Under the direct supervision of the registered nurse, the Surgical Technologist II is an integral part of the surgical team working to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of invasive surgical procedures. Surgical Technologists’ primary responsibilities are to prepare and maintain the sterile field, pass instruments, and assist the surgeon within their scope of practice. The surgical technologist collaborates with other members of the perioperative team to utilize resources in a cost effective manner in an environment that promotes continuous quality improvement.

Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent, graduate of an accredited surgical technology program or licensed as a Practical Nurse in New York State.
• Graduates of accredited surgical technology programs must hold nationally accredited certification or be eligible for certification.
• Employed as a Surgical Technologist for a minimum of 1(one) year.
• Demonstrates advanced knowledge and proficient practice in the first scrub role in a majority of surgical procedures.
• Integral components consist of strong interpersonal skills with an emphasis on collaborative team behaviors.

Responsiblilities:

• Demonstrates advanced knowledge and proficient practice in the first scrub role in a majority of surgical procedures. Adheres to the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) Code of Ethics.
• Applies knowledge of advanced surgical techniques
• Applies knowledge related to emergency situations and surgical procedures.
• Demonstrates critical thinking skills in relation to anticipating the perioperative needs of the patient and surgeon.
• Exhibits a higher level of collaboration with peers in making decisions related to surgical patient care.
• Participates in ongoing education and training to advance practice.
• Maintains certification by participating in continuing education activities.
• Exhibits professional behaviors and skills in the surgical environment.
• Follows through with assignments and instructions
• Assists the perioperative team in providing a safe environment of care related to patients and personnel. Utilizes safe patient handling techniques minimizes occupational injury by employing proper body mechanics during the performance of physical tasks.
• Utilizes appropriate personal protective devices. Adheres to the policies and procedures as outlined in the exposure control manual: Standard Precautions, Blood Borne Pathogens, Disposal of Sharps, Blood/Body Fluid Spills and Medical Waste Disposal.
• Minimizes the risk of fire by utilizing safe work practices and verbalizes personal role in the event of a surgical fire.
• Maintains a clean and safe work area. Takes precautions to avoid hazards associated with infectious and non-infectious wastes.
• Applies the principles of asepsis to the practice of sterile technique.
• Performs hand antisepsis according to established guidelines.
• Utilizes sterile technique when donning gown and gloves. Able to don gown and gloves and assist others to do so without contamination.
• Creates and maintains a sterile field according to AORN guidelines.
• Inspects items to be introduced to the sterile field for proper processing, packaging, and package integrity.
• Verbalizes knowledge of correct traffic patterns in and around the sterile field.
• Recognizes breaks in sterile technique when preparing, performing or assisting with operative procedures. Takes immediate corrective action when a break in sterile technique occurs.
• Successfully demonstrates competencies of decontamination, high level sterilization, and immediate use sterilization.
• Differentiates between non-critical, semi-critical, and critical items.
• Selects the appropriate method of sterilization according to the manufacturer’s instructions for use (IFU).
• Operates steam sterilizer and STERRIS according to manufacturer’s recommendations with appropriate chemical and biological indicators. Completely documents each sterilization cycle.
• Demonstrates knowledge of relevant anatomy, pathology, surgical procedures, and surgeon preferences.
• Selects appropriate supplies, instruments, and equipment for surgical procedures.
• Prepares and updates surgeon preference information.
• Collects and identifies specimens as directed by surgeon communicating information clearly and completely to RN circulator.
• Participates in sponge, sharp, and instrument counts to prevent the retention of unintended foreign bodies.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Should be able to push/pull, lift/move 35 lb., be able to perform moderately difficult manual manipulations such as using a keyboard, writing, and filing for extended periods of time, must be able to perform tasks which require hand-eye coordination such as data entry, typing and using photo copiers. Mobility requirements may include the ability to be stationary at a workstation for a prolonged period of time, in addition to being able to squat or be mobile for a reasonable length of time and distance. Communication requirements include the ability to comprehend the spoken English language, in addition to being able to communicate and read the English language.

Ellis Medicine is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex/gender, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, predisposition or carrier status, military or veteran status, prior arrest, or conviction record, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender identity, gender expression, reproductive health decisions, or domestic violence victim status.

Salary Range: $22.28-32.31/hour PLUS and additional $10/hour with Certification!! Pay is based on experience, skills, and education. Exempt positions under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) will be paid within the base salary equivalent of the stated hourly rates. The pay range may also vary within the stated range based on location.