Surgical Technologist II — OR Specialist & Educator

UChicago Medicine; Illinois; On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

UChicago Medicine is seeking a Surgical Technologist II for the Center for Care and Discovery in Chicago, IL. This 1.0 FTE, onsite role supports the General Operating Rooms by performing scrub duties, equipment setup, and collaboration with perioperative staff to ensure safe patient care.

The ideal candidate holds CST certification, BLS, graduates from an accredited Surgical Technologist program, and 1–3 years OR experience with strong communication, critical thinking, and the ability to work

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Graduate of an accredited Surgical Technologist program.
• Minimum of 1-3 years of Operating Room experience.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to facilitate effective communication.
• Knowledge and ability to perform surgical technologist duties.
• Analytical skills necessary to interpret and communicate information relevant to direct patient care to the RN and physician.
• Ability to function as a member of the surgical team, carrying out instructions from surgeons and the Circulating RN with speed, accuracy, and concentration.
• Ability to prioritize daily activities.
• Ability to recognize and intervene in life-threatening situations.
• Ability to maintain composure under stressful circumstances.
• Demonstrates professionalism and courtesy when interacting with coworkers, physicians, visitors, and patients.
• Maintains confidentiality and demonstrates advanced knowledge and expertise in the scrub role for complex surgical procedures.
• Collaborates effectively with peers in decisions related to surgical patient care.
• Anticipates the perioperative needs of patients and surgeons.
• Ability to perform repetitive and physically demanding tasks.
• Ability to wear lead aprons weighing approximately 10-25 pounds for prolonged periods.
• Ability to fulfill on-call responsibilities and respond to emergencies.

Responsibilities

• Independently performs the surgical scrub role in the operative field and can scrub in all services, including adult and pediatric.
• Applies knowledge related to emergencies, trauma situations, and surgical procedures in the operating room.
• Demonstrates infection control practices by utilizing proper aseptic techniques while dealing with blood and body fluids.
• Correctly uses all sterilizers and high-level disinfectors related to surgical procedures; documents appropriately and maintains competencies, as required.
• In conjunction with the Specialty Manager, Charge Nurse, and Central Sterile Processing, demonstrates organizational skills in case preparation, case cart picking, and accurate room setup for instrument and tray contents in scheduled cases.
• Operates and troubleshoots video systems as needed. Works in collaboration with Administrative Coordinators, Specialty Managers, Clinical Engineering, and In-House Vendors to maintain video systems.
• Provides cost-effective care through the proper use of equipment and instruments.
• Demonstrates knowledge of immediate and long-term outcomes of surgical activities, including sponge, needle, and instrument counts; aseptic technique; proper handling of specimens; proper labeling and handling of medications on a sterile field; and care of electrosurgical active electrodes and implants.
• In collaboration with Perioperative Educators and Managers, develops, organizes, and delivers continuing education topics and/or courses for operating room technologist colleagues and Central Sterile Processing staff.
• Assists in providing care to surgical patients, including preparing rooms, opening packs and supplies, positioning patients, monitoring the sterile field, performing counts, handling specimens, assisting with emergencies, and ensuring quality measures are met.
• In collaboration with the Circulating RN, Specialty Manager, and Charge Nurse, determines individual patient and surgeon needs and adjusts instrumentation and supplies accordingly.
• Inventories and restocks supplies in individual OR suites and Specialty Service carts.
• Reviews and updates preference cards in collaboration with the specialty team.
• In collaboration with the Specialty Manager and Central Sterile Processing management team, acts as a liaison to Central Sterile Processing (CSP) in maintaining specialty instrumentation necessary to enhance the delivery of quality patient care.
• Communicates pertinent patient or unit information to the oncoming shift.
• Acts as a resource to patients, visitors, physicians, and other staff.
• Communicates accurate and timely information regarding patient status and the OR schedule to the Scheduling Board Manager, Anesthesia Coordinator, Charge Nurse, and Perioperative Management team.
• Demonstrates leadership abilities in support of UChicago Medicine's goals, including excellence in safety, quality, and patient experience.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Analytical skills

Team collaboration

On-call readiness

Education

High school diploma

Surgical Technologist program

CST certification

BLS certification

Job description

UChicago Medicine is seeking a Surgical Technologist II for the Center for Care and Discovery in Chicago, IL. This 1.0 FTE, onsite role supports the General Operating Rooms by performing scrub duties, equipment setup, and collaboration with perioperative staff to ensure safe patient care.

The ideal candidate holds CST certification, BLS, graduates from an accredited Surgical Technologist program, and 1–3 years OR experience with strong communication, critical thinking, and the ability to work