Surgical Technician at Brigham & Women's Hospital(BWH) in Boston, Massachusetts

Job Description:

GENERAL OVERVIEW

A trained ancillary person who is responsible and accountable for the quality of care she/he provides to the patient in
the operating room. Major functions include, but are not limited to, preparation of the instrumentation, equipment and
environment for the various surgical procedures performed. Works directly under the supervision of the registered nurse in
assigned area and is ultimately responsible to the nursing director.
Opportunities available for the Certified Surgical Technologist looking to advance current skills working in multi-specialty
surgical services. We offer a Career Ladder, comprehensive Benefit package and New Rates.



This position is eligible for a $10,000 sign on bonus paid out by the department after successfully completing 90 days of employment and remaining in good standing. Any questions should be directed to the hiring manager.




PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Prepares the instrumentation, supplies and equipment required for the various procedures performed within the area.
a. Maintains integrity of the sterile field, recognize and resolves any breaks in technique.
b. Anticipates the needs of the surgical team to facilitate the smooth and timely flow of the procedure.
c. Communicates essential information of the constantly changing requirements of the surgical team, i.e., updating
preference cards.
2. Prepares room for patient admission in a timely manner to promote efficient room utilization.
a. Ensures the efficient and effective cleaning of the operating room according to established protocols.
b. Ensures the presence of all supplies and equipment required for subsequent procedures. c. Efficiently organizes
surgical tables with appropriate sterile supplies and equipment.
d. Checks for proper functioning of equipment.
3. Positions patient utilizing proper body mechanics and safety precautions.
a. Assists in the transfer of patients from litter to bed, ensuring that the bed is locked and secure during transfer.
b. Performs proper patient safety measures, i.e., safety strap application, protective padding and arm-board placement.
c. Positions patient maintaining proper body alignment of patient and self.
4. Performs appropriate counts with circulator to verify removal of all countable items from surgical site in accordance with
established procedure.
5. Cleans and restocks rooms utilizing knowledge of septic and aseptic technique.
a. Disposes of all waste materials according to established protocols. Pays particular attention to the disposal of
hazardous (knife blades) or infected material.
b. Separates instrumentation into appropriate containers. Follows individualized protocols for the care and maintenance of
specialized instrumentation.
c. Ensures the appropriate par levels of supplies and the presence of necessary equipment and furniture to prevent time
consuming delays between procedures.
6. Receives (from RN) medication (except for narcotics) passed onto the sterile field to be administered by the surgical
team. Assists the circulator and surgical team in accounting for amounts of medications and irrigation's administered.
7. Handles all surgical specimens according to procedure. Relates the type of specimen to the circulator to ensure proper
labeling.
8. Ensures the availability of equipment and supplies for any type of emergency.
a. Checks for completeness of emergency equipment supplies.
b. Checks for expiration dates on sterile products.
c. Resolves any deficiencies identified.
9. Functions in an on-call capacity for urgent and emergent situations. 3/IV
a. Reports within specified times to unit.
b. Is available at all times to the hospital via phone, bellboy or on-site.
10. Keeps current regarding developments in technical instrumentation, trends and techniques through appropriate
journals as well as internal and external educational programs.
11. Under the supervision or direction of the RN, assists with and reinforces teaching and emotional support for patient and
family during the perioperative phase.
12. Serves on appropriate Nursing and Hospital committees as requested.
13. Participates in staff meetings.
14. Makes appropriate use of supplies, equipment and other resources helping to maintain a cost-effective program for
patient, unit and institution.
15. Assists in evaluation of products, equipment and systems which may have an impact on planning and implementing
the budget.
16. Keeps informed of personnel policies and incorporates them in behavior as indicated.
17. Technologists who demonstrate high level of skill and expertise act as preceptors to new staff members.



Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Completion of an accredited surgical technologist program.


a. Candidates that are currently close to completion of a Certified Surgical Technologist program are encouraged to apply.


2. Knowledge of patient care and aseptic technique is essential.


3. Personal attributes such as good judgment, dependability and initiative are necessary.


4. Proficiency in computer, phone and communication skills required.
5. May not currently hold a valid nursing license.


6. Minimum of 2 years inpatient hospital experience preferred.



CERTIFICATION:



Surgical technologists hired after July 1, 2013 must maintain a certified surgical technologist credential unless the individual was employed as a surgical technologist in a surgical facility on or before July 1st, 2013.


Surgical technologist credential must be administered by a nationally recognized surgical technologist certifying body accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies and recognized by the American College of Surgeons and Association of Surgical Technologists



SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED

1. Must have knowledge of septic and aseptic technique and be conscious of both at all times.
2. Must be aware of safety standards and hazards in the room.
3. Must have knowledge of patient positioning and assist circulator when necessary.
4. Must have knowledge of care and handling of surgical instruments.
5. Must have knowledge of care and safety hazards of all specialty equipment.
6. Understands the normal and recognizes deviation form normal within his/her specialty.
7. Demonstrates expertise on the use and maintenance of equipment and/or machinery required for area of specialty. Most
of this is expensive highly technical equipment requiring expert handling and care, i.e., $50,000 microscopes, $10,000
arthroscopes.
8. Is aware of and utilizes accepted standards of care and participates in the evaluation of those standards.
9. Must have ability to recall past experience in order to anticipate surgical team needs.
10. Must posses interpersonal skills sufficient to interact efficiently with other members.
11. Must have ability to teach skills of a surgical technician to other health team members such as medical and nursing
students.
12. Must posses ability to work in frequently stressful situation requiring quick action and
adaptability to rapid change. (Emergencies or change in plan - up to 75% of work time.)
13. Work requires approximately up to 6 months of orientation to acquire familiarity with the specialty areas.
14. Work requires ability to carry through with identified skills as failure to do so may result in serious harm to patients, self
or co-workers, i.e., infections, injuries, prolonged surgical and anesthesia times.



EEO Statement

BBWH is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.