Surgical Services Technologist (Surgical Tech)

Department Overview

South Operating Room (SOR) is a Level 1 Trauma Operating Room (OR) and is the main OR at OHSU. It is a large, primarily adult inpatient OR with 25 suites. The primary service lines include but are not limited to: Cardiothoracic, General Surgery, Surgical Oncology, Colorectal, Bariatric, Gynecology, Oral Maxillofacial, Neurosurgery, Spine, Orthopedic, Otolaryngology, Plastics, Transplant, Urology, Vascular, Gender Affirmation, and Trauma. SOR provides intraoperative care and surgical services for populations ranging from early adolescents to geriatric populations with occasional pediatric patients. This includes care across the acuity spectrum from elective to emergency surgery. This surgical location supports approximately 14,000 cases annually or 50 cases per day Monday through Friday and 16 cases per day, on both Saturday and Sunday. SOR is open 24 hours per day, 7 days a week and has an elective schedule 7 days per week in addition to supporting acute urgent and emergent care..

The ST performs the delegated duties that ensure that the OR environment is safe, that equipment is cleaned and functions appropriately, and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety.  The ST possesses expertise in the application of sterile and aseptic technique; he/she combines the knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation tools and technologies to safely facilitate invasive and/or diagnostic procedures. The ST has the ability to manage stressful/unusual situations in a positive manner, and embraces the OHSU Core Competencies (Accountability, Collaboration, Communication, Diversity, Integrity, Respect, Service Orientation, Teamwork) into his/her practice.

Function/Duties of Position

Surgical Technician Role Expectations:

• Demonstrate Proficiency in clinical skills/knowledge specific to Perioperative Services.
  • Demonstrates a working knowledge of sterile technique.
  • Proficient in the scrub role in the surgical specialties.
  • Provides fundamental components of patient comfort, safety, privacy and respect within the perioperative setting.
  • Identifies and develops areas of expertise within the surgical specialties.
  • Demonstrates working knowledge of equipment, instrumentation, and supplies.
• Performs effectively in emergent situations.
  • Recognizes and effectively responds as directed in emergency situations.
  • CPR certified..
  • Responds appropriately as directed in a code situation.
• Manages time effectively.
  • Accomplishes caseload assignments in a timely manner.
  • Completes turnover of the operating room between cases before or within the established timelines.
• Uses unassigned time productively

Teaching and Education: 

• Participates in the education and development of others.
• Participates in orientation and teaching of area specific skills.
• Serves as a resource for other staff members, students, and residents.

Other Duties as Assigned

Required Qualifications

• Positions within person patient care: BLS certificate within 30 days of hire or prior to independent practice, whichever comes first

New Employees as of 9/1/2015

• Graduated from a Nationally Accredited organization approved by the Oregon Health Authority as of date of hire; AND 
• Hold and maintain a national Surgical Technologist Certification by NBSTSA (National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting) as of date of hire. 

New provision of House Bill 4106 amending ORS 676.875 (New Employees effective March 23, 2022):

• Completion of a surgical assistant or surgical technologist certification, including but not limited to a certified ophthalmic surgical assisting credential issued by the International Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology or its successor organization, that is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies OR
• Completed a Surgical Technologist training program in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or Public Health Service of the USA AND must complete 16 hours of continuing education every 2 years. OR
• Did not graduate from an accredited school must and can provide documentation showing that he/she they practiced as a Surgical Tech during at least two of the three years immediately preceding January 1, 2017 AND must complete 16 hours of continuing education every 2 years. 

Additional Details

Requires prioritization of multiple projects, activities, and assignments. May be exposed to excessive

auditory and visual stimulation. May be exposed to body fluids, tissue, and infectious processes. Subject to computer work for several hours, as needed. Able to utilize all patient care equipment with work area.

Why apply to OHSU?

We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington.
All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact [email protected]