Surgical Technologist

Surgical Technologist

The Surgical Technologist, under the direction of the Registered Nurse and the Nurse Manager, handles the instruments, supplies and equipment necessary during the surgical procedure. He/she has an understanding of the surgical procedure being performed and anticipates the needs of the surgeon. He/she has the necessary knowledge and ability to ensure quality patient care during the surgical procedure and maintains constant vigilance of the sterile field.

Responsibilities and Essential Job Functions

• Prepares the operating room for surgical procedures. Ensures surgical equipment is functioning properly and safely. Prepares supplies, instruments, and equipment using sterile technique.
• Provides surgical assistance. Places sterile drapes on the patient to establish the sterile operating field. Participates in the time-out process to verify the correct patient, procedure, and surgical site. Anticipates the needs of the surgical team based on knowledge of human anatomy and pathophysiology and how they relate to the surgical patient and the patient's surgical procedure. Prepares and passes instruments and supplies to the surgeon. Sponges and suctions the surgical site to provide clear visibility. Prepares and cuts suture material as directed by the surgeon. Prepares and utilizes irrigation solutions during surgery as directed by the surgeon. Prepares and passes medications and hemostatic agents utilized during a surgical procedure (excluding drug administration). Prepares and passes off specimens as appropriate. Holds retractors or instruments as directed by the surgeon. Applies electrocautery to clamps or forceps on bleeding vessels as directed by the surgeon. Operates the camera during endoscopic procedures as directed by the surgeon. Places instruments into robotic arms during a surgical procedure as directed by the surgeon. Connects drains to suction apparatus. Performs counts of instruments, sponges, needles, and supplies with a registered nurse circulator.
• Provides patient care. Prepares and applies sterile dressings to closed wounds. Assists with transferring and positioning the patient on the operating table.
• Maintains sterility and safety. Identifies and corrects breaks in the sterile operating field. Maintains the highest standard of sterile technique.
• Takes responsibility for self and/or team accountabilities and instills sense of ownership in others to improve performance; looks for ways to improve individual and/or team performance.
• Recognizes group dynamics and acts as a role model by guiding others/team to modify one's communication style to suit different situations and audiences. Recognizes, demonstrates and enables behaviors and attitudes necessary to ensure exceptional delivery of services.
• Understands interests and concerns of other internal/cross-functional teams and incorporates their feedback into service/work processes.
• Motivates self and actively engages team in achieving challenging goals and targets that are consistent with organizational direction; encourages others to overcome obstacles and achieve results.
• Translates the organization's strategic priorities into clear goals and targets for the work group(s) to ensure organizational alignment.
• Develops and re-prioritizes work plans for self and/or department by outlining clear steps to follow during unforeseen circumstances.
• Takes actions to improve the relationships with and between others to create an effective working environment.
• Creates and contributes to a positive environment where learning and knowledge sharing occurs regularly and both formally and informally within the organization and own department(s).
• Must be able to perform the professional, clinical and or technical competencies of the assigned unit or department.
• These statements are intended to describe the essential functions of the job and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities. Skills and duties may vary dependent upon your department or unit. Other duties may be assigned as required.

Required Education and Experience

• High School Graduate or equivalent.
• Certificate or Associate's Surgical Tech degree OR 3 years of experience as a Surgical Technologist in lieu of the certificate or degree requirement.

Required Licensure and Certification

• Basic Cardiac Life Support (BLS or BCLS) - American Heart Association (AHA)
• Respirator Fit Test - The University of Kansas Health System (TUKHS) upon Hire

Job Requisition ID: R-45727