Surgical Technologist I

Trinity Health; Pontiac (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Trinity Health is seeking an experienced Surgical Technician to support the operating room team in a high-volume perioperative environment. The role reports to the OR leadership and requires adherence to sterile technique, patient safety and hospital policies.

The selected candidate will assist with instrument setup, case preparation and post-procedure cleanup, while ensuring efficient room turnover and accurate equipment counts. Minimum OR experience and BLS certification are expected.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an approved Surgical Technologist program or equivalent work experience.
• Associates Degree in Surgical Technology preferred.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification; CST certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Applies asepsis principles to provide optimum patient care.
• Maintains sterile technique and corrects breaks in technique.
• Assists in preparing the OR with supplies, instruments and equipment.
• Assists with moving and positioning patients pre-, intra-, and post-operatively.
• Anticipates surgeon and team needs, passing instruments and supplies during procedures.
• Maintains accurate counts of sponges, needles and instruments; supports charge capture as needed.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Customer service orientation

Mobility & stamina

Sterile technique

Education

Surgical technologist program

Associates degree (preferred)

Job description

Employment Type: Full time Shift: Rotating Shift Description:

I Accountability Objectives:

Functions as a team member under the supervision of an Registered Nurse. Utilizes Association of Perioperative

Registered Nurses (AORN) Perioperative Standards, Association of Surgical Technologist Recommended Standards of

Practice; Perioperative policies and procedures in performing duties related to care of the patient during surgical

intervention. Support the SJMO Core Values and division beliefs during interactions with patients, visitors and

colleagues.

II Position Qualifications:

Minimum Education, Licensure / Certification and Experience Required.

• A. Education
  • Graduate of an approved Surgical Technologist program or equivalent work experience.
  • Associates Degree in Surgical Technology preferred.
• B. Licensure / Certification
  • Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
  • Association of Surgical Technologist Certification, preferred
• C Special Skill / Aptitudes
  • Ability to lift, bend, pushes and pull a minimum of 30 pounds.
  • Ability to walk and stand for up to 100% of work time.
  • Interpersonal skills necessary in order to interact in an effective manner with patients, families, physicians and to collaborate within a team, with other unit teams and various levels of Hospital personnel.
  • Requires efficient and cost effective use of time, motion and materials.
  • Excellent customer service orientation skills necessary in order to deal effectively with various levels of hospital personnel, outside customers and community groups.
• D. Experience
  • Minimum 18 months documented work operating room experience. Previous experience working in moderately-complex perioperative cases preferred.

III Duties / Responsibilities:

1. Applies the principles of asepsis in a knowledgeable manner to provide optimum patient care. Maintains highest standard of sterile technique and corrects any breaks in technique.
2. Participates in general cleaning, stocking and sterilization of instruments and supplies in the OR. According to policy and procedure, maintains a clean and safe OR environment.
3. Assists in setting up the OR with supplies, instruments and other equipment. Arranges supplies and instruments for efficient use during the surgical procedures. Differentiates sterilization methods for special equipment and instruments necessary for specific surgical procedures as required. Anticipates future supply and instrument needs of following room procedures to reduce room turnover between cases.
4. Assists with moving and positioning of patients pre-op, intra-op and post-operatively.
5. Anticipates the needs of the surgeon when passing instruments, sponges, sutures, etc., during the surgical procedure. Also, anticipates the needs of the surgical team and assists efficiently within the sterile field as directed by the surgeon.
6. Maintains an accurate count of sponges, needles and instruments and is jointly responsible with the RN circulator for ensuring counts are complete prior to the procedure and before the incision is closed.
7. Identifies and gives the specimen to the circulating RN as directed by the surgeon.
8. Participates, on a consistent basis, in the orientation and education of all operating room staff including entry level Surgical Technologists and Surgical Technologist Students.
9. Performs all duties in a manner consistent with safe patient care and according to specified policy and procedure. Respects confidentiality of patient records and information, patient's right to privacy, dignity and safety.
10. Contributes to unit projects and assists in trial and evaluation of new surgical products and procedures.
11. Participates in continuing education/in-service meetings, seeking opportunity for professional growth and development, maintaining a current continuing education record. Demonstrates and actively promotes an understanding and commitment to the mission of St. Joseph Mercy Oakland through performing behaviors consistent with the Trinity Health Values. Maintains a working knowledge of applicable Federal, State, and Local laws and regulations, the Trinity Health Organizational Integrity Program, including the Standards of Conduct, Code of Ethics, as well as other policies and procedures in order to ensure adherence in a manner that reflects honest, ethical and professional behaviors. Supports and conducts one's self in a manner consistent with customer service expectations. In accordance with unit or departmental practice, determines that appropriate charges have been entered for the correct patient, encounter, date/time of service, with any required modifiers. Make corrections as needed per charge capture policy/practice. In accordance with unit or departmental practice, actively participates in on-going education and communication regarding revenue management. In accordance with unit or departmental practice, assists with tracking and monitoring of equipment assigned to the unit. Requests services for maintaining equipment as needed. In accordance with unit or departmental practice, proficient with the electronic health records for documentation, assessment, and care management, performing these activities concurrently with provision of care throughout the shift.

IV Dept/Unit Specific:

Not Applicable

V Working Conditions:

• Position may require frequent lifting and carrying of patients/equipment/other not to exceed 51 pounds.
• Associates will not lift items/patients exceeding 35 pounds from the floor.
• The job is performed in the surgical suite and related areas. Working in the patient care environment may result in exposure to communicable diseases and hazardous substances.
• Working weekends, holidays and rotating shifts may be necessary in order to meet staffing needs.

Our Commitment

Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.