Surgical Technologist - 90% D/E/N - Labor & Delivery Unit

Surgical Technologist

The University of Iowa Health Care department of Nursing is seeking a Surgical Technologist to assist with surgical procedures; provision of therapeutic, preventive and emergency patient care duties; and preparation, operation and maintenance of routine and complex equipment, instruments and supplies. All duties are done under the direction of a registered professional nurse.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Prepares surgical area for patient care and anticipates the needs of the surgical team.
• Applies knowledge related to emergency situations and surgical procedures in the operating room.
• Demonstrates understanding of principles of medical and surgical asepsis; recognizes and communicates breaks in aseptic technique.
• Provides for proper care and handling of equipment, instruments, supplies and implants (E/I/S/I).
• Demonstrates knowledge of various surgical equipment and advanced surgical instrumentation.
• Demonstrates competency in performance of delegated technical functions and clinical activities, in accordance with institutional policies.
• Assists with the provision of patient care with regard to the patient's condition and age.
• Exhibits high level of collaboration with peers in making decisions related to surgical patient care.
• Demonstrates critical thinking skills in relations to anticipating the needs of the patient and surgeon.
• Implements measures to prevent potential patient problems/complications and reports unusual incidents.
• Assists with documentation according to department/division standard under the direction of the Registered Nurse.
• Performs computer functions within scope of role as defined by the individual unit.
• Serves as primary preceptor to orient new staff and/or student technologists to scrubbing duties.
• Serves as a mentor and positive role model to new employees and other surgical team members.
• Practices standard precautions in infection control in accordance with institutional policy.
• Follows changes in patient care protocol based on research findings.
• Participates in and contributes to unit staff meetings and in-service programs.
• May participate in perioperative initiatives or shared governance committees.
• Performs other special projects and tasks as assigned.

Percent of Time: 90% Schedule: 90% D/E/N 8- and 12-hour shifts. Weekends as needed, Holidays as assigned. NO on-call Location: John Pappajohn Pavilion (JPP) Rotations: Holidays assigned Merit Pay Plan: Pay Differentials: Shift differentials for evening and night. Benefits Highlights: Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans. Relocation Assistant available to qualified applicants.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements:

Satisfactory completion of a vocational or military course in surgical technology, or certification as a Surgical Technologist.

Desired Qualifications:

• Direct patient care experience in Labor & Delivery
• Experience working in a health care environment
• Strong written communication skills