SURGICAL TECHNOLOGIST

SEARHC is a non-profit health consortium which serves the health interests of the residents of Southeast Alaska. We see our employees as our strongest assets. It is our priority to further their development and our organization by aiding in their professional advancement.

Working at SEARHC is more than a job, it’s a fulfilling career. We offer generous benefits, including retirement, paid time off, paid parental leave, health, dental, and vision benefits, life insurance and long and short-term disability, and more.

This position is located in the Operating Room (OR) Department of the Surgical Department of the Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC).  Surgical specialties include:  General surgery on adult and pediatric patients, Endoscopy, Otolaryngology, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Urology, Dental, Plastic and Vascular.

The Surgical Technologist is an integral part of a team of medical practitioners providing surgical care to patients in a variety of settings.  The main function of the tech is fulfilling the role of an assistant to the surgeon.  The surgeon relies heavily on the tech to do their job correctly including following sterilization procedures while also being able to handle requests that are made during the surgery.

Salary: $27.89-$37.00 per hour, DOE

$25K sign on Bonus, 10K Relocation Bonus!

• Scrubs in on surgical procedures, under professional nurse supervision, for many different advanced and complex types of surgeries which includes: General & Rectal Surgery, Laparoscope and Open Cholecystectomies, appendectomies, hernias, thyroidectomy, Obstetric/Gynecology; caesarean sections, hysterectomies, therapeutic abortions, dilation & curettage, bilateral tubal ligations laparoscopies; Otolaryngology; tympanoplasty, tonsillectomy, rhinoplasty; Orthopedic; scopes, open reduction, internal fixation on ankles, femurs, tibia/fibula, insertion of rods, screws, plates, wires, total hip, total knee and total shoulder procedures; Endoscopic procedures; and other procedures as required. Clinical duties include the provision of patient care and support of individuals of all ages and their families.  The incumbent shall perform duties as assigned and insure quality patient care despite the situation encountered, be it routine or emergent.
• Utilizes the AORN Standards of Care in everyday practice. Supplies one or two surgeons with proper instruments, sutures, sponges and equipments.  Ascertains with professional nurse the accuracy of the sponges, needles and instrument counts.  Scrubs, gowns and gloves for surgical procedures as well as to gown and glove the surgeons and their assistants.  Corrects breaks in aseptic techniques by any person in order to provide optimum patient care.  Anticipates the surgeons preference for certain materials or instruments and be able to respond to these preferences in advance.  Updates Nurse as necessary based on continuing assessment of equipment needs and physician preferences; demonstrates sound clinical judgment; adaptable to changing patient needs.
• Sets up sterile table with instruments, equipments, supplies, medications/solutions needed for surgical procedures. Checks to see that the equipment is in good working order.  Maintains highest standards of sterile technique during procedures.  Helps in draping the sterile field (back table, mayo stand, OR table, etc.).  Correctly labels and processes all operative fluids.  Assists in preparing room for the next patient.  Operates and monitors specialized OR equipment.  Demonstrates use of autoclaves, flask and washer sterilizer, ultrasound washers, Hi vac and gravity autoclave glucometer and Steris.  Takes initiative in reporting equipment in need of repairs and low levels of supplies. Takes apart and reassemble any instrument or piece of equipment that needs cleaning (within the scope of instructed nursing personnel duties) and prepared instruments for terminal sterilization.  Monitors supplies and instruments to assure sterility of materials used furthering Quality Assurance of patient care.  Inventories, monitors assigned services supplies and order as needed.
• Staff teaching and development – 1) Approaches teaching based on assessment of learner’s needs and the principles of adult learning; 2) assists other staff in initiating a plan to meet identified learning needs, 3) develops/implements educational programs and learning aids for the area/department (i.e. in-service classes, special projects, learning aids, patient care standards); 4) utilizes opportunities for incidental teaching with staff members; 5) assists in the orientation of new staff and students by sharing knowledge, experiences and verbal encouragement; 6) guides others in choosing nursing intervention, developing skills and applying knowledge. Participates in planning and conducting continuing education.
• Managing care through others – 1) Follows and directs others to follow Corporate, hospital, departmental policies and procedures and patient care standards. Provides input regarding the need for change in policies, procedures and patient care standards; 2) communicates with staff, patients, significant others and other health team members in a way that is supportive, constructive and positive; 3) gives feedback to other staff and health team members in regard to behavior that does not support achievement of patient, area or organizational objectives; 4) identifies and assists in altering unproductive group behavior based on principles of group dynamics.  Maintains confidentiality regarding administrative and patient issues.
• Participates on hospital committees as assigned. Area, department, hospital contributions – 1)  Attends and participates in area staff meetings, submits agenda items to Nurse Manager and/or initiates discussion regarding area or department issues; 2) applies information presented in staff meetings; 3)participates in area goal setting; 4) practices cost effective use of staff and supplies and suggests alternatives for increasing cost effectiveness; 5) documents participation in at least one of the following areas: a) area committees, b) nursing or hospital committees.

Education/Experience

• High School Diploma or GED
• Experience is preferred

License/Certification

• Completion of a technologist training program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs or any accrediting agency recognized by the United States Department of Education and Surgical Technologist Certification (CST) preferred; if not certified, certification must be obtained within six months of hire or in certain instances, “on the job training” specific experience greater than 5 years may substitute for certification.
• Current BLS certification or within 3 months of hire and bi-annually thereafter.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

Knowledge

• Requires knowledge of normal growth, development and life cycle changes. This includes knowledge of physical, behavioral characteristics of group for which nursing care is provided.
• Knowledge of anatomy & physiology with appropriate instrumentation, suturing materials, needles, prosthetic devices and other supplies.
• Knowledge of wound healing and complications.
• Must have professional knowledge and consideration to specific patient conditions and treatment.

Skills

• Skilled in sterile technique.
• Skilled in sterile processing.
• Skilled in patient positioning.
• Problem solving skills. 

Abilities

• Sound clinical judgment.  Decides when to seek/solicit the help or guidance from immediate supervisor or appropriate resource person.
• Effective communication with team members