Certified OR Tech / Surgical Tech (CST)

Surgical Technologist

Functions as a surgical team member in the operating room working under the direction and supervision of an RN. Assists in providing care to patients of all ages including pediatrics and geriatrics to assure quality nursing care.

The surgical operating room (SOR) staff provide intraoperative care to surgical and procedural sedation patients. The SOR staff provide service for the patient population of pediatrics, adolescents, adult and elderly patients. The SOR staff work with a variety of provider specialties in caring for people being discharged same day or for those patients who are being admitted to the hospital.

High School diploma or equivalent required.

Current documentation of certification to practice surgical technology in Oregon required.

Option 1: Successful completion of a training program for surgical technologists in a branch of the armed forces of the United States or in the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corp. Successful completion of 16 hours of continuing education every two (2) years relevant to the medical-surgical practice of surgical technology.

Option 2: Successful completion of a surgical technology education program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Program (CAAHEP) or Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Certification as a surgical technologist issued by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or successful completion of the CAAHEP or ABHES educational program within the past twelve months.

Option 3: Candidate has practiced surgical technology at least two (2) years between January 1, 2014 and January 1, 2017 in a hospital, ambulatory surgical center or as an employee of a federal government agency or institution. Successful completion of 16 hours of continuing education every two (2) years relevant to the medical-surgical practice of surgical technology.

Option 4: Successful completion of a BOLI registered apprenticeship program for surgical technologists that has been approved by OHA. Current Tech in Surgery TS-Certification from NCCT.

Healthcare Provider BLS required.

Experience or training in computer applications preferred.

Time Management: Ability to organize, plan and prioritize work to complete within required time frames and to follow-up on pending issues. Ability to perform multiple tasks simultaneously and thrive in dynamic fast-paced environments and under pressure.

Social Perceptiveness: Ability to work with a diverse population from pediatrics to geriatrics. Basic understanding of age-related differences in caring for and/or communicating with patients and caregivers. Possess personal sensitivity to the needs and experiences of others and a non-judgmental attitude towards persons of differing standards, values, lifestyles, and ages.

Communication: Effective written and oral communication skills to explain complex issues, exchange information between team members, and tactfully discuss issues.

Knowledge of proper decontamination, washing, sorting, and reassembling of instruments. Knowledge of proper use of equipment utilized in the operating room. Knowledge of surgeon needs and techniques for procedures. Knowledge of basic instrumentation for specialty areas including general eyes, ENT, ortho, OB/GYN, urology, vascular, plastic, laparoscopic procedures (and cardiac, if appropriate). Knowledge of sizes and applications of needles and suture types for different procedures. Knowledge of endoscopic and open staple products, sizes and application. Knowledge of implant materials and applications.