CERTIFIED SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST

Cook County Health; Illinois; On-site; USD 48,000 - 72,000; Full time

Job summary

Cook County Health seeks a Certified Surgical Technologist for the first scrub role at Stroger Hospital. You will manage instruments, maintain sterile fields, and support the surgical team during procedures.

Requirements include CST certification in Illinois and BLS. Duties include preoperative setup, passing instruments, assisting with procedures, and ensuring safety and infection control.

Qualifications

• Completion of an approved Operating Room Technician/Surgical Technician program.
• Certified Surgical Technologist in Illinois (NBSTA or NCCT).
• Current BLS certification through the American Heart Association.

Responsibilities

• Performs preoperative scrub and prepares sterile supplies and instruments.
• Assists surgical team with gowning, gloving, draping and instrument counts.
• Passes instruments and maintains sterile field during procedures.
• Assists with room turnover and prepares OR for next patient.
• Ensures infection control standards and patient safety throughout procedures.

Skills

Stamina

Manual dexterity

Team communication

Attention to detail

Education

Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) in Illinois

Basic Life Support (BLS) certification

Job description

Certified Surgical Technologist

LOCATION: STROGER HOSPITAL

SHIFT: 6:30AM-2:30PM

Salary is commensurate with years of experience indicated at time of application submittal. Experience not disclosed or documented at the time of application will not be considered for initial step placement.

Summary

The Certified Surgical Technologist in the first scrub role handles the instruments, supplies, and equipment necessary during the surgical procedure. He/she has an understanding of the procedure being performed and anticipates the needs of the surgeon. He/she has the necessary knowledge and ability to ensure quality patient care during the operative procedure and is constantly on vigil for maintenance of the sterile field.

Typical Duties

Preoperative Duties

• Performs the surgical scrub while donning gown, gloves, and any other necessary personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Gathers, checks and opens supplies and equipment needed for the surgical procedure.
• Sets up the sterile back table and mayo stand with instruments, supplies, equipment, and medications/solutions needed for the procedure.
• Performs initial instrument, sharps and sponge counts with the circulator.
• Assists the team members with gowning and gloving.
• Assists with draping the patient and establishing the sterile field.
• Participates in the surgical site and patient verification during the time out procedure.

Intraoperative Duties

• Prepares and anticipates additional instrumentation, equipment and supplies for usage during the procedure.
• Anticipates the needs of the surgeon by passing instruments and supplies to surgeon during procedure
• Measures and passes medications, hemostatic agents and irrigation solutions utilized during the surgical procedure.
• Holds retractors or instruments as directed by the surgeon.
• Sponges or suctions the operative site.
• Applies electrocautery to clamps or forceps on bleeders.
• Cuts suture material as directed by the surgeon.
• Coordinates the camera or changes out robotic arms/instruments during endoscopic surgery as directed by the surgeon.
• Maintains highest standard of sterile technique during the procedure.
• Performs additional counts as necessary.
• Prepares sterile dressings and/or immobilization devices.
• Prepares and passes off specimen(s) as appropriate.
• Cleans and prepares instruments for terminal sterilization per hospital policy.
• Assists other members of the team with room turnover and cleaning.
• Assists in prepping the Operating Room for the next patient.
• Uses Impress tray and instrument tracking system per hospital policy.
• Participates in debriefing and quality improvement practices to ensure quality patient care.
• Takes on-call rotation.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• Completion of an approved Operating Room Technician/Surgical Technician, or approved Military Program is required. (Must provide proof at time of interview).
• Must be a Certified Surgical Technologist in the State of Illinois through one (1) of the following: National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTA) OR National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) is required. (Must provide proof at time of interview).
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification obtained through the American Heart Association is required. (Must provide proof at time of interview).

(Certification(s) and/or license(s) must be current and active throughout the course of employment without lapse in expiration time, as required to meet the qualifications of the job)

Preferred Qualifications

• One (1) year of full-time work experience as a Certified Surgical Technologist

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities And Other Characteristics

• Working knowledge of the standard concepts, practices and procedures of an operating room
• Thorough knowledge of the standard methods of cleaning and maintaining operating room instruments, equipment, and supplies
• Demonstrated knowledge of the standard preparation of patients for surgery and post-surgery procedures
• Thorough knowledge of the procedures used in performing the duties and responsibilities of a Scrub Attendant
• Demonstrate awareness of patient and family rights, ethical, legal, cultural, and spiritual concerns
• Ability to bend, lift, push heavy objects
• Ability to stand, stoop, bend, and reach for extended periods
• Ability to distinguish basic colors, and shades of colors
• Ability to hear normally with or without assistive device
• Ability to recognize and respond appropriately to the healthcare needs of pediatric, adult, and geriatric patients
• Ability to recognize age specific instruments and equipment needs for pediatric, adult, and geriatric patients
• Ability to directly assist physicians and nurses with operating room procedures
• Ability to apply the principles of infectious control and asepsis in performing duties
• Ability to maintain a safe and comfortable environment for patients

Physical and Environmental Demands

This position is functioning within a healthcare environment. The incumbent is responsible for adherence to all hospital and department specific safety requirements. This includes but is not limited to the following policies and procedures: complying with Personal Protective Equipment requirements, hand washing and sanitizing practices, complying with department specific engineering and work practice controls and any other work area safety precautions as specified by hospital wide policy and departmental procedures.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of the personnel so classified. For purposes of the American with Disabilities Act, “Typical Duties” are essential job functions.

COOK COUNTY HEALTH & HOSPITALS SYSTEM IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.