Surgical Technologist (SBS) in Granger, Indiana at Beacon Health System

Under the direct supervision of the professional nursing staff, the Surgical & Endoscopy Technologist assists physicians and nurses in the delivery of safe, high-quality patient care across the Operating Room, Endoscopy, and Pulmonary Endoscopy settings. This position functions as both a sterile scrub technologist during surgical and endoscopic procedures and as a technical resource responsible for the preparation, maintenance, cleaning, disinfection, and management of surgical and endoscopy equipment.

The Surgical & Endoscopy Technologist anticipates the needs of surgeons, physicians, and nursing staff; maintains sterile technique throughout procedures; assists with patient positioning and specimen handling; and ensures all instruments, scopes, equipment, and supplies are properly prepared, processed, and maintained according to established policies and regulatory standards.

The role also supports inventory management, departmental operations, quality improvement initiatives, and staff education while delivering exceptional customer service to patients, physicians, and team members.

MISSION, VALUES and SERVICE GOALS

MISSION: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.

VALUES: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.

SERVICE GOALS:

• Personally connect.
• Keep everyone informed.
• Be on their team.

What You'll Do

Surgical & Procedural Support

• Utilize the highest standards of aseptic and sterile technique throughout all surgical and endoscopic procedures.
• Serve as the primary scrub person by preparing and passing instruments, supplies, implants, and equipment.
• Anticipate the needs of the surgeon or physician to facilitate efficient procedures.
• Assist physicians during operative and endoscopic procedures under direct supervision.
• Maintain continuous vigilance of the sterile field and immediately correct breaks in sterile technique.
• Perform surgical counts with the circulating nurse according to policy.
• Prepare procedure rooms, equipment, instruments, and specialty supplies before each procedure.
• Set up appropriate endoscopes, surgical instruments, accessories, and therapeutic devices based on the scheduled procedure.
• Assist with therapeutic endoscopic interventions including, but not limited to:
  • Polypectomy
  • Balloon dilation
  • PEG tube placement
  • Stent placement
  • Band ligation
  • Sclerotherapy
  • Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR)
  • Sphincterotomy
• Collect, label, and transport specimens according to policy.
• Assist with patient positioning and preparation while maintaining patient safety and dignity.

Instrument & Equipment Management

• Clean, disinfect, inspect, sterilize, and properly store surgical instruments, flexible endoscopes, and related equipment.
• Perform daily quality assurance testing on Steris systems.
• Monitor and document Cidex solution changes and daily pH testing.
• Verify proper operation of all surgical and endoscopy equipment before each procedure.
• Troubleshoot equipment issues and report malfunctions promptly.
• Maintain familiarity with cautery equipment including:
  • Monopolar
  • Bipolar
  • Argon Plasma Coagulation (APC)
  • Cryotherapy systems
• Coordinate repairs and preventative maintenance as needed.

Supply & Inventory Management

• Monitor inventory levels and maintain appropriate stock of surgical and endoscopy supplies.
• Order replacement supplies according to established par levels.
• Prepare equipment and supplies for scheduled cases.
• Distribute supplies throughout procedural areas.
• Retrieve and return supplies from Central Processing, Pharmacy, and other departments.
• Maintain organization of storage rooms, procedure rooms, and supply areas.
• Assist with equipment movement and room turnover between procedures.

Unit & Department Support

• Prepare procedure rooms and patient care areas.
• Maintain clean, organized work areas and patient environments.
• Answer phones, communicate messages, and assist with clerical duties as needed.
• Assemble charts and procedure documentation.
• Prepare chart packets and maintain departmental records.
• Support physicians, nurses, and ancillary staff to promote efficient patient flow.
• Respond appropriately during emergency situations.

Patient Safety & Quality

• Provide a safe patient environment in accordance with hospital policies.
• Perform equipment safety checks before procedures.
• Maintain compliance with infection prevention and sterilization standards.
• Follow Universal Precautions and all OSHA, CDC, and regulatory guidelines.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and performance improvement activities.
• Report equipment failures, safety concerns, and process improvement opportunities.

Education & Professional Development

• Participate in orientation and training of new staff.
• Attend required department meetings and mandatory education.
• Maintain annual competencies and skills validation.
• Complete the ASGE GI Technician Certificate Program within one year of hire (if not already certified).
• Maintain continuing education requirements for Surgical Technologists.
• Stay current with evolving surgical and endoscopy techniques, equipment, and best practices.

Organizational Responsibilities

Associates comply with all Beacon Health System organizational requirements by:

• Completing mandatory education and annual competencies.
• Maintaining required certifications.
• Following departmental policies and procedures.
• Adhering to regulatory and accreditation requirements.
• Utilizing appropriate infection prevention practices.
• Supporting Beacon's Six-Point Operating System:
  • Leverage innovation everywhere.
  • Cultivate human talent.
  • Embrace performance improvement.
  • Build greatness through accountability.
  • Use information to improve and advance.
  • Communicate clearly and continuously.

Qualifications

Education & Experience

One of the following is required:

• Graduation from an accredited Surgical Technologist program with a certificate or degree; OR
• High School Diploma or equivalent with previous Endoscopy Technician experience.

Preferred:

• Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)
• One year of Operating Room and/or Endoscopy experience.
• Previous experience assisting with GI and Pulmonary Endoscopy procedures.

Required:

• Current BLS (CPR) certification or obtained within three months of hire.
• Surgical Technologists must maintain required continuing education.

Knowledge & Skills

• Thorough knowledge of sterile technique and aseptic practice.
• Knowledge of surgical instrumentation, supplies, and equipment.
• Understanding of gastrointestinal and pulmonary endoscopy procedures.
• Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology.
• Familiarity with surgical and endoscopic therapeutic procedures.
• Ability to clean, disinfect, and maintain flexible endoscopes.
• Knowledge of sterilization processes and infection prevention practices.
• Understanding of electrosurgical equipment and energy modalities.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to remain calm and focused in a fast-paced procedural environment.
• Strong customer service skills with a patient-centered approach.

Working Conditions

• Works primarily in the Operating Room and Endoscopy procedural areas.
• Frequent exposure to bloodborne pathogens and bodily fluids.
• Possible exposure to chemical disinfectants and sterilization agents.

Physical Demands

Requires the physical ability and stamina to:

• Stand and walk for extended periods.
• Lift, move, and position equipment and patients (up to 35 pounds independently and greater than 35 pounds with assistance).
• Push carts and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Bend, reach, twist, and stoop frequently.
• Perform CPR and respond to emergency situations.
• Maintain dexterity required for handling delicate surgical instruments and endoscopy equipment.