Lead Surgical Technologist

UPMC East is hiring a Lead Surgical Technologist to support the growing Spine Surgical Specialty! As a Lead Surgical Technologist, youll work side-by-side with the Spine Surgical Specialist and surgical team to deliver safe, efficient care across a variety of procedures. Youll take the lead in supporting team operations while continuing to provide hands-on patient care in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

Hours for this position are 4 x 10-hour shifts, starting at 6:30 am Monday-Friday. There is occasional on-call time for weekday and weekend coverage, and we utilize a self-scheduling model to support work-life balance.

This position is eligible for a sign-on bonus up to $25,000 paid out to you in a one lump sum within your first 90 days! 

• Serve as the lead resource for surgical technologists during assigned shifts
• Provide real-time guidance, troubleshooting, and support to staff
• Precept and mentor new employees and students
• Facilitate ongoing education, including annual in-service training
• Liaise with Sterile Processing to ensure equipment readiness
• Maintain and update surgeon preference cards
• Monitor, restock, and manage instrumentation, supplies, and equipment

• Promote cost-effective use of resources

  
  
  

Responsibilities:

• Coordinate day to day supervision of the surgical technicians. Serve as the Lead on daily shifts to resolve/answer any questions or issues. Teach both skill and theoretical principles to new employees and students.
• Assist the Nurse Specialist in supervising the use of supplies and equipment for patient care and safety in all procedures.
• Ensure all medications are labeled and handed to surgeon according to established policies and procedures.
• Under the case scheduling process; may have ability to schedule procedures.
• Demonstrate initiative in problem solving as related to patient and technical issues that contribute to the improvement of the Operating Room function and operation.
• Liaison with Sterile Processing.
• Modify/revise requisitions (surgeon's preference cards) on an as needed basis.
• Assume responsibility under the direction of the Clinician for presenting one in-service training to the staff each year.
• Ensure clean, safe environment through continued alertness to safety and explosive hazards and aseptic technique.
• Have Epro access and ability to order specialty items.
• Serve as a resource to other staff members. Assist head nurse by precepting students and new employees.
• During surgery, efficiently pass instruments and other sterile supplies to surgeons and surgeon assistants. Under the supervision of the surgeon hold retractors or instruments, cut sutures, sponge or suction the operative site and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments.
• After surgery, may help transfer patients to the recovery room. Clean and restock the operating room.
• Prepare patients for surgery by wash, shave, and ensure aseptic incision sites. May transport patients to the operating room, help position them on the operating table, and cover them with sterile surgical drapes.
• Support cost containment in the use of materials and equipment.
• Assist the surgical team with putting on sterile gowns and gloves.
• Assist in the preparation, care for, and disposal of specimens taken for laboratory analysis and help apply dressings.
• Before an operation, help to prepare the operating room by setting up surgical instruments and equipment, sterile drapes, and sterile solutions. Assemble both sterile and non-sterile equipment. Adjust and check equipment to ensure it is working properly.
• Facilitate education of surgical techs.
• Participate in peer review.

• Completion of a formal surgical technician program offered by a community or junior college, vocational school, university, hospital or the military. 
• A minimum of 4 years or more of Operating Room experience required. 
• Advanced knowledge of at least 3 surgical specialties. 
  
  
  Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:
  CPR required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire. Certified Surgical Technologists (CST) or Technologist Surgery Certified (TSC) required.
  
  
• Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
• Certified Surgical Technologists (CST) OR Tech in Surgery-Certified (TSC)

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran