Surgical Technologist II - General Specialty

Advocate Health; Milwaukee (WI); Hybrid; USD 43,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Advocate Health in Milwaukee seeks a skilled Surgical Technologist to assist in the operating room, prep sterile fields, pass instruments, and support a clean, safe environment for patient care.

You will work under surgeon direction, maintain aseptic technique across multiple specialties, help position patients, manage equipment, and collaborate with the team to ensure efficient procedures. Must be able to lift and move equipment and respond quickly to changing needs.

Qualifications

• Completion of an accredited or approved program in Surgical Technology.
• Typically requires 2 years of experience as a Surgical Technologist.
• BLS certification within 6 months (unless department policy waives).
• Proficient in aseptic techniques and passing instruments.
• Ability to assist in multiple surgical specialties.

Responsibilities

• Provide sterile field setup and instrument handling for surgical cases.
• Assist with gowning/gloving and anticipate surgeon needs.
• Operate OR equipment and ensure room safety and cleanliness.
• Position patients and transport as required.
• Maintain specialty carts and report equipment issues.
• Mentor Surgical Technologists and participate in committees.
• Lift and move heavy equipment using proper technique.
• Adhere to age-specific patient care policies.

Skills

Aseptic techniques

Surgical specialties

Suturing

Anticipate surgeon needs

Customer service

Computer proficiency

Education

Accredited Surgical Technology program

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 advanced knowledge of a variety of procedures. Specializes in a surgical specialty area, where applicable, serving as a resource to others and assisting with complex surgical cases.
• 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 First or Second Assistant as necessary. This includes, but is not limited to, holding retractors, cauterizing, application of surgical dressings and wound closure under the direct guidance of a surgeon.
• 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.
• Acts as a resource and precepts Surgical Technologists I and/or participates in department or facility committees or work teams.
• 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:

• Typically requires 2 years of experience in a Surgical Technologist position.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Completion of a suturing class approved by supervisor.
• Proficient in all surgical specialties with expertise in a minimum of two.
• Advanced knowledge and skill of aseptic surgical techniques used in the preparation of materials, supplies and equipment for various surgical procedures and suturing.
• Demonstrated ability to anticipate and recognize physician's needs and changes that require unplanned or unanticipated interventions and respond appropriately.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Basic computer proficiency.

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.