The Surgical Technologist is a key member of the perioperative team at Mass Eye and Ear and functions under the direction of the Registered Nurse and in collaboration with surgeons, anesthesia personnel, and other healthcare professionals. The Surgical Technologist is responsible for facilitating the safe and effective conduct of ophthalmologic, otolaryngologic (ENT), head and neck, plastics/reconstructive, and related surgical procedures through the maintenance of sterile technique, management of surgical instrumentation, and anticipation of the surgical team's needs throughout the perioperative continuum.The Surgical Technologist demonstrates a commitment to Mass General Brigham's mission, patient-centered care, quality outcomes, safety, diversity, equity, inclusion, and professional excellence.
Essential Job Functions
- Prepares and maintains operating rooms for scheduled surgical procedures.
- Performs surgical scrub duties and establishes sterile fields using aseptic technique.
- Organizes and arranges instruments, supplies, equipment, and specialty items according to procedure and surgeon preference cards.
- Scrubs and assists in a variety of ophthalmology, ENT, facial plastics, and related procedures.
- Anticipates the needs of the surgeon and surgical team during procedures.
- Passes instruments, sutures, medications, implants, and supplies while maintaining sterility and efficiency.
- Assists with patient positioning, skin preparation, and draping in collaboration with the perioperative team.
- Performs and documents sponge, sharps, and instrument counts with the circulating nurse in accordance with departmental policies.
- Handles surgical specimens according to hospital standards and regulatory requirements.
- Assists in room turnover to support efficient surgical throughput and patient flow.
Specialty Equipment and Instrumentation
Demonstrates proficiency with microsurgical instrumentation and specialty ophthalmic and ENT equipment.
Assists with setup, troubleshooting, and utilization of specialized technology including:
- Surgical microscopes
- Endoscopic equipment
- Image-guided navigation systems
- Laser systems
- Powered instrumentation
- Robotic or advanced technology platforms as applicable
Verifies equipment functionality prior to procedural start and reports malfunctions promptly.
Maintains knowledge of specialty implants, devices, and supplies.
Quality and Patient Safety
- Maintains a sterile field and immediately addresses actual or potential breaks in technique.
- Participates in Universal Protocol, patient identification, procedural verification, and surgical time-out processes.
- Adheres to AORN standards, infection prevention guidelines, Joint Commission requirements, and Mass General Brigham policies.
- Promotes a culture of safety by communicating concerns and participating in quality improvement initiatives.
- Supports regulatory readiness and departmental compliance efforts.
Collaboration and Professional Practice
- Functions as an effective member of the interdisciplinary perioperative team.
- Demonstrates professionalism, accountability, and respectful communication.
- Assists with orientation, mentoring, and training of new staff and students when appropriate.
- Participates in departmental meetings, educational activities, and ongoing competency validation.
Qualifications
- Graduate of an accredited Surgical Technology program required.
Experience
- One year of surgical technologist experience preferred.
- Experience in ophthalmology, ENT, head and neck surgery, plastics, or other surgical subspecialties preferred.
Certification
- Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) required or obtained within organizationally defined timeframe.
- Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.