Surgical Technologist I or II - 90%25 Nights - Labor & Delivery - Downtown Campus)

Qualified candidates may be eligible for a sign-on incentive of up to $5,000. Current UI employees are not eligible.

The University of Iowa Health Care Downtown Campus intends to hire at either the Surgical Technologist I classification (Pay Grade 11) or Surgical Technologist II (Pay Grade 13), based on the qualifications of the successful candidate. Please indicate in your cover letter the position you wish to be considered for or indicate both.

Position Summary: 

Under the direction of Staff Nurses, assists with surgical procedures, the provision of therapeutic, preventive and emergency patient care duties. Prepares, operates and maintains routine and complex equipment, instruments, supplies and implants.

A career with University of Iowa Health Care is more than a job. Here, you’re part of something greater, something bigger. Our downtown campus is a 194-bed hospital (located at 500 E Market Street, Iowa City) providing a community-based model of care while directly connected to the expertise, technology, collaboration, and support of our entire health system. Join the team at our downtown campus. You’ll find meaning and purpose knowing that your work helps make all of Iowa better.

Position Responsibilities:

• Prepares surgical area for patient care and anticipates the needs of the surgical team.

• Serves as primary preceptor for Surgical Technology students, Summer 10 Nursing Interns or new staff.

• Serves on shared governance committee, POD committee or EBP workgroup.

• Applies knowledge related to emergency situations and surgical procedures in the operating room.

• Understands the principles of medical and surgical asepsis; recognizes and communicates breaks in aseptic technique.

• Provides for proper care and handling of equipment, instruments, supplies and implants (E/I/S/I).

• Understand the various surgical equipment and advanced surgical instrumentation in order to anticipate needs during surgery to improve the overall flow of the surgical procedure.

• Competent in performance of delegated technical functions and clinical activities, in accordance with institutional policies.

• Facilitate patient care with regard to the patient's condition and age.

• High level of collaboration with peers in making decisions related to surgical patient care with responsibility over maintaining the sterile field and reporting incidence to surgeon

• Participates in collaborative review of pertinent patient information for accuracy of procedure and associated factors influencing preparedness for procedure.

• Assist to revise or update care plans and develop new care plans for new procedures or surgeons.

• Organize and review instrument trays and supply shelves.

• Organize and maintain trial or specialty equipment, supplies, or instrument items.

• Displays critical thinking skills and anticipates the needs of the patient and surgeon.

• Takes preventative action on potential patient problems/complications and reports unusual incidents.

• Provides documentation according to department/division standard in conjunction with the Registered Nurse.

• Performs computer functions within scope of role as defined by the individual unit or units supported.

• Precepts new staff and/or student technologists to scrubbing duties.

• Mentors new employees and other surgical team members.

• Practices standard precautions in infection control in accordance with institutional policy.

• Follows changes in patient care protocol based on research findings.

• Participates in and contributes to unit staff meetings and in-service programs.

• Participates in perioperative initiatives or shared governance committees.

• Performs other special projects and tasks as assigned.

• Ensures daily unit documentation/tasks are completed such as case reviews for procedure, implants and supplies.

• Communicates with surgeons regarding implants, instruments or supplies for future cases.

• Organize/Revise specialty carts, care plans or service line information.

• Organize and provide specialty in-services 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of principles of medical and surgical asepsis.

• Knowledge of medical instruments and supplies.

• Demonstrated competency to perform scrub duties in three or more surgical specialties.

• Ability to demonstrate knowledge of anatomy relating to the surgical procedure and the instrumentation required in order to effectively anticipate the needs of the surgeon.

• Knowledge and ability to perform CPR and emergency care procedures 6. Ability to set priorities and respond appropriately to actual and/or potential life threatening situations 

• Ability to work effectively and efficiently under pressure in a stressful environment, often without relief 

• Ability to maintain patient confidentiality.

• Ability to meet or exceed customer service needs and expectations and provide excellent service in a direct or indirect manner to patients, visitors, and fellow staff members.

• Ability to effectively transmit and interpret information through appropriate communication with internal and external customers.

• Ability to work safely and willingness to comply with special safety and health precautions.

• Ability to follow protocols for the disposal of linen, waste and contaminated supplies and equipment.

• Ability to transport and/or escort patients.

• Ability to follow universal precautions.

• Ability to provide care with regard to patient condition and age.

• Ability to use supplies and equipment in a cost-efficient manner.

• Ability to maintain personal appearance in accordance with dress code

• Ability to alter work schedule to meet unit/patient needs.

• Ability to be punctual and dependable.

• Ability to maintain effective working relationships.

Percent of Time: 90%25
Schedule: Days, every third weekend
Location: Downtown Campus
Merit Pay Plan:  https://hr.uiowa.edu/pay/pay-plans/merit-pay-plan
Pay Differentials: Shift differentials for evening and night.
Benefits Highlights: Fringe benefit package including paid vacation; sick leave; health, dental, life and disability insurance options; and generous employer contributions into retirement plans. https://hr.uiowa.edu/benefits

For more information about Why Iowa?, click here

Minimum Eligibility Requirements: 

Surgical Technologist I:

• Satisfactory completion of a vocational or military course in surgical technology, or certification as a Surgical Technologist.

Surgical Technologist II:

• Satisfactory completion of a vocational or military course in surgical technology, or certification as a surgical technologist (NBSTSA and NCCT).

• Two years of Surgical Technologist experience

Desired Qualifications:

• Preferred candidates will have direct patient care experience.

• Experience working in a health care environment.

• Able to scrub surgical procedures. 

• Strong written communication skills.

Please attach a resume as part of the application process.  Job openings are posted for a minimum of 10 calendar days. This job may be removed from posting and filled any time after the minimum posting period has ended. For questions or additional information, please contact Emilio Villagrana at Emilio-Villagrana@uiowa.edu.

Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.