Surgical Services Support Technician

UPMC; Harrisburg (Dauphin County); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

UPMC in Harrisburg is seeking a Surgical Services Support Technician to assist nurses and clinicians in patient care tasks, maintain sterile fields, and support case flow in the operating room. You will work under supervision, ensure spaces are clean and organized, and help with equipment and instrument setup.

The role emphasizes effective communication with anesthesia and OR staff, adherence to hospital policies, safety practices, and ongoing learning to improve knowledge and performance.

Qualifications

• Perform patient care skills under RN supervision (safety first).
• Establish effective communication strategies within the team.
• Identify learning needs and seek guidance from preceptor.

Responsibilities

• Help move patients and position them under RN guidance.
• Assist with transporting specimens to the lab.
• Assist with opening supplies to establish a sterile field.
• Maintain equipment cleanliness and department standards.
• Ensure safety checks and policy compliance.

Skills

Patient care

Effective communication

Team/support coordination

Safety awareness

Tools

Sterile field setup

OR equipment maintenance

Instrument tray setup

Job description

The Surgical Services Support Technician may perform assigned tasks which directly contribute to the care of patients and other patient related services as directed and under the supervision of a Registered Professional Nurse or Clinician. Provide support to the staff to facilitate the case flow within Surgical Services.

Responsibilities:

• Establish appropriate and effective communication strategies.
• Suggest and support change within the department/organization.
• Perform patient care skills working with preceptor (RN) in a safe manner according to policy and procedure.
• Constructively receive feedback and direction.
• Identify and communicate learning needs to their preceptor.
• Demonstrate awareness of the impact of his/her behavior on the efficient functioning of the department/organization.
• Seek out appropriate nursing, physician or other health care team intervention.
• Take action to improve knowledge, skill and performance based on feedback or on self-identified developmental needs. Maintain an environment conducive to patient safety and recovery including but not limited to: completing safety checks, keeping the department and OR rooms clean and organized, cleaning department specific equipment, changing bed linens, emptying linen hampers, keeping hallways clear of equipment and returning equipment.
• Assist with patient positioning under the supervision of an RN.
• Assist with transporting specimens to the lab.
• Assist with opening supplies and equipment to establish a sterile field.
• Assist with care, cleaning, and maintenance of all specialty equipment, including, but not limited to, lasers, video towers, microscopes, positioning supplies.
• Assist nurses with the set-up and ordering of instrument trays. Check daily with SPD for broken instruments, and incomplete trays.
• Effectively communicate with anesthesia and operating room staff to assure daily operating room assignments are prioritized at the start of each shift. Remains accessible in operating rooms at all times.
• Assist to move patients on and off bed in the OR suite.
• Perform assigned work in a timely and productive manner.
• Strictly adhere to all policies and practices relative to patient care and hospital related information.
• Comply with safety policies and procedures including standard precautions.
• Ensure equipment malfunctions are reported to the appropriate department.
• Identify need and/or provide patient/family education.