Surgical Technologist

General Summary of PositionGathers and arranges sterile set-up for surgical procedures. Passes instruments and supplies to the operating team during surgical procedures, applying aseptic techniques.
Minimum Qualifications
Education

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Specialized and/or advanced clerical, technical or other vocational training acquired during 1 - 2 years of additional job-related training such as graduation from an accredited school for Surgical Technologists required

Experience

• 0 to 3 years experience such as direct, previous O.R. experience required

Licenses and Certifications

• CST - Certified Surgical Technologist (and registration) within four years of employment required
• Continuing employment is contingent upon the CST designation. Continuing Education Units must be maintained as required by certifying body.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• May require the use of specialized medical equipment (i.e., EEG, EKG, blood analyzer), or data processing equipment (i.e., tape drives, consoles).

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Checks daily room assignment and Operating Room (O.R.) schedule to ensure proper understanding of operating team requirements.

Assists the nursing staff in opening O.R. Tests/verifies proper functioning of equipment and instrumentation prior to case, as needed.

Gathers equipment, instruments and sterile materials required for surgical procedures according to the specific room, operation and physician preference.

Sets-up and counts instruments, sponges and needles with nursing personnel prior to and after the surgery.

Arranges and maintains a sterile field during surgical procedures, following Association of Operating Room Nurses (AORN) standards/protocols.

Assists the surgical team during the intraoperative phase by passing instruments, sponges and sutures.

Ensures medications on the sterile field are labeled and dispensed according to established policies and procedures.

Returns unused supplies/equipment after surgical procedures, ensures that surgical specimen are appropriately identified prior to removal from the sterile field.

Performs inventory and restocks O.R. suites to appropriate par levels.

Communicates changes in doctors preference requirements to supervisor.

Attends to the comfort of the patient prior to start of surgery, assists in positioning the patient for surgery and/or removing the patient from the O.R. to the Recovery Room.

Assists in cleaning and closing the O.R.

Assists in orientation and educational sessions for O.R. personnel.

May serve as charge and/or resource person during the absence of the charge nurse; may assist in the coordination of related support staff and interact with the Sterile Processing department to ensure coverage/supplies, as needed.

Attends seminars and inservices to maintain certification.

Why MedStar Health?
At MedStar Health, we understand that our ability to treat others well begins with how we treat each other. We work hard to foster an inclusive and positive environment where our associates feel valued, connected, and empowered. We live up to this promise through:

• Strong emphasis on teamwork-our associates feel connected to each other and our mission as an organization. In return, our effective team environment generates positive patient outcomes and high associate satisfaction ratings that exceed the national benchmark.
• Comprehensive total rewards package-including competitive pay, generous paid time off, great health and wellness benefits, retirement savings, education assistance, and so much more.
• More career opportunities closer to home-as the largest healthcare provider in the Baltimore-Washington, D.C. region, there are countless opportunities to grow your career and fulfill your aspirations.

About MedStar Health
MedStar Health is dedicated to providing the highest quality care for people in Maryland and the Washington, D.C., region, while advancing the practice of medicine through education, innovation, and research. Our team of 32,000 includes physicians, nurses, residents, fellows, and many other clinical and non-clinical associates working in a variety of settings across our health system, including 10 hospitals and more than 300 community-based locations, the largest home health provider in the region, and highly respected institutes dedicated to research and innovation. As the medical education and clinical partner of Georgetown University for more than 20 years, MedStar Health is dedicated not only to teaching the next generation of doctors, but also to the continuing education, professional development, and personal fulfillment of our whole team. Together, we use the best of our minds and the best of our hearts to serve our patients, those who care for them, and our communities. It's how we treat people.