Surgical Technologist (CST)

At Houston Methodist, the Surgical Technologist position requires novice to competent knowledge and skills necessary to carry out delegated tasks associated with safe and efficient operating room support functions and related procedures.

Responsibilities

• Records data established by policy and procedure and reports observations and patient problems to the licensed nurse.
• Under the direction of the surgeon, assists during operative procedures by sponging, suctioning, cutting suture, and holding retractors.
• Provides general patient care and department upkeep as delegated by licensed personnel.
• Establishes a working relationship with all members of the operating room team and interprofessional health care team, based on trust, honesty, confidence, and respect.
• Collaborates with the interprofessional health care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data.
• Contributes to a positive work environment and participates in teamwork by responding positively to requests for assistance.
• Assists in prepping room, equipment, and supplies to accommodate planned procedures.
• Gathers all instruments and supplies for each assigned procedure and ensures set-up is ready before the surgeon scrubs.
• Supports the surgeon during a variety of surgical procedures, including orthopedics, gynecology, general, ENT, ophthalmology, urology, spine, neurology, oral/maxillofacial, and minimally invasive procedures.
• Assists the circulating RN with sponge, instrument, needle, and other surgical counts.
• Accurately communicates updates for surgeon preference cards.
• Prepares the operating room for surgical procedures, ensuring surgical equipment is functioning properly and safely.
• Assists with the care of instruments, equipment, and supplies following surgical procedures.
• Maintains the sterile field for surgical procedures by preparing sterile supplies, instruments, and equipment using sterile technique.
• Reports observed variances in practices, established hospital and department policies, procedures, and standards to department management.
• Contributes towards meeting hospital and department quality and safety targets.
• Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks, minimizing incidental overtime.
• Utilizes time between heavy workloads efficiently and helps other team members.
• Maintains efficient use of surgical supplies and minimizes waste.
• Participates in department projects and shared governance activities.
• Identifies and assumes responsibility for own learning needs, seeking continuing education opportunities.
• Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond novice competencies with a focus on continual development.
• Completes and updates the My Development Plan on an ongoing basis.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent (e.g., GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education).
• Successful completion of an accredited Surgical Technology program or military training equivalency.
• Certification: CST, CSA, or TS-C.
• BLS - Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA) - American Heart Association.

Skills

• Demonstrates skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through ongoing skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations.
• Proficient in speaking, reading, and writing English to perform essential job functions, especially activities impacting patient or employee safety or security.
• Effectively communicates with patients, physicians, family members, and co-workers in a customer service-focused manner.
• Demonstrates knowledge and appropriate use of hospital databases such as EPIC.
• Ability to access information both in the department and within the hospital system.
• Understands medical terminology.
• Knowledge of surgical procedures, case progression, pertinent observations, and possible complications.
• Demonstrates knowledge and competent use of procedure equipment, instrument sets, and various surgical instruments.
• Knowledge of surgical supplies, their use, and restocking.
• Demonstrates appropriate skills in sterile technique.
• Competency in decontamination and use of autoclave equipment.

Supplemental Requirements

• Scrubs: Yes
• On-call: Yes (required during emergencies such as disasters or severe weather events).
• Travel: May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area.