Surgical Technologist

About the role

Surgical technologists are an integral part of the team of medical practitioners providing surgical care to patients. Assists in the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of care that meets the mission and goals of quality care and service excellence at Sanford. Assist with assessing, planning, implementing, evaluating, or documenting the care of patients. This care will be delivered in accordance with established standards of performance. Will work under the supervision and delegation authority of a surgeon, and in some cases other clinical licensed professionals, to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of invasive and non-invasive surgical procedures, ensuring that the operating room environment is safe, that equipment functions properly, and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety.

Responsibilities

• Accurately account for items used during a procedure and maintain an organized sterile field to facilitate accountability for all items during and after a procedure.
• Demonstrate knowledge in the theory and application of the principles of asepsis and sterile technique to combine the knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation and tools and technologies to facilitate a provider's performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.
• Actively participate in safety measures, maintain an organized sterile field, and maintain awareness of the location of all supplies needed for the course of the procedure.
• Prepare the surgical environment before procedures; ensure that supplies and dedicated devices are sterile and ready for surgery, as well as clipping, transporting, positioning, and ensuring aseptic incision sites.
• Assist in the preparation of patients prior to procedures.
• Make minor adjustments to avoid instrument malfunctions and keep them in operating condition.
• Conduct sterile and unsterile supply quality assurance checks according to sterilization principles before procedure.
• Verify the completeness of items when returned from the surgical site and participate in reconciliation activities.
• Demonstrate positive interpersonal relationships and well-developed critical thinking skills; work in a fast-paced environment and adjust to changes in duties with minimal notice, as the schedule requires.
• Assist with additional administration duties as needed for case preparation of patients.
• Provide services for patients during surgical procedures.
• LPN duties included in scope of practice for those possessing an LPN license.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an approved school of surgical technology or graduate of an accredited school of practical nursing as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) required.
• Experience in an operating room setting is preferred.
• Good knowledge of anatomy, physiology, medical and surgical terminology, instrumentation, aseptic techniques, and surgical procedures acquired through post-secondary training.
• National certification as a Surgical Technologist preferred.
• If an LPN, currently holds an unencumbered Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license with State Nursing board and/or possess multi-state licensure privileges.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) required within first 60 days of employment into position.
• Complete required annual continuing education units (CEU) and competency training requirements of the department and facility.
• Obtain and subsequently maintain required department specific competencies and certifications.
• If working in North Dakota and not an LPN, must be on the North Dakota Board of Nursing Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP) Registry at the time employment begins.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Life insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Work/life balance benefits
• Generous time off package to maintain a healthy home-work balance