Surgical Technologist I - Surgical Services

Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC); Anchorage (AK); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) is seeking a Surgical Technologist to provide technical assistance during surgical procedures, ensuring patient safety and a sterile environment. The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma, completion of an accredited surgical program, and relevant experience.

Responsibilities include maintaining the sterile field, monitoring patient conditions, and preparing surgical instruments. The role requires solid communication skills and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Completion of an accredited program in Surgical Technology.
• High school diploma or GED equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Provides technical surgical assistance and ensures a safe environment.
• Develops and maintains the sterile field for surgical procedures.
• Monitors patients for potentially dangerous physical changes.

Skills

Interpersonal relationships

Oral communication

Written communication

Performing surgical procedures

Monitoring patient responses

Assessing and prioritizing tasks

Computer applications

Managing multiple priorities

Education

High school diploma or GED equivalent

Completion of an accredited program in Surgical Technology

Job description

Summary

Under close supervision, provides technical surgical assistance and ensures a safe environment for surgical patients and staff. Anticipates next steps during surgical procedures by integrating knowledge of surgical interventions and surgeon’s technique to ensure supplies and instruments are readily available in order to minimize patient exposure to anesthesia.

Responsibilities

• In cooperation with the Circulating Nurse, reviews surgeon preference card to obtain supplies, instrumentation, and equipment for the planned procedure. Consults with the surgeon, if needed, to identify individualized patient care needs.
• Develops and maintains the sterile field for surgical procedures.
• Practices scrub responsibilities and prepares the sterile field with instrumentation and supplies for the procedure. Verifies instrumentation and equipment is in proper working order before procedure begins.
• Gowns and gloves members of the surgical team and assists with draping the patient.
• Performs surgical counts for sponges, needles, sharps, instruments, and other devices as required with the Circulating Nurse at the designated intervals, following Operating Room Procedure for Surgical Counts at all times.
• Anticipates the needs of the surgeon by giving full attention to the surgical procedure at all times. Constantly assesses the progress of the surgery and responds appropriately. Provides technical assistance to the surgeon.
• Handles and places sharps on the sterile field in a safe manner to prevent injury to surgical team members.
• Keeps instruments on sterile field in order and rinsed in sterile water to remove bioburden as close as possible to the time of use. Maintains responsibility for surgical instrumentation.
• Constantly assesses for fire safety risks to include the pooling of prep agents before the application of drapes, safe handling of laser fibers and safe management of light source cords.
• Upon completion of surgical procedure, washes the patient’s skin around the incision and assists in application of dressings.
• Undrapes the patient at the end of the procedure and disposes of the soiled drapes and disposals in a manner to confine contamination. Isolates and disposes of sharps in the sharps containers.
• Removes water from the instrument‑soaking basin with the Neptune suction machine. Encloses all soiled instruments in the case cart and transfers the cart to the elevator located in the soiled utility room. Sprays used instruments with enzymatic cleaner until moistened. Sends elevator to the Sterile Processing department.
• Monitors patients for potentially dangerous physical changes. Recognizes abnormal findings and immediately notifies nurse or physician.
• Participates in unit problem‑solving activities and other projects as required.
• Constantly assesses personal performance and work quality. Participates in quality improvement activities and accepts constructive criticism from peer group and supervisor in order to maintain the highest possible standards of patient care and customer service.
• Participates in orientation of new personnel.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge

• Knowledge of customer service concepts and practices.
• Knowledge of surgical equipment.
• Knowledge of modern surgical principles, techniques, and procedures for the care of patients.
• Knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, physiology and concepts of disease.
• Knowledge of operating room procedures and patient preparation for surgery.
• Knowledge of reference standards and regulatory requirements for operating room safety.
• Knowledge of emergency procedures, sterile practices, infection control, basic life support, and other applicable practices.
• Knowledge of Alaska Tribal Health System, ANTHC, and Alaska Native culture(s) and politics.

Skills

• Skill in interpersonal relationships.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in performing assigned surgical procedures.
• Skill in monitoring patient responses and taking appropriate action.
• Skill in assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with others.
• Skill in operating a personal computer utilizing a variety of applications.
• Skill in managing multiple priorities and tasks concurrently and meeting deadlines.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with others.

Minimum Education Qualification

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Completion of an accredited program in Surgical Technology. Two (2) years of operating room experience may be substituted for education.

Minimum Experience Qualification

• Surgical Technologist I – None.
• Surgical Technologist II – Two (2) years of operating room experience.

Minimum Certification Qualification

• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) card.

Preferred Education Qualification

NA

Preferred Experience Qualification

NA

Preferred Certification Qualification

NA

Additional Requirements

Depending on the needs of the organization, some incumbents in this job class may be required to obtain additional certifications or training in one or more specialty areas.

Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium has a hiring preference for qualified Alaska Native and American Indian applicants pursuant to P.L. 93-638 Indian Self Determination Act.