Surgical Technologist Level II

Operating Room Job

Harlem Hospital Center has been a bedrock of the Harlem community since 1887. The hospital provides a wide range of medical, surgical, diagnostic, therapeutic and family support services to the residents of Central Harlem, West Harlem, Washington Heights and Inwood. Harlem is the largest hospital in the area, capable of treating the most seriously ill. Harlem provides over 90 specialized ambulatory care services, dentistry and oral surgery, behavioral health services, and community substance abuse treatment. At NYC Health + Hospitals, our mission is to deliver high quality care health services, without exception. Every employee takes a person-centered approach that exemplifies the ICARE values (Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence) through empathic communication and partnerships between all persons.

Work Shifts: 3:00 P.M 11:30 P.M

Duties & Responsibilities

Purpose of Position: Under direct supervision by a Registered Professional Nurse, surgeon, or other healthcare professional, serves as part of a medical team providing surgical care to patients; facilitates the safe and effective conduct of invasive surgical procedures. All personnel perform related work.

• Prepares the operating room and sterile field for surgical procedures, including setting up surgical supplies, instruments and equipment using sterile technique and ensuring that surgical equipment is functioning properly and safely.
• Assists healthcare professionals in receiving, labelling and verifying sterile solutions and medications to be administered during surgery according to established protocol; may assist anesthesia personnel.
• Verifies patient's identity, correct surgical site, and correct surgical procedure.
• Assists in moving and positioning patient for surgery; adheres to established safety guidelines.
• Engages in appropriate gowning and gloving procedures in perioperative setting.
• Assists healthcare professionals to perform non-invasive preparation of the skin's surface; drapes patients for surgery.
• Assists surgeon throughout the operative procedure, including anticipating instrument needs. Responsible for handing instruments and other sterile supplies to surgeon; maintains accurate count of sponges, needles and instruments in perioperative setting.
• Assists in the surgeon's provision of hemostasis during surgery.
• Holds retractor after placement by a healthcare professional during procedure.
• Maintains and monitors surgical asepsis during all surgical procedures according to established guidelines.
• Prepares and applies bandages and sterile and non-sterile dressings to incision site; may prepare suture material as directed by surgeon.
• May assist with transfer of patient to recovery room following surgery; provides nursing care as necessary and appropriate.
• Properly cares for, and handles specimens taken for laboratory analysis.
• May assist with the cleaning of the operating room and replenishment of supplies once procedure is complete.
• May operate sterilizers, lights, suction machines and electrosurgical units; may assist with diagnostic equipment.
• Participates in staff development activities as appropriate and required.
• Performs other related duties as assigned or directed by surgeon and/or other appropriate personnel.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Holds and maintains a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA); or 2. Successful completion of a nationally accredited educational program for surgical technologists or successful completion of an appropriate training program for surgical technology in the United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard or Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, and holds and maintains a certified surgical technologist credential administered by a nationally accredited surgical technologist credentialing organization other than the NBSTSA, such as the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). Special Note: Any employee who functions as a Surgical Technologist will be required to annually complete fifteen (15) hours of continuing education in order to remain qualified to perform the functions of a Surgical Technologist at an NYC Health + Hospitals facility.

Benefits

NYC Health and Hospitals offers a competitive benefits package that includes: Comprehensive Health Benefits for employees hired to work 20+ hrs. per week Retirement Savings and Pension Plans Paid Holidays and Vacation in accordance with employees' Collectively bargained contracts Loan Forgiveness Programs for eligible employees College tuition discounts and professional development opportunities College Savings Program Union Benefits for eligible titles Multiple employee discounts programs Commuter Benefits Programs