Senior Surgical Technologist - Full Time (Days)
1 month ago
Houston
At Houston Methodist, the Sr Surgical Technologist position requires proficient knowledge and skills necessary to carry out delegated tasks associated with the safe and efficient operating room support functions and related procedures. This position works independently, exercising sound judgment, and reports observations and patient problems to the licensed nurse or surgeon. In addition to performing the duties and responsibilities of a Surgical Technologist, the Sr Surgical Technologist position provides mentoring and guidance for Surgical Technologist positions, utilizing skills and knowledge, helping to train and orient others. This position is responsible for assigned non-nursing functions and practices relationship-centered care in concert with Houston Methodist values. Other duties for the Sr Surgical Technologist position will include general patient care and department upkeep as delegated by licensed personnel. PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS • Promotes a positive work environment that actively assists interprofessional health care team to achieve optimal department results. Facilitates open, professional (verbal, nonverbal, written) communication which includes active listening and teaching to achieve mutual understanding, role modeling by example., • Teaches others to critically think by verbally expressing rationale for decisions and follows up, providing structured feedback with examples. Serves as the department preceptor for new surgical technologists, utilizing skills and knowledge to train and orient others., • Prepares the operating room, equipment and supplies for the next patient. Anticipates additional instrumentation, equipment and supplies for usage during the procedure before surgeon scrubs. Maintains and accurately communicates updates for surgeon preference cards within the applicable service line., • Anticipates the needs of the surgeon and nursing staff by passing instruments and supplies for surgical procedures, performing competently the role of the surgical technologist in the provision of surgical assistance during a variety of surgical procedures including but not limited to: orthopedics, gynecology, general, ENT, ophthalmology, urology, CV, spine, neurology, oral/maxillofacial, and minimally invasive procedures., • Assists the circulating RN with sponge, instrument, needle, and other surgical counts., • Maintains highest standard of sterile technique during pre and post procedures. Prepares sterile dressings and/or immobilization devices. Cleans and prepares instruments for terminal sterilization, following surgical procedure. Assists other members of the team with terminal cleaning of the room., • Assists with implementation and teaching of department-based safety initiatives and standards of practice. Problem-solves and manages multiple ongoing priorities with minimal supervision., • Maintains efficient use of surgical supplies and minimizes opening of supplies until confirmation that will be used during surgery. Makes recommendations for cost containment during cases., • Identifies and presents areas for innovation, efficiency and improvement for department projects and shared governance activities. May co-chair a unit-based Shared Governance Council., • Acts as resource in surgical technology for the department on other hospital committees. Participates in one department or hospital committee or subcommittee and facilitates the accomplishment of the goals of the committee or subcommittee., • High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.), • Two years as a Surgical Technologist LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED, • Health Services\BLS - Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA) AND, • Must have a certification (CST from NBSTSA, TS-C from NCCT, or CSA from NCCSA) or meet the grandfather clause (Bill 643): The bill includes an extensive grandfather clause exempting all individuals employed to practice surgical technology in a health care facility before Sept. 1, 2009. The clarification notes that legislation does not state employed "on" Sept. 1, 2009, but rather "before that date. A surgical technologist who was employed before Sept. 1, 2009, may remain employed as a surgical technologist without meeting the certification requirement. SB1239, Sec 259.002: 30 CEUs shall be completed every two years KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES, • Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through ongoing skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations, • Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security, • Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles, • Demonstrates understanding of medical terminology, • Demonstrates independence and exercises sound judgment in interactions with physicians, interprofessional care team and patients and their families, • Demonstrates proficient knowledge and appropriate use of hospital database such as EPIC. Ability to access information both in the department and within the hospital system, • Strong knowledge in use of procedure software, • Demonstrates proficient knowledge of instruments sets, the use of the individual surgical instruments, surgical supplies and the use of the supplies, • Demonstrates competency in decontamination and use of autoclave equipment WORK ATTIRE • Uniform No, • Scrubs Yes, • Business professional No, • May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital is a Magnet-recognized, not-for-profit, faith-based hospital that serves the growing Northwest Houston community. With 358 licensed beds, Houston Methodist Willowbrook is committed to providing quality, cost-effective health care in a compassionate environment for a full range of services, including emergency care, cardiology, orthopedics and sports medicine, comprehensive women’s services, neurology and neurosurgery, oncology, and primary and general medicine. Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.