At Houston Methodist, the Surgical Technologist position requires novice to
competent knowledge and skills necessary to carry out delegated tasks
associated with the safe and efficient operating room support functions and
related procedures. This position records data established by policy and
procedure and reports observations and patient problems to the licensed nurse.
The Surgical Technologist position, under the direction of the surgeon,
assists the surgeon andor surgical assistant during the operative procedure
by carrying out tasks including but not limited to sponging, suctioning,
cutting suture, and holding retractors. This position provides general patient
care and department upkeep as delegated by licensed personnel. The Surgical
Technologist position is responsible for assigned non-nursing functions and
practices, relationship-centered care in concert with the Houston Methodist
values.
PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Establishes a working relationship with all members of the operating room team and interprofessional health care team, based on trust, honesty, confidence and respect to achieve optimal department results.
Collaborates with the interprofessional health care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner.
Contributes to a positive work environment with the interprofessional care team to achieve optimal department results. Participates in teamwork by responding positively to requests for assistance.
Collaborates to foster healthy relationships in the work environment.
Conducts self in a manner that is congruent with cultural diversity, equity and inclusion principles. Contributes towards improvement of department scores for employee engagement, i.
e. peer-to-peer accountability.
SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Assists in prepping room, equipment and supplies to accommodate planned procedures. Gathers all instruments and supplies for each assigned procedure and ensures that the set-up is ready before surgeon scrubs.
- Supports the surgeon during surgical procedures, performing the surgical tech role in the provision of surgical assistance during a variety of surgical procedures including but not limited to, as appropriate : orthopedics, gynecology, general, ENT, ophthalmology, urology, spine, neurology, oralmaxillofacial, and minimally invasive procedures.
- Assists the circulating RN with sponge, instrument, needle, and other surgical counts.
- Accurately communicates updates for surgeon preference cards.
QUALITYSAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Prepares the operating room for surgical procedures, ensuring that surgical equipment is functioning properly and safely.
Assists with the care of instruments, equipment, and supplies following surgical procedure.
- Maintains the sterile field for surgical procedures by preparing sterile supplies, instruments, and equipment using sterile technique.
- Reports observed variances in practices, established hospital and department policies, procedures, and standards to department management, reporting near misses.
- Contributes towards meeting hospital and department quality and safety targets, through peer-to-peer accountability, and collaborating with the interprofessional health care team.
FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks, minimizing incidental overtime. Utilizes time between heavy workloads efficiently and helps other team members.
- Maintains efficient use of surgical supplies and minimizes opening of supplies until confirmation that will be used during surgery does not waste supplies.
GROWTHINNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Participates in department projects and shared governance activities.
- Identifies and assumes responsibility of own learning needs, consults with healthcare team experts and seeks continuing education opportunities to meet those needs.
Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond novice competencies with a focus on continual development. Completes and updates the My Development plan on an on-going basis.
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will
also perform other reasonably related businessjob duties as assigned. Houston
Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the
need arises.
EDUCATION
- High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include : GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)
- Successful completion of an accredited Surgical Technology program or military training equivalency
WORK EXPERIENCE
None
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED
- CSA - Certified Surgical Assistant (NCCSA) Certification by the Surgical Technologist Association OR
- TS-C - Technologist in Surgery-Certified (NCCT) National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) OR
- CST - Certified Surgical Technologist (NBSTSA) the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) OR
- BLS - Basic Life Support (AHA)
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going 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 knowledge and appropriate use of hospital database such as EPIC. Ability to access information both in the department and within the hospital system
- Demonstrates understanding of medical terminology.
- Knowledge of surgical procedures, case progression, pertinent observations, and possible complications
- Demonstrates knowledge and competent use of procedure equipment and instruments sets and use of various surgical instruments
- Demonstrates knowledge of surgical supplies, use of and restocking of supplies
- Demonstrates appropriate skills of sterile technique
- Demonstrates competency in decontamination and use of autoclave equipment
SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
WORK ATTIRE
- Uniform No
- Scrubs Yes
- Business professional No
- Other (department approved) No
ON-CALL
Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (ie.
DIsaster, Severe Weather Events, etc) regardless of selection below.
On Call* Yes
TRAVEL
Travel specifications may vary by department
- May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No
- May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No
Company Profile :
Houston Methodist Hospital is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as the
No. 1 hospital in Texas (two-way tie) and one of America’s Best Hospitals.
As a full-service, acute-care hospital located in the Texas Medical Center and
the flagship hospital of Houston Methodist, it has evolved into one of the
nation’s largest nonprofit teaching hospitals and a leader in innovative
medical research with a comprehensive residency program. Two of Houston
Methodist’s primary academic affiliates are among the nation’s leading health
care organizations : Weill Cornell Medicine and New York-Presbyterian Hospital.
Houston Methodist also has affiliations with Texas A&M; University and the
University of Houston. With 948 operating beds, 85 operating rooms and more
than 8,400 employees, Houston Methodist Hospital offers unparalleled care for
thousands of patients from around the world.
Houston Methodist is an equal opportunity employer inclusive of women,
minorities, disabled persons and veterans.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Equal employment opportunity is a sound and just concept to which Houston
Methodist is firmly bound. Houston Methodist will not engage in discrimination
against or harassment of any person employed or seeking employment with
Houston Methodist on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual
orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a
protected veteran or other characteristics protected by law. VEVRAA Federal
Contractor priority referral Protected Veterans requested.