Surgical Technologist 1

Job Description

Job Summary:

• The Surgical Technologist I supports surgical procedures by preparing the operating room, maintaining a sterile environment, and ensuring surgical instruments and equipment are available and functioning properly.
• Working under the direction and supervision of a Registered Nurse, the Surgical Technologist assists the surgical team throughout the perioperative process to promote patient safety and efficient surgical care.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Review scheduled procedures and discuss special equipment or instrumentation requirements with the surgeon before surgery.
• Prepare the operating room, sterile instrument tables, supplies, and equipment according to the scheduled procedures.
• Perform appropriate preoperative preparation, including aseptic site cleaning and patient clipping as needed.
• Maintain sterile technique and ensure surgical instruments and supplies are organized and ready for use.
• Inspect instrument trays, identify damaged or missing items, and resolve discrepancies promptly.
• Verify the proper functioning of surgical instruments and equipment before and during procedures.
• Perform surgical counts of sponges, sharps, instruments, and other items according to established policies.
• Anticipate the needs of the surgeon and surgical team and pass instruments and sterile supplies during procedures.
• Assist with patient positioning, surgical draping, and retractor placement as needed.
• Receive surgical specimens according to established protocols and transfer them to the circulating nurse, verifying specimen source.
• Assist with applying surgical dressings at the completion of procedures.
• Handle, disassemble, and prepare used surgical instruments for appropriate decontamination and sterilization processes.
• Dispose of sharps, fluids, and medical waste according to established safety procedures.
• Clean the operating room after each case and return equipment to designated storage areas.
• Follow infection prevention policies, AORN Guidelines for Perioperative Practice, OSHA requirements, and applicable regulatory standards.
• Maintain familiarity with surgical equipment and instrumentation to ensure safe and effective use.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of three (3) years of surgical technologist experience.
• Experience in the following specialties:
• Neurology/Neurosurgery.
• Urology.
• General Surgery.
• Robotic Surgery, including da Vinci Xi.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Heart Association (AHA).
• Current Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) certification through NBSTSA or NCCT.
• Strong knowledge of sterile and aseptic techniques, surgical instrumentation, and infection prevention practices.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced operating room environment and participate in the required call schedule.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Completion of a CAAHEP-accredited or other nationally accredited Surgical Technology program.
• Military surgical technology training or completion of a formal surgical technology training program.
• Knowledge of surgical procedures, human anatomy, sterilization standards, and perioperative safety protocols.
• Excellent communication, teamwork, and organizational skills.

Required Certifications:

• BLS: American Heart Association (AHA) only.
• CST: NBSTSA or NCCT.
• Neurosurgery and urology.
• General surgery.
• Robotic surgery and da Vinci Xi systems.
• Surgical instrumentation and sterile field maintenance.
• Surgical counts and specimen handling.
• Infection control and instrument reprocessing.
• Operating room setup and turnover .