Surgical Technologist-Certified-Birthcare Center

0.9 FTE, rotating day/night 12-hour shifts in the Maternity Unit/Birthcare Care department.

About the role

The Surgical Technologist I-Certified prepares and maintains the operating room, supports patient preparation, and deploys sterile techniques throughout the procedure to ensure a sterile and safe surgical environment. This role works as an integral part of the surgical team, anticipating the surgeon's needs, handling specimens, and assisting during surgery under the supervision of surgeons and perioperative team members. Responsibilities include continuous learning, supporting infection control protocols, and ensuring adherence to safety guidelines to improve patient outcomes and team efficiency.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates knowledge, competency, and skills in assisting, maintaining sterile fields, exhibiting aseptic technique, and performing surgical skin preparation during procedures in accordance with established policies and standards.
• Knowledgeable of instrumentation and supplies, including setup and handling on the sterile field; anticipates and responds to the needs of the surgeon, staff, and patient.
• Understands functions of Central Sterile Processing related to cleaning, disinfecting, sterilizing, wrapping, and storage of instrumentation following appropriate “Instructions for Use” (IFU).
• Applies standard precautions, personal protective equipment, and isolation precautions.
• Prepares and assembles necessary equipment, supplies, and positioning aids based on preference cards.
• Prepares medications for administration on the operative field under physician direction.
• Provides direct patient care for antepartum, intrapartum, postpartum, and newborn patients under the direction of an RN or LPN.
• Serves as a preceptor in the operating room suites.
• Stocks OR/PACU areas, ensuring proper quality and quantity of supplies are available.
• Completes quarterly Nitrous testing on OR gas machines and runs quality controls on equipment such as Hemacue and Accudata.
• Checks crash carts, refrigerator temperatures, and Waterloo carts daily.
• Assists with OB duties when not in the OR, including answering phones, preparing charts, cleaning and restocking rooms, and helping in the nursery.
• Continues professional development and involvement in activities that enhance Surgical Technology practice through networking and research.
• Assesses and chooses teaching strategies appropriate to patients’ and families’ age-specific needs, culture, gender, readiness to learn, and comprehension level.
• Consults appropriate resources to provide specialized education.
• Prioritizes patient and workplace safety by preventing errors, accidents, and infections, and reporting potential concerns immediately.
• Demonstrates UnityPoint Health’s values and adheres to policies, procedures, and safety guidelines.
• Maintains regular, reliable attendance and current licenses/certifications required for the position.
• Completes all annual education and competency requirements within the calendar year.
• Practices and reflects knowledge of HIPAA, TJC, DNV, OSHA, and other regulatory agencies guiding healthcare.
• Knowledgeable of hospital and department compliance requirements for federally funded healthcare programs (e.g., Medicare and Medicaid) regarding fraud, waste, and abuse.
• Reports compliance questions or concerns to administrative staff and takes appropriate action on concerns reported by department staff.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Graduation from a nationally accredited surgical technology program required; associate degree preferred.
• Valid driver’s license when driving any vehicle for work-related reasons.
• Must possess certification in surgical technology through a nationally certifying body (NBSTSA or NCCT) within a year of hire unless an extension is granted.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required; NBSTSA certification preferred.
• Proficient in reading, writing, comprehending, and speaking fluent English.
• Basic computer knowledge using Microsoft Office, web browsers, and email.
• Use of usual and customary equipment required to perform essential functions of the position.
• Call responsibilities may be associated with this position.

Benefits

• Paid time off and parental leave.
• 401K matching and employee recognition program.
• Dental and health insurance, paid holidays, short- and long-term disability.
• Pet insurance for four-legged family members.
• Early access to earned wages with Daily Pay.
• Tuition reimbursement to help further your career.
• Adoption assistance to help grow your family.