Surgery Center Surgical Technician

We are currently looking for a Full Time Surgery Center Surgical Technician to join our Surgery Center Team located at the Chickasaw Nation Medical Center.

Summary:
Under general supervision, provides technical assistance during surgical procedures.

Responsibilities:
* Prepares supplies, instruments, and equipment for pending surgical procedures
* Updates surgeon preference cards following each procedure on an as needed basis and anticipates the needs of the surgeon and provides instruments
* Completes sterile processing procedures
- Cleans, disinfects, assembles, packages, records, sterilizes, and stores all instruments and equipment used for patient care
- Performs daily testing of sterilization equipment and reporting defective equipment to sterile processing supervisor
- Properly records daily testing of sterilization equipment
- Notifies supervisor immediately for any failed diagnostic testing on sterilization equipment
- Limits traffic in and out of the sterilization areas by transporting sterile instruments to their designated area(s)
- Cleans all sterilization areas and equipment according to guidelines on daily/weekly/monthly schedules
- Checks all sterilization areas for expirations on any sterilization products used
- Assists with transporting instruments to other facilities for sterilization processing when equipment is nonoperational
- Monitors procedure schedules daily, identifying general, specific and potential needs for all cases
* Performs surgical hand scrub per AST/AORN/CDC guidelines
* Gowns and gloves self, surgeon, and assistants utilizing sterile technique
* Performs appropriate instrument and soft supply counts with circulating RN
* Provides surgical scrub assistance during invasive procedures performed in Surgery Center and other areas
* Performs other functions in the OR that require adherence to sterile technique
* Labels all medication and solutions on and off sterile field using standard practices
* Maintains highest standards of sterile technique before and during procedure
* Prepares and applies sterile dressings per surgeon preference cards or direct order
* Assists with lateral transfer of patients to and from OR table/gurney utilizing proper body mechanics and appropriate assistive devices
* Processes all instrumentation/equipment according to individual manufacturer instructions for use (IFU) documents
* Observes for breaks in sterile technique and calls any issues to the attention of the surgeon and circulating RN and takes steps to rectify any breaks in sterile technique immediately
* Functions in SPD on an as needed basis to manually clean laparoscopic items after hours, utilize the drying cabinet for laparoscopic items in after hour situations, using the mechanical washer in cases of an emergency, and assisting with putting away and rotating sterile instruments based upon AAMI/AORN/AST/IAHCSMM guidelines/requirements
* Functions as a Surgical First Assistant (SFA), as qualified and as assigned, as outlined by the Association of Surgical Assistants (ASA). Must complete requirements according to SFA competencies
* Provides first class customer service - courteous and helpful to all internal and external customer types
- Answers questions in a courteous and professional manner
- Greets and engages with a smile
- Determines needs, seeks positive experience and outcomes
* Completes all training and development requirements and participates in continuing education opportunities
* Works in a collaborative and supportive manner to support the productivity and safety of the work area, team members and customers of all types
- Maintains general upkeep of work area and maintains a safe environment
- Maintains and promotes professionalism
- Punctual and consistent in meeting start time, work schedule, attendance and other assigned work time metrics
- Adheres to Chickasaw Nation dress code standards
* Maintains knowledge of and follows all laws, rules, regulations, policies and SOPs for assigned area, e.g. MICS, TICS, hospital standards, health codes, food sanitation, accounting principles, etc.
* Performs all other duties as assigned

Competencies:
Essential:
* Ability to demonstrate impeccable sterile technique
* Able to follow instructions, both written and oral
* Ensures compliance
* Able to adhere to all scheduling and attendance requirements
* Honesty, truthfulness, reliability, accountability
* Able to read, understand, apply, and retain knowledge of Chickasaw Nation, departmental, divisional and all other rules, regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines
* Possess basic knowledge of medical terminology
* Knowledge of relevant privacy regulations such as The Privacy Act, Freedom of Information Act and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)
* Ability to multitask
* Must possess the ability to identify and utilize a wide variety of surgical instruments, equipment, and supplies
* Ability to plan, organize and follow through on assignments
* Able to verbally communicate in a professional and positive manner with other team members, departments, guests and management
* Writes effective communications with team, departments, guests and management

Skills:
Essential:
* Excellent Phone Skills

Experience:
Essential:
* No prior experience required

Education:
Essential:
* Diploma of Surgical Technology

Essential:
* Completion of an accredited Surgical First Assistant program is required if functioning as a Surgical First Assistant

Credentials:
Essential:
* Pass general background check
* Basic Life Support (BLS)

Nonessential:
* Certified Surgical Technologist
* Tech in Surgery Certified (TS-C)

Nonessential:
* At least two (2) years recent employment as a Certified Surgical Technician (CST) or Tech in Surgery Certified (TSC) is required if functioning as a surgical first assistant

Working Conditions:
Essential:
* Fast-paced environment
* Works in a hospital or clinic environment
* Potential exposure to biohazards
* Potential exposure to contagious diseases
* Interacts with clinical, support, technical, professional or management staff in a variety of settings and situations
* Frequently bend, kneel, stoop, push, reach
* Use computer up to 25% of shift
* Sometimes lift and or carry up to 50 lbs
* Standing up to 100% of shift
* Walking up to 100% of shift
* Must be flexible with work schedule
* Pass pre-employment drug test
* May be required to be available for Call-Back
* May be on-call