Surgical Technologist- Operating Room

Overview: Works under the direction of a surgeon to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of invasive surgical procedures, ensuring that the operating room environment is safe, and that equipment functions properly.

Schedule: 20 hours per week

Shift: Monday through Friday, rotating days off each week. No weekends or holidays. Flex 8 hour shift between 5:30am-5pm.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES   

• Handles the instruments, supplies, and equipment necessary during the surgical procedure. Has an understanding of the procedure being performed and anticipates the needs of the surgeon. Has the necessary knowledge and ability to ensure quality patient care during the operative procedure and is constantly on vigil for maintenance of the sterile field. 

• Assists the surgical team before, during, and after surgery by performing the following duties: 

• Checks instruments, supplies, and equipment needed for surgical procedures. 

• Scrubs, gowns, gloves, and sets up sterile table with instruments and supplies, equipment and medications/solutions needed for each procedure 

• Assists with patient placement and positioning on the table. Assists in draping sterile field according to procedure/physician preference. 

• Performs appropriate counts for sponges, needles, and instruments with circulator according to policy prior to the operation and before incision is closed. 

• Gowns and gloves surgeon and assistants. Creates and maintains sterile field. Maintains highest standard of sterile technique during procedure. 

• Passes instruments, etc. to surgeon during procedure. May sponge operative site, hold retractors during surgery, cut suture and cauterize previously clamped vessels as directed by surgeon. Prepares sterile dressings. If applicable and at the direction of the surgeon, apply and secure dressings.

• Assists other members of team with cleaning the operating room after each procedure. Assists in prepping room for the next patient. 

• Participates in department performance improvement activities. 

• Maintains positive interpersonal relations with physicians, nurses, and other members of the health care team to promote a collaborative approach to providing efficient and high-quality patient care. 

• Understands age-related patient care needs and provides care appropriately. 

• Able to adapt to the needs of each physician’s needs, requests, and preferences and communicate this to Team Lead to update all staff and preference/case cards accordingly. 

• Is a mentor for new employees and new graduate surgical technologist by supporting the new employee.  

• Enhances partner growth through promoting attainment of national certification.   Assists partners in obtaining education required to achieve national specialty certification and maintain same.  

• Complete projects as assigned by Team Lead.    

• Assists in training of new partners or students successfully and offers constructive feedback during training process.  

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE   

High school diploma or general education degree (GED) preferred

Graduate of an CAAHEP-accredited Surgical Technology program required  

LPN grandfathered (3) at Rockford campus in lieu of Surgical Technology program.

CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE 

Certified Surgical Technologist through NBSTSA       

Approved CPR or BLS certification required within 90 days  

IL LPN Licensure grandfathered (3) at Rockford campus in lieu of Certified Surgical Technologist through NBSTSA.

LEVEL OF SUPERVISION  

More Supervisory responsibilities are conducted in accordance with directives of management, the organization's policies, and applicable laws. 

SUPERVISES  

May directly supervise/mentor up to one surgical technician student. When acting as a preceptor, carries out those responsibilities in accordance with the hospital's and school's policies and applicable laws. Serves as an educator, nurturer, and role model for the student. Acts as a resource and is supportive of the student by sharing knowledge obtained through work and life experiences. Responsibilities include guiding and enhancing the learning of the student by providing options, ideas, meaningful feedback, and information with instruction when identifying problems, prompting the student to think on their own and work it out. 

PAY RANGE:

Mercyhealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Mercyhealth offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical, Dental, Vision

• Life & Disability Insurance

• FSA/HSA Options

• Generous, accruing paid time off

• Paid Parental and caregiver leave

• Career advancement and educational opportunities

• Tuition and certification reimbursement

• Certification Reimbursement

• Well-being Programs

• Employee Discounts

• On-Demand Pay

• Financial Education

• Annual recognition/awards events

• Partner appreciation days

• Family entertainment/attractions discount

• Community service/improvement opportunities

Click here for more details regarding Mercyhealth Careers Benefit Information.

At Mercyhealth, we don’t simply hire people, we empower employee-partners who are passionate about making lives better. As an integrated health system, we deliver exceptional, coordinated across seven hospitals, 85 primary and specialty clinics, and a team of over 7,500 professionals serving northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin.

Mercyhealth has been nationally recognized for our commitment to our people and culture, including:

• #1 in the nation on AARP's Best Employers for Workers Over 50

• One of Working Mother magazine's 100 Best Companies for Working Mothers

• A Top 50 Company and Top 10 Nonprofit for Executive Women