Surgical Technologist, Sr.

About the role

Coordinates instrumentation, equipment, and supplies to ensure proper use and availability for quality patient service. Work under the direct supervision of a Clinician and the Director to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of invasive and non-invasive procedures. Perform advanced tasks on a regular basis in an operating room that assist the surgical team. Work on complex surgical procedures within at least three surgical specialties.

Responsibilities

• Teach both skill and theoretical principles to new employees and students.
• During surgery, efficiently pass instruments and other sterile supplies to surgeons and surgeon assistants. Under the supervision of the surgeon hold retractors or instruments, cut sutures, sponge or suction the operative site and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments.
• Assume responsibility under the direction of the Clinician for all repairs, ordering and maintenance of supplies, equipment, lasers and instrumentation related to the specialty service. Assist the Clinician in supervising the use of supplies and equipment for patient care and safety in all procedures.
• Before an operation, help to prepare the operating room by setting up surgical instruments and equipment, sterile drapes, and sterile solutions. Assemble both sterile and non-sterile equipment. Adjust and check equipment to ensure it is working properly.
• Demonstrate initiative in problem solving as related to patient and technical issues that contribute to the improvement of the Operating Room function and operation.
• Coordinate day to day supervision of the surgical technicians. Serve as the Lead on daily shifts to resolve/answer any questions or issues. Teach both skill and theoretical principles to new employees and students.
• Prepare patients for surgery by wash, shave, and ensure aseptic incision sites. May transport patients to the operating room, help position them on the operating table, and cover them with sterile surgical drapes. Assist the surgical team with putting on sterile gowns and gloves.
• Scrub, secure additional supplies as required, maintain asepsis in the Operating Room, select and sterilize instruments, set up for surgical procedures, hand the surgeon instruments and sutures, store equipment and instruments.
• Assist in the preparation, care for, and disposal of specimens taken for laboratory analysis and help apply dressings.
• Support cost containment in the use of materials and equipment.
• An in-depth knowledge related to a specific surgical specialty or a broad knowledge of many specialties.
• Demonstrate excellent communication skills and collaborates with the surgeons, specialty team members and other departments. Serve as a resource for staff and other disciplines. Identifies process improvement opportunities and assists in implementation.
• Ensure all medications are labeled and handed to surgeon according to established policies and procedures. After surgery, may help transfer patients to the recovery room. Clean and restock the operating room. Ensure clean, safe environment through continued alertness to safety and explosive hazards and aseptic technique.
• Serve as a resource to other staff members. Assist head nurse by precepting students and new employees.

Qualifications

• Completion of a formal surgical technician program offered by a community or junior college, vocational school, university, hospital or the military.
• 3 years of current Operating Room experience required.
• Advanced knowledge of at least 2 surgical specialists with 1 year experience in selected specialty desired.

Benefits

• Earn over 5 weeks of paid time off every year
• Affordable medical, dental & vision coverage
• Student loan assistance and tuition reimbursement options
• Earn up to 8% of your eligible pay in retirement contributions from UPMC
• Employer-paid life insurance

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Recognition

• U.S. News and World Report named UPMC for Life a “Best Insurance Company for Medicare Advantage” in Pennsylvania for 2024.
• The Human Rights Campaign Foundation has named UPMC Health Plan an “Equality 100 Leader in LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion” for 2023–2024.
• UPMC for Life ranked #1 in Customer Satisfaction* among Medicare Advantage Plans in Pennsylvania by J.D. Power.
• The Ethisphere Institute named UPMC as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the sixth consecutive year.

Benefits

• Earn over 5 weeks of paid time off every year
• Affordable medical, dental & vision coverage
• Student loan assistance and tuition reimbursement options
• Earn up to 8% of your eligible pay in retirement contributions from UPMC
• Employer-paid life insurance