Operating Room Neuro Surgical Technologist I – Days

Join UChicago Medicine's Center for Care and Discovery as an Operating Room Neuro Surgical Technologist I, providing surgical support in a world-class academic healthcare system. In this full-time, day shift position, you will work in the neurosurgical operating rooms assisting nursing and medical staff in providing care to patients undergoing surgical intervention. You will perform surgical scrub technologist duties, collaborate with the interdisciplinary surgical team, and maintain the highest standards of patient care and safety.

Clinical Setting

You will work in the neurosurgical operating rooms at UChicago Medicine's Center for Care and Discovery in Chicago. This is a 100% onsite position requiring you to be based in the greater Chicagoland area. You will have constant contact with operating room staff, physicians, clerical staff, anesthesia staff, and materials management.

Responsibilities

• Independently perform the surgical scrub role within the operative field and scrub in all services, including adult and pediatric cases
• Apply knowledge of surgical techniques, emergency procedures, and trauma situations in the operating room
• Demonstrate infection control practices by utilizing proper aseptic technique when dealing with blood and body fluids
• Correctly use all sterilizers and high-level disinfectors related to surgical procedures; document appropriately and maintain required competencies
• Demonstrate organizational skills in case preparation, case cart picking, and accurate room setup for instruments and trays according to surgeon preference cards, policies, procedures, and standards of care
• Operate and troubleshoot video systems as needed, collaborating with administrative coordinators, specialty managers, clinical engineering, and in-house vendors
• Provide cost-effective care through proper use of equipment and instruments and appropriate utilization of supplies based on assessed needs and surgeon preferences
• Demonstrate knowledge of immediate and long-term surgical outcomes, including sponge, needle, and instrument counts; aseptic technique; specimen handling; medication management on the sterile field; and care of electrosurgical electrodes and implants
• Properly handle and care for instrumentation
• Assist in preparing the surgical patient, including room preparation, opening packs and supplies, patient positioning, and emergency assistance
• Monitor the sterile field and open sterile supplies before procedures
• Perform counts and handle specimens
• Assure quality measures are met, such as Surgical Care Improvement Project (SCIP) core measures
• In collaboration with the preceptor surgical technologist and RN circulator, determine individual patient and surgeon needs and adjust instrumentation and supplies accordingly
• Inventory and restock supplies in individual operating room suites and specialty service carts
• Review preference cards in collaboration with the specialty team
• Communicate pertinent information regarding patients or unit activities to the oncoming shift
• Act as a resource person to patients, visitors, physicians, and other staff
• Communicate accurate and timely information regarding patient status and operating room schedule to the scheduling board manager, anesthesia coordinator, charge nurse, and perioperative management team
• Assist in efficient room turnover and case setup
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Graduate of an accredited surgical technologist program
• 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 instructions of surgeons, the circulating RN, and surgical technologist preceptor with speed, accuracy, and concentration
• Ability to prioritize daily activities
• Ability to recognize and intervene in life-threatening situations
• Ability to maintain composure under stressful circumstances

Licenses and Certifications

• BLS certification required
• CST certification must be obtained within 12 months of hire

Schedule

• Full-time position (1.00 FTE)
• Day shift: 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM
• Work location: Chicago, IL
• Non-union position