Operating Room Surgical Technologist

Emory Healthcare Inc.; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Emory Healthcare Inc. seeks a skilled Surgical Technologist to provide expert patient care across pediatric to geriatric cases. You will support the operating room, prepare supplies and equipment, and maintain sterile technique while collaborating with surgeons and nurses.

The role emphasizes clinical expertise, staff training, and adherence to safety protocols, with ongoing participation in quality improvement and education programs.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; graduation from a surgical technology program preferred.
• Certification in Surgical Technology preferred.
• Two years multispecialty experience with one year in a complex specialty area.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification per American Heart Association required.

Responsibilities

• Implements and evaluates care for patients undergoing diagnostic and invasive surgical procedures.
• Serves as clinical resource to staff and mentors new personnel.
• Assists surgeons and nurses with patient care, equipment preparation, aseptic technique and various surgical procedures in the operating room.
• Prepares the operating room by assembling supplies and equipment; sets up specialized instrumentation.
• Follows pre- and post-operative accounting procedures for sharps, sponges and instruments; supports department orientation and competency requirements.

Skills

Surgical Technology

Clinical Expertise

Aseptic Technique

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Surgical Technology program or equivalent training

BLS certification per AHA

Job description

Description

JOB DESCRIPTION: Implements and evaluates care of pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients undergoing diagnostic and invasive surgical procedures. Provides care to patients with complex health issues and serves as a clinical resource to staff. Analyzes and anticipates less predictable outcomes of surgical interventions. Leads service area based committees. Individual is considered an expert in at least one specialty area and can competently handle multiple specialties. Specialty areas include General Surgery, ENT, Robotics, Ophthalmology (Corneal; Retina Cell transplants), Complex GYN, Complex Ortho/Spine, Thoracic, and Vascular. Participates in identifying cost containment activities. Monitors and maintains supplies and initiates purchases to ensure par levels. Identifies more complex patient needs by reviewing procedure protocol, physician's request, and assessing the patient's physical needs. Prioritizes procedure process and supplies for specialty group of patients. Identifies verbally or in writing unusual incidents during patient care procedures and identifies complex procedure problems related to patient reaction, symptoms, or changes in needs based on patient reactions. Plans for surgical procedure based on identified needs of surgeon and patient. Implements intervention for identified patient problems as related to surgical procedure and patient needs. Utilizes appropriate standards of care, and/or collaborative clinical pathways to guide the plan of care. Determine the equipment, materials, and resources needed to meet the patient procedure plan. Communicates patients' and staff needs and responses through written and verbal communication to management as appropriate. Keeps the peri-operative team abreast of the procedure needs and progress. Maintains courteous and professional behavior in all interactions. Participates in the development and revision of procedure protocols, unit based forms and specialty clinical pathways. Documents all aspects of care by following the established unit procedure. Establishes and meets goals in one or more of the following areas: clinical practice, management, education, and/or research. Active membership in professional organization. Functions as a resource to resolve issues related to patient advocacy. Acts as a resource for complex interdisciplinary needs. Identifies available supply resources to meet procedure needs. Assists in identifying staff and patient education needs based on clinical situations and recommends appropriate inservice. Assists with planning and conducting department orientation of new staff and students. Assists with unit based competency requirements. Serves as role model or mentor for new staff and students. Complies with established policies and procedures. Provides input in developing and revising policies and procedures pertaining to specialized patient population to improve the quality of patient care. Successfully completes hospital and department based orientation programs. Attends educational programs to develop optimal knowledge in area of specialty. Assists in identifying ways in which patient and procedure outcomes can be modified through research and/or quality monitoring to improve the quality of patient care. Serves as clinical resource for Surgical Technologists in designated service line for orienting new employees. Reviews and identifies revisions to the surgical preference cards for designated service. Participates in unit based and hospital wide performance improvement programs. Assists in research and related activities in the surgery department. Identifies and communicates researchable problems as appropriate. Analyzes and reports data to appropriate source. Performs related responsibilities as required. Assists surgeons and nurses with patients, equipment preparation, aseptic technique, and surgical procedures in the operating room. Prepares the operating room for surgery by assembling routine supplies, materials, instruments, and equipment; obtains special supplies indicated by physician. Set up and operate a variety of specialized instrumentation, manual and powered equipment. Follows procedures for pre and post-operative accounting of sharps, sponges and instruments used in the surgical set up. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: A high school diploma or equivalent. Graduation from a surgical technology program or equivalent job training, which may include military perioperative programs and/or hospital-based training programs. Certification in Surgical Technology preferred. Two years multispecialty experience with one year in a complex specialty area. Must be able to function as a clinical expert in two or more complex specialty service lines and have the ability to float to other complex service lines as needed. Complex specialty areas include Complex Neuro Procedures (aneurysm, craniotomy), Large Organ Transplant, Surg Onc (Head & Neck, Skull Based, HIPEC), and Reconstructive Surgery (e.g. TRAM Flaps). Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification in accordance with the American Heart Association required. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (Medium): 20-50 lbs; 0-33% of the work day (occasionally); 11-25 lbs, 34-66% of the workday (frequently); 01-10 lbs, 67-100% of the workday (constantly); Lifting 50 lbs max; Carrying of objects up to 25 lbs; Occasional to frequent standing & walking, Occasional sitting, Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing), Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Factors affecting environment conditions may vary depending on the assigned work area and tasks. Environmental exposures include, but are not limited to: Blood-borne pathogen exposure Bio-hazardous waste Chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors Communicable diseases Electrical shock, Floor Surfaces, Hot/Cold Temperatures, Indoor/Outdoor conditions, Latex, Lighting, Patient care/handling injuries, Radiation, Shift work, Travel may be required. Use of personal protective equipment, including respirators, environmental conditions may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.

Additional Details

Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.

Emory Healthcare is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Please contact Emory Healthcare’s Human Resources at [e-mail]. Please note that one week's advance notice is preferred.