Surgical Services Technologist (Surgical Tech)

Surgical Technician Role

South Operating Room (SOR) is a large 25-bed OR primarily an adult inpatient operating room with a small volume of outpatient procedures including: Cardiac/ Thoracic, General Surgery/Minimally Invasive/ Colorectal/Bariatric, Gynecology, Oral Maxillofacial, Neuro/neuro spine, Orthopedic/orthopedic spine, Otolaryngology, Plastics, Transplant, Urology, Vascular, Robotic (Urology/GYN/Oral), and Trauma. Surgical procedures on infants and children less than 18 years of age are also performed if the procedure requires specialized equipment found only at this location.

The ST performs the delegated duties that ensure that the OR environment is safe, that equipment is cleaned and functions appropriately, and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety. The ST possesses expertise in the application of sterile and aseptic technique; he/she combines the knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation tools and technologies to safely facilitate invasive and/or diagnostic procedures. The ST has the ability to manage stressful/unusual situations in a positive manner, and embraces the OHSU Core Competencies (Accountability, Collaboration, Communication, Diversity, Integrity, Respect, Service Orientation, Teamwork) into his/her practice.

Function/Duties of Position

Surgical Technician Role Expectations:

• Demonstrate proficiency in clinical skills/knowledge specific to Perioperative Services.
• Performs effectively in emergent situations.
• Manages time effectively.
• Uses unassigned time productively

Communication, Teamwork, and Leadership:

• Demonstrates effective communication skills, which convey a positive and supportive message.
• Collaborates with surgical team members (nursing, anesthesia and surgeon) on specific issues or concerns.
• Seeks input and consultation.
• Reports incidents and errors verbally and in writing in accordance with established procedures.
• Ensures confidentiality is maintained in all forms of communication.
• Demonstrates flexibility in response to unexpected changes in workload and assignment.
• Incorporates conflict management skills in the resolution of issues.
• Participates in projects and committees as requested/assigned.
• Works collaboratively with OHSU personnel, maintaining communication that facilitates teamwork.
• Conveys a positive image of peers, colleagues, and OHSU to patients, families, the public and other health care team members.

Teaching and Education:

• Participates in the education and development of others.
• Participates in orientation and teaching of area specific skills.
• Serves as a resource for other staff members, students, and residents.
• Promotes staff skill development as appropriate

Professional Development and Knowledge Base Expectations:

• Participates in educational programs and research that contributes to the improvement of skills.
• Assumes responsibility for development of own skills.
• Recognizes and accepts the need for guidance and assistance.
• Completes all required educational programs and activities within established time lines.
• Demonstrates practice consistent with current research/standards/policies.
• Meets and maintains minimum qualifications for the position.

Organizational Participation Responsibilities:

• Incorporates OHSU service excellence/customer service philosophy into all aspects of care provided to patients and families and in interactions within the work setting.
• Participates in Continuous Quality Improvement activities, incorporating principles into practice.
• Demonstrates ability to access departmental and organizational policies and procedures.
• Complies with organizational policies and procedures.
• Supports the missions of OHSU Perioperative Services.
• Complies with the OHSU Code of Conduct.
• Demonstrates fiscally responsible resource utilization and promotes cost containment as appropriate for a surgical unit.
• Performs staff member requirements as outlined in the compliance section of the Core Competencies.

Required Qualifications

BLS from AHA required. New hires will be enrolled and required to complete during orientation.

New Employees as of 9/1/2015:

Graduated from a Nationally-Accredited organization approved by the Oregon Health Authority as of date of hire; AND

Hold and maintain a national Surgical Technologist Certification by NBSTSA (National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting) as of date of hire.

New provision of House Bill 4106 amending ORS 676.875 (New Employees effective March 23, 2022):

Completion of a surgical assistant or surgical technologist certification, including but not limited to a certified ophthalmic surgical assisting credential issued by the International Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology or its successor organization, that is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies

OR

Completed a Surgical Technologist training program in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or Public Health Service of the USA AND must complete 16 hours of continuing education every 2 years.

OR

Did not graduate from an accredited school must and can provide documentation showing that he/she they practiced as a Surgical Tech during at least two of the three years immediately preceding January 1, 2017 AND must complete 16 hours of continuing education every 2 years.

Additional Details

Requires prioritization of multiple projects, activities, and assignments. May be exposed to excessive auditory and visual stimulation. May be exposed to body fluids, tissue, and infectious processes. Subject to computer work for several hours, as needed. Able to utilize all patient care equipment with work area.

Employee Benefits:

• Free parking at night
• Medical, Dental, Vision insurance - Covered 100% for full-time employees and 88% for dependents, and $25K of term life insurance provided at no cost to the employee
• Several retirement plans (401a/403b and pension plans)
• Vacation - up to 200 hours per year, depending on length of service
• Sick Leave - up to 96 hours per year
• 8 paid holidays per year
• Substantial tri-met and c-tram discounts
• Tuition reimbursement
• FSA/HSA options
• On-site gym
• Employee assistance program (EAP)
• Career Center

Why Apply to OHSU?

We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact View email address on click.appcast.io