Surgical Technologist III, Labor & Delivery, Full-Time, Days

• Clinical Practice

• Independently performs surgical scrub role within the operative field and is able to scrub in all services , adult and pediatric, with expert ability
• Applies knowledge of advanced surgical techniques
• Applies knowledge related to emergency and trauma situations and surgical procedures in the operating room
• Demonstrates infection control practices by utilizing proper aseptic technique while dealing with blood/body fluid
• Correctly uses all sterilizers and high level disinfectors related to surgical procedures; documents appropriately and maintains competencies, as required.
• In conjunction with Unit leadership

• Review needs for prior cases for accuracy and completion, Charge Nurse and Central Sterile Processing, demonstrates organizational skills in case preparation, case cart picking and accurate room set-up for instrument and tray contents in scheduled cases. Sets up instruments, supplies and equipment according to surgeon’s preference cards, policies and procedures and standards of care
• Acts as an exemplary mentor and teacher for students and staff orientees
• Operates and troubleshoots video systems as needed. Works in collaboration with Administrative Coordinators Specialty Managers, Clinical Engineering and In-house Vendors to maintain video systems
• Provides input in organizing and coordinating the effective use of personnel and materials
• Provides cost-effective care by proper use of equipment and instruments. Demonstrates appropriate utilization of supplies based on assessed needs, standard of care and surgeon’s preference cards
• Demonstrates knowledge of immediate and long term outcomes of surgical activities including, but not limited to: sponge, needle and instrument count, aseptic technique, proper handling of specimens, proper labeling and handling of medications on sterile field and care of electrosurgical active electrodes and implants
• Properly handles and cares for instrumentation
• In collaboration with Perioperative Educators, develops, organizes, and delivers continuing education topics and/or courses for operating room technologist colleagues and Central Sterile Processing staff
• Assists in performing care of the surgical patient, including:

• Helps team to prepare room
• Helps open packs, supplies and instrument sets
• Helps position patients
• Monitors sterile field
• Opens sterile supplies onto sterile field before procedure
• Performs counts
• Handles specimen(s)

• In collaboration with Unit leadership and Charge Nurse, determines individual patient/surgeon needs and adjusts instrumentation and supplies according to those needs
• Inventories and restocks supplies in individual OR suites and Specialty Service carts
• Responsible for reviewing and updating preference cards in collaboration with the specialty team
• Liaison to Central Sterile Processing (CSP)

• In collaboration with Specialty Manager and Central Sterile Processing management team, acts as a liaison to Central Sterile Processing (CSP) in the maintenance of specialty instrumentation necessary to enhance the delivery of quality patient care for assigned service(s)
• Preform unit based in-service’s to peer groups on a bi-yearly basis for education and learning purposes
• Patient Flow Facilitation, Communication and Control Desk

• Communicates with oncoming shift any pertinent information regarding patients or unit activities
• Acts as a resource person to patients, visitors, physicians and other staff
• Facilitates inter- and intradepartmental communication flow of the OR schedule
• Collaborates with Scheduling Board Manager, Anesthesia Coordinator, Charge Nurse, Perioperative management team in providing accurate and timely information regarding patient status and OR schedule
• Assists in efficient room turnover and case set-up

• Consistently demonstrates leadership abilities in support of UCMC’s goals, including excellence in safety, quality and the patient experience
• Performs the preceptor role in the training of students, orientees and OR staff; Assists in the orientation of staff
• Serves as a mentor and role model
• Serves as a resource for float staff
• Actively participates in at least one department or medical center committee
• Contributes to creating a work climate that encourages positive staff morale, motivation and commitment for all who participate in the care of patients
• Participates in a changing environment by being supportive and cooperative with changes at the unit level. Recognizes and seeks opportunities to learn from others and is receptive to new ideas, programs and solutions to patient care

• Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent

• Graduate of accredited Sugical Technologist program
• Minimum 5 years of Operating Room experience required
• Interpersonal skills necessary to facilitate communication
• Basic knowledge and ability to perform surgical technologist skills, analytical skills necessary to interpret and communicate data relevant to direct patient care to RN and MD.
• Ability to function as a member of the surgical team, carrying out the instructions of surgeons and of the circulating RN with speed, accuracy, and concentration
• Able to prioritize daily activities
• Able to recognize and intervene in life threatening situations
• Able to maintain composure under stressful circumstances
• Demonstrates higher level critical thinking and problem solving skills, thinks on an organizational level; demonstrates a competent, courteous and professional manner with coworkers, physicians, visitors, patients and others, maintaining confidentiality in execution of all duties, and superior knowledge and expert practice in the scrub role in advanced surgical procedures. Exhibits a high level of collaboration with peers in making decisions related to surgical patient care
• Demonstrates critical thinking skills in relation to anticipating the perioperative needs of the patient and surgeon
• Able to perform repetitive and physically demanding tasks
• Able to wear lead aprons (ranging in weight from 10-25 pounds) for prolonged periods of time for protection from exposure to radiation

• Full Time, 0.90 FTE - Three 12-hour shifts per week
• Days 7:00am - 7:00pm, every other weekend coverage included
• Work Location: Onsite
• Department: Labor and Delivery
• Non-Union

University of Chicago Medicine