Surgical Technician - GI/Pulmonary

Advocate Health; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Advocate Health is seeking a Surgical Technologist to support the operating room by maintaining a sterile field, passing instruments, and assisting the surgical team. This role emphasizes aseptic technique and readiness of supplies for procedures in a fast-paced environment.

The ideal candidate completes an accredited Surgical Technology program, has strong customer service skills, and can lift up to 50 lbs. BLS certification must be obtained within 6 months if not already held.

Qualifications

• Completion of an accredited or approved program in Surgical Technology.
• Knowledge of aseptic surgical techniques used in preparation of materials, supplies and equipment.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Basic computer proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Provides for a clean, safe and efficient area conducive to optimal patient care.
• Utilizes aseptic surgical techniques in preparation for procedures and assists with gowning, gloving, draping, sterile field and instrument handling.
• Sets up the operating room and transports equipment as needed; operates equipment during procedures and maintains cleanliness.
• Functions as a Second Assistant as necessary and notifies staff of equipment/supply problems.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs, move equipment, and participate in patient positioning according to safety standards.

Skills

Aseptic techniques

Operating room equipment knowledge

Customer service

Basic computer proficiency

Team certifications maintenance

Education

Surgical Technology program completion

Tools

Surgical instruments

Job description

Major Responsibilities:

• Provides for a clean, safe and efficient area conducive to optimal patient care. Utilizes aseptic surgical techniques in the preparation of materials, supplies and equipment for surgical procedures (e.g., assistance with gowning and gloving; preparation and draping of the surgical area; provision of a sterile field, instruments, suture and related materials; anticipation of the Surgeons' needs; passing of instruments and/or supplies; holding of retractors, observing and reporting possible breaks in aseptic technique; and assisting in maintaining a sterile, dry, unobstructed field).
• Performs all types of procedures and maintains basic knowledge of a variety of procedures.
• Ensures the environmental disinfection, safety and efficiency of the operating room. This includes setting up the room for each case including moving equipment (i.e., tables, cameras, microscopes, fracture table, and instrument pans), operating the various types of equipment used during operating room procedures, and returning equipment post procedure.
• Functions as a Second Assistant as necessary.
• Notifies appropriate staff of equipment and supply problems.
• Transports patients and/or equipment and supplies.
• Maintains a specialty cart or item, ensuring its completeness and availability. This includes checking the working condition of equipment, sterility, and sending damaged items out for repair.
• Performs various patient positioning and transporting duties, which require lifting and pushing/pulling, while utilizing proper technique.
• Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the department's policies and procedures. Age-specific information is developed further in the departmental job standards.

Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification Required:

• Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providerscertification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA) needs to be obtained within 6 months unless department leader has determined it is not required.

Education Required:

• Completion of an accredited or approved program in Surgical Technology.

Experience Required:

• No experience required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Knowledge of aseptic surgical techniques used in the preparation of materials, supplies and equipment for various surgical procedures.
• Knowledge of various types of equipment used in the operating room.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Basic computer proficiency.
• Certification Addendum
• Team members will maintain annual educational requirements for hospital based certifications (e.g. DNV, CARF or others).

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Must be able to withstand a very stressful and fast-paced environment.
• Must be able to:
• lift up to 50 lbs. from floor to waist.
• lift up to 20 lbs. over the head.
• carry up to 40 lbs. a reasonable distance.
• Must be able to:
• push/pull with 30 lbs. of force.
• perform a sliding transfer of 150 lbs. with a second person present.
• Required to use foot pedals on carts or machines.
• Exposed to the following hazards on a continuous basis: mechanical, electrical, chemical, radiation, blood and body fluids.
• Must have functional sight and hearing.
• Required to wear masks, gloves, goggles, and gowns.
• Must be able to sit, stand, walk, lift, squat, bend, reach above shoulders and twist frequently during work shift.
• Must be able to operate all equipment essential to performing the duties of the job.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.