Surgical Technician

Westchester Medical Center; City of Poughkeepsie (NY); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Westchester Medical Center is hiring an Operating Room Surgical Technician to assist with preparation of surgical patients under RN guidance. The role supports the surgical team through aseptic technique, equipment readiness, specimen handling, and patient positioning.

Strong attention to safety and teamwork is essential. The position requires BLS and CST certification with a preference for at least one year OR experience or graduation from an accredited Surgical Technical School.

Qualifications

• Minimum one year OR experience preferred or a recent graduate of an accredited Surgical Technical School.
• BLS certification required.
• CST (Certified Surgical Technologist) required.

Responsibilities

• Follows standard procedures for surgical intervention assisting in accordance with preference of Surgeon and Anesthesiologist.
• Exhibits timely, satisfactory completion of assignments with minimal assistance and/or direction.
• Interacts with other team members to establish priorities of assigned tasks.
• Ensures all necessary equipment available prior to start of procedure.
• Reports unsafe conditions promptly.
• Applies and monitors principles of aseptic technique throughout intra-operative period; researches new ideas related to surgical technology and provides in-service to peers.
• Assists with positioning patients to ensure protection of patient’s skin integrity.
• Reports relevant observations of patient’s response to Surgical Team.
• Accurately performs sponge, needle and instrument count according to policy and procedure.
• Collects and handles specimens according to hospital policy.
• Assists and anticipates needs of surgical team for instruments, sutures, sponges and supplies.
• Demonstrates composure in stressful situations and responds appropriately in emergencies.

Education

High school graduate or equivalent

Member of AST preferred

Job description

Job Summary

Under the guidance of the Registered Nurse, the Operating Room Surgical Technician, is responsible for assisting with preparation of surgical patients by performing routine and delegated duties according to standards and policies of the Operating Room and the Hospital.

Responsibilities Patient Care

• Follows standard procedures for surgical intervention assisting in accordance with preference of Surgeon and Anesthesiologist.
• Exhibits timely, satisfactory completion of assignments with minimal assistance and/or direction.
• Interacts with other team members to establish priorities of assigned tasks.
• Ensures all necessary equipment available prior to start of procedure.
• Reports unsafe conditions promptly.
• Applies and monitors principles of aseptic technique throughout intra-operative period. Researches new ideas related to surgical technology and provides in-service to peers.
• Assists with positioning patients to ensure protection of patient’s skin integrity.
• Reports relevant observations of patient’s response to Surgical Team.
• Accurately performs sponge, needle and instrument count according to policy and procedure.
• Collects and handles specimens according to hospital policy.
• Assists and anticipates needs of surgical team for instruments, sutures, sponges and supplies.
• Demonstrates composure in stressful situations and responds appropriately in emergencies.

Preparation and sterilization practices and techniques

• Follows prescribed procedures in preparation and assembly of reusable sets of instruments and equipment.
• Correctly identifies the unassembled components of each surgical instrument tray, inspecting each instrument for possible defects to ensure working order.
• Maintains knowledge of specialized equipment used in the Operating Room.

Materials Management, Distribution/Storage

• Observes cost containment practice by using supplies judiciously.
• Provides input regarding evaluation of new products.
• Assists Service Leader in maintaining inventory and/or ordering supplies.
• Stocks sterile goods appropriately.
• Checks supplies for expiration dates and integrity of packaging.

Other

• Directs and guides support personnel. Maintains appropriate check-off list of skills for orienting employees and provides written and verbal input to the Nurse Manager regarding performance.
• Assumes professional accountability and responsibility for his/her performance. Assists others in completion of assignment when necessary; offers to take additional call as needed; identifies and assists others in problem-solving and reports problems to coordinator/ manager/designee and follow through as directed.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Serves as brand ambassador by upholding the WMCHealth Mission, Vision, and CARE values and promoting excellence in the patient experience, during every encounter.

Qualifications/Requirements EXPERIENCE Minimum of one year O.R. experience preferred or a recent graduate of an accredited Surgical Technical School.

EDUCATION

• High school graduate or equivalent required
• Member of AST preferred.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATIONS

• BLS required
• CST (Certified surgical technologist) required