Surgical Technologist - Operating Room - 40hr

A Surgical Technologist at this level is new to the role of a Surg Tech and requires training in order to be fully proficient in all required surgeries on infants and pediatric patients. The Surgical Technologist I provides assistance during surgical procedures by passing sterile instruments to the surgeon. As directed by the surgeon, may hold retractors, sponge or suction operative site, and apply electrocautery within the surgical technologist's scope of practice. Performs routine and delegated duties before, during and after surgery according to Connecticut Children's standards, policies and procedures. This includes scrubbing and other related duties under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse to maintain sterility during surgical procedures.

Connecticut Children's is the only health system in Connecticut that is 100% dedicated to children. Established on a legacy that spans more than 100 years, Connecticut Children's offers personalized medical care in more than 30 pediatric specialties across Connecticut and in two other states. Our transformational growth establishes us as a destination for specialized medicine and enables us to reach more children in locations that are closer to home. Our breakthrough research, superior education and training, innovative community partnerships, and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion provide a welcoming and inspiring environment for our patients, families and team members.

At Connecticut Children's, treating children isn't just our job - it's our passion. As a leading children's health system experiencing steady growth, we're excited to expand our team with exceptional team members who share our vision of transforming children's health and well-being as one team.

Education and/or Experience Required

Education: High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent Graduate of a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP) accredited Surgical Technology Program.

Education and/or Experience Preferred

Experience: Prior Surgical Technician experience and/or healthcare experience.

License and/or Certification Required

Certification as Certified Surgical Technologist through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assistants within 6 months of start date in job. Current Basic Life Support (BLS) / CPR in adult, child & infant.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Maintains confidentiality and acts in ethical manner.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Good listening skills.
• Ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies within a diverse community.
• Demonstrates cultural sensitivity in all interactions with patients/families and coworkers.
• Solid conflict resolution, team building, problem solving and decision-making skills.
• Effectively works individually and within teams.
• Comfortable working under pressure.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Manual dexterity, able to use hands with precision.
• Ability to anticipate needs of surgeon.
• Acts in a professional capacity and serves as a role model.

Job Responsibilities

Preoperative (20%)

• Assists Registered Nurse in gathering appropriate supplies for cases.
• Assists team members to place and position patients on the Operating Room table.
• Identifies specific care needs as related to the patient's age group and size.
• Includes but not limited to: instruments, bed size/type.
• Places equipment and supplies in the operating room and arranges instruments, according to instructions.

Intraoperative (60%)

• Distinguishes between core and specialty cases in each service.
• Identifies core cases for assigned services and performs first scrub role, directly assisting the surgeon by passing sterile instruments and supplies at the sterile field.
• Performs duties associated with the second scrub role, including but not limited to:
• Holding retractors
• Sponging or suctioning operative site
• Applying electrocautery within the surgical technologist's scope of practice, as directed by the surgeon.
• Predicts and anticipates surgeon's requests based on knowledge of the case
• Aids OR team members to don gown and gloves. May assist with doffing as needed.
• Follows all safety policies
• Ensures a sterile and organized environment by using principles of good aseptic technique
• Collaborates with circulating RN to correctly account for countable items at the sterile field according to policy and procedure.
• Responsible for mixing, labeling and dispensing drugs and solutions to surgeon from the sterile field.
• Assures and maintains supply of fluids, solutions and drugs.

Postoperative (10%)

• Prepares and applies dressings to surgical sites post-surgery.
• Washes and sterilizes equipment when necessary following manufacturer's recommended instructions according to AAMI standards.
• Returns unused sterile supplies and ensures equipment is in the correct location.
• Restocks room supplies as needed.
• Prepares for cases for the following day.
• Assists with preparation, maintenance and after-care of supplies, equipment, and facilities with the OR.
• Check stock: instrument, sutures, supply expiration dates, working order, stock integrity.

Other Job-Related Duties (10%)

• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.