECTIVE BARGAINING UNIT POSITION

Shift/Schedule

• Full Time - Scheduled for 40 Weekly Hours (8 Hour Shifts)

• Shift Times - Rotating (1st Shift - 6:30a-3p, 2nd Shift - 2:30p-11p, 3rd Shift - 10:30p-7a)

• Rotating Call Schedule

Primary Function/General Purpose of Position

The Surgical Tech, working under the direction of the Nurse Manager and the supervision of the circulating nurse and the surgeon performs the functions of surgical scrub; scrubs on operative procedures using aseptic technique; performs pre-operative shave and preparation; provides the care of, proper use of and reassembling of instrumentation. The Surgical Tech actively promotes behaviors that are consistent with the mission and values of the organization. He/she demonstrates and reinforces CQI principles with unit customers, including patients, families, physicians, nursing, and other staff members.  The Surgical Tech supports positive patient, family, and staff relationships.

Essential Job Functions

• ​Performs functions of surgical tech under direct supervision of the physician and/or surgical resident in the operating room. May retract during operative procedure, use suction as necessary, and perform other duties necessary under scope of practice as a Certified Surgical Technologist.

• Reports any implanted devices, catheters, drains and packing to circulating nurse for documentation.  Performs the pre-operative skin preparation and shave as ordered. Inserts Foley catheters as ordered.

• Implements the standards of practice of the Association of Surgical Technologists. Knowledgeable and can use or assist in the use of surgical equipment. Capable of scrubbing on all surgical procedures. Knowledgeable and skilled in care of instrumentation, the proper use of and reassembling of instruments sets. Participates in orientation of new staff. Functions “on-call” as scheduled and is available when needed within thirty minutes of phone request.

• Performs the functions of a surgical scrub that includes checking supplies and equipment needed for surgical procedure; has knowledge of surgical preference and instrumentation. Scrub, gown and glove. Set up sterile table with instruments, sutures, blades, electro-surgical equipment, suction, prosthesis, and solutions needed for procedure. Count sponges, needles, and instruments with circulator prior to procedure and before incision is closed. Assists in draping sterile field, Gown, glove, surgeons, assistants. Pass instruments, etc., to surgeon during procedure.

• Maintains highest competency standard of sterile technique during procedure. Uses principles of aseptic practice.  Clean and prepare instruments for terminal sterilization. Assist other members of team with terminal cleanup of room in readiness for next patient.

• Inspects sterile items for contamination before opening. Initiates corrective action when breaks in technique. Maintains sterility while opening sterile items for procedure. Competency to provide equipment and supplies based on patient’s needs. Anticipates the need for equipment and supplies in a judicious and cost-effective manner. Assures all equipment is functioning before use and operates according to manufacturer’s instruction. Assures emergency equipment and supplies are always available.

• Knowledgeable and can use or assist in the use of the following equipment: Sterilizers, Electrosurgical machines, Suction machines, Endoscopic equipment, Pacemaker equipment, Orthopedic tourniquets, Microscopes, Air-powered equipment, Operating tables, and Lasers.

• Capable of scrubbing on the following procedures: ENT surgery, General surgery, Gynecological surgery, Vascular surgery, Neurosurgery, Rectal surgery, Plastic repair and reconstruction, Transplant surgery and organ procurement, Thoracic surgery, Cardiac surgery, Eye surgery, Orthopedic surgery, and Urological surgery.   

• Demonstrates the ability to establish and maintain a safe and sterile work environment for the surgical team and the patient.

This document is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as required by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.

Licensing/Certification

• CPR – American Heart Association (required)

• Surgical Technology Certification (preferred) – required within one year of hire date.

Education

Vocational / Technical Degree – Surgical Technology (required) – combination of post-secondary education and experience in lieu of degree.

Work Experience

• Experience in an operating room (preferred)

• Experience in customer services and computer literacy (preferred)

Patient Population

• Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his or her assigned unit.

• Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development of the life span and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interprets the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his or her age, specific needs and to provide the care needed as described in departmental policies and procedures.​

• Pediatrics (1-12 years)

• Adolescents (13-17 years)

• Adults (18-64 years)

• Geriatrics (65 years and older)

Working Conditions

• Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur.

• May be exposed to high noise levels and bright lights.

• May be exposed to physical altercations and verbal abuse.

• May be exposed to limited hazardous substances or body fluids.*

• May be required to use physical restraints.

• May be exposed to human blood and other potentially infectious materials.* 

• May be exposed to adverse weather conditions; cold, hot, dust, wind, etc.

• May have periods of constant interruptions.

*Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn the policies concerning infection control.

Skills

Hard/Tech/Clinical Skills:

• Monitor patient conditions during surgery.

• Inform medical professionals regarding patient conditions and care.

• Knowledgeable and can use or assist in the use of the following equipment: Sterilizers, Electrosurgical machines, Suction machines, Endoscopic equipment, Pacemaker equipment, Orthopedic tourniquets, Microscopes, Air-powered equipment, Operating tables, and Lasers.

• Knowledgeable to establish and maintain a safe and sterile work environment for the surgical team and the patient.

• Ability to follow instructions.

• Anatomy.

• Knowledge of AORN and AST Recommendations.

• Move with a sense of urgency.

• Physiology.

• Possess Surgical Conscience.

• ​Microsoft Office.

Soft/Interpersonal Skills:

• Ability to work independently.

• Attention to detail.

• Acceptance of authority.

• Critical thinking.

• Communication with staff members.

• Teamwork.

• Conflict resolution.

• Active listening.

• Relationship building.

• Anticipate Needs.

• Infection Control.

• Professionalism.

• Self-Directed.

• Takes Direction.

As a Mercy Health associate, you're part of a Mission that matters. We support your well-being—personally and professionally. Our benefits are built to grow with you and meet your unique needs, every step of the way.

What we offer

• Competitive pay, incentives, referral bonuses and 403(b) with employer contributions (when eligible)
• Medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, HSA/FSA options, life insurance, mental health resources and discounts
• Paid time off, parental and FMLA leave, short- and long-term disability, backup care for children and elders
• Tuition assistance, professional development and continuing education support

Benefits may vary based on the market and employment status.

All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you'd like to view a copy of the affirmative action plan or policy statement for Mercy Health – Youngstown, Ohio or Bon Secours – Franklin, Virginia; Petersburg, Virginia; and Emporia, Virginia, which are Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employers, please email [email protected]. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact The Talent Acquisition Team at [email protected]