Surgical Technologist - Pool

Surgical Technologist

Orthopaedic Associates of Wisconsin has a history of excellence. Founded more than 40 years ago, OAW has grown to become Wisconsin's premier, multi-physician orthopaedic practice. OAW physicians also share their knowledge, skills, and experience with the broader medical community through teaching and publishing at the local, regional, and national levels. OAW's medical and surgical services are complemented by PAs, nurses, and other health professionals.

Summary of Role

The Surgical Technologist, under minimum supervision, performs a variety of duties in the department as a member of the surgical team and duties as assigned by management. Must have the ability to scrub on all cases performed at The Orthopaedic Surgery Center. Responsible for the set-up and maintenance of sterile field. Assists with the opening of the supplies/equipment for surgical cases.

Key Responsibilities

• Set-up required operative fields, arranging instrumentation, equipment and supplies on the mayo and back table(s) as appropriate for the assigned case according to the surgery center policies and the surgeon preference card.
• Work in the role as surgical assistant, such as selecting equipment, positioning of the patient, sterile prep of the surgical site, will assist during the surgical procedure by holding retractors, suction, cauterizing, placing dressings, and assist with skin closure under the direction of the physician.
• Prepare for the next day's scheduled procedures, as assigned, by pulling cases, by using surgeon's preference cards to assure that all necessary supplies, instruments and equipment are available. Labels cases and prepares "needs list" accurately.
• Anticipate the needs of the surgeon and other members of the surgical team.
• Handle specimens appropriately, per surgery center policies and procedures.
• Demonstrate care of delicate instrumentation by proper handling and storage of instruments used on assigned cases.
• Prepare clean and contaminated instruments and supplies utilized in the surgical suite for transport and transport these instruments and supplies to Decontam for processing and sterilization.
• Assist with disinfecting, cleaning and preparation for sterilization, any instruments, equipment and supplies utilized at the surgery center.
• Surgery center suite maintenance including case preparation, turn-over, and terminal cleaning.
• Inventory control and stocking of supplies.

Professional Responsibilities

• Foster a positive and professional environment by interacting with all persons in a considerate, helpful and courteous manner.
• Maintain confidentiality of surgery center and patient information.
• Display a caring and responsive attitude and conducts all activities respecting patient, family and employee rights and expectations.
• Attend and participate in all applicable training and development workshops scheduled by the surgery center.
• Maintain and display appropriate knowledge of professional development through printed material or other sources.
• Attend professional training seminars, when appropriate for job development, and shares information with other staff members.
• Assist in the orientation of new personnel.
• Participate in the quality improvement program activities including identification of opportunities for cost reductions and efficiencies.
• Works to achieve and maintain regulatory certification and accreditation of the surgery center.
• Maintains dress and appearance according to the surgery center dress code.
• Diffuse/ and resolve conflict by appropriately communicating with those involved.
• Accept constructive criticism and provide suggestions in a professional manner.
• Maintain all required registration and certification.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrate appropriate sterile and aseptic technique.
• Perform scrub technologist functions according to AORN recommended practices and surgery center policies and procedures.
• Manage the operative field during the surgical procedure in a manner that assures maintenance of the sterile field.
• Knowledge of, and ability to, disinfect, clean and prepare for sterilization, any instruments, equipment, and supplies utilized at the surgery center.
• Operate equipment used in processing, instrumentation, such as ultrasonic cleaner, washer-disinfector, Steris and autoclave, using the appropriate settings.
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Work effectively in stressful situations.
• Ability to work with others within a team environment.
• Demonstrate interpersonal communication skills in order to facilitate effective interaction with a variety of health care professionals and personnel.
• Perform job with minimal supervision.
• Prior knowledge of surgical instrumentation and peri-operative equipment.
• Ability to flex work hours as needed and/or requested by management.

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited training program, certification (CST) preferred (willing to train recent graduates).
• Two years of experience preferred or ASC experience.
• Successful completion of BLS within six months of hire.
• Education provided through the United States Army or Navy preferred.

Working Conditions

• Good visual and hearing acuity.
• Normal perioperative environment with exposure to chemical odors, cleaning solvents and other hazardous materials. Must follow established procedures to ensure safety.
• Exposure to possible injury when working with electrical equipment which require care and following proper safety procedures.
• In the care of patients, protection required against blood-borne pathogens.
• Ability to lift/transfer patients in excess of 100 pounds, which may require pushing, pulling, and utilizing a full range of body movements. Ability to stand walk, stoop, kneel, crouch and/or crawl.
• Manual dexterity to operate equipment and handle instrumentation.
• Ability to withstand prolonged periods of standing and walking. Periodic exposure to possible injury when lifting requires proper body mechanics and adherence to safety procedures.

Equal Employment Opportunity

OAW provides equal employment opportunity to all applicants and employees. OAW disapproves of, and will not tolerate, unlawful discrimination against any applicant or employee because of race, color, national origin or ancestry, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, age, religion, disability, family care status, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal laws.