Operating Room Surgical Technologist / WEO

This position is for an Operating Room Surgical Technologist / WEO (Wound, Exposure, Ostomy specialist or similar advanced role) who will implement and evaluate care for pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients undergoing diagnostic and invasive surgical procedures. You will provide care to patients with complex health issues, serve as a clinical resource to staff, and analyze and anticipate less predictable outcomes of surgical interventions. This role requires expertise in multiple specialty areas and the ability to function as a clinical expert across complex service lines.

Clinical Setting

You will work in a surgical services environment with exposure to multiple specialty areas including General Surgery, ENT, Robotics, Ophthalmology (Corneal; Retina Cell transplants), Complex GYN, Complex Ortho/Spine, Thoracic, and Vascular surgery. You will care for patients with complex health issues and must be able to float between complex service lines as needed.

Responsibilities

• Implement and evaluate perioperative care for patients undergoing surgical procedures across multiple specialties
• Serve as a clinical resource and expert to surgical technologists and staff
• Analyze and anticipate complex outcomes of surgical interventions
• Lead service area-based committees and participate in identifying cost containment activities
• Monitor and maintain supplies, initiate purchases to ensure par levels, and identify available supply resources
• Identify complex patient needs by reviewing procedure protocols, physician requests, and assessing physical needs
• Prioritize procedure processes and supplies for specialty patient groups
• Identify and report unusual incidents during patient care procedures and complex procedure problems related to patient reactions or changes in needs
• Plan surgical procedures based on identified needs of surgeon and patient
• Implement interventions for identified patient problems related to surgical procedures and patient needs
• Utilize appropriate standards of care and collaborative clinical pathways to guide the plan of care
• Determine equipment, materials, and resources needed to meet patient procedure plans
• Communicate patient and staff needs and responses through written and verbal communication to management
• Keep the perioperative team informed of procedure needs and progress
• Maintain courteous and professional behavior in all interactions
• Participate in development and revision of procedure protocols, unit-based forms, and specialty clinical pathways
• Document all aspects of care following established unit procedures
• Establish and meet goals in clinical practice, management, education, and/or research
• Maintain active membership in professional organizations
• Function as a resource to resolve issues related to patient advocacy and complex interdisciplinary needs
• Assist in identifying staff and patient education needs and recommend appropriate in-service training
• Assist with planning and conducting department orientation of new staff and students
• Assist with unit-based competency requirements
• Serve as role model or mentor for new staff and students
• Comply with established policies and procedures and provide input in developing and revising policies
• Attend educational programs to develop optimal knowledge in area of specialty
• Assist in identifying ways patient and procedure outcomes can be modified through research and quality monitoring
• Serve as clinical resource for Surgical Technologists in designated service line for orienting new employees
• Review and identify revisions to surgical preference cards for designated service
• Participate in unit-based and hospital-wide performance improvement programs
• Assist in research and related activities in the surgery department
• Identify and communicate researchable problems as appropriate
• Analyze and report data to appropriate sources
• Assist surgeons and nurses with patients, equipment preparation, aseptic technique, and surgical procedures in the operating room
• Prepare the operating room for surgery by assembling routine supplies, materials, instruments, and equipment; obtain special supplies indicated by physician
• Set up and operate a variety of specialized instrumentation, manual and powered equipment
• Follow procedures for pre- and post-operative accounting of sharps, sponges, and instruments used in surgical setups

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Graduation from a surgical technology program or equivalent job training, which may include military perioperative programs and/or hospital-based training programs
• Two years of multispecialty experience with one year in a complex specialty area
• Must be able to function as a clinical expert in two or more complex specialty service lines and have the ability to float to other complex service lines as needed
• Complex specialty areas include Complex Neuro Procedures (aneurysm, craniotomy), Large Organ Transplant, Surgical Oncology (Head & Neck, Skull Based, HIPEC), and Reconstructive Surgery (e.g., TRAM Flaps)
• Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification in accordance with the American Heart Association

Preferred Qualifications

• Certification in Surgical Technology

Physical Requirements

This position is classified as medium physical demand work:

• Lifting 50 lbs maximum
• Carrying objects up to 25 lbs
• 20-50 lbs occasionally (0-33% of work day)
• 11-25 lbs frequently (34-66% of work day)
• 1-10 lbs constantly (67-100% of work day)
• Occasional to frequent standing and walking
• Occasional sitting
• Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing)
• Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks

Environmental Factors

Environmental exposures include, but are not limited to:

• Blood-borne pathogen exposure
• Bio-hazardous waste
• Chemicals, gases, fumes, and vapors
• Communicable diseases
• Electrical shock
• Floor surfaces
• Hot and cold temperatures
• Indoor and outdoor conditions
• Latex
• Lighting
• Patient care and handling injuries
• Radiation
• Shift work
• Travel may be required

Use of personal protective equipment, including respirators, is required. Environmental conditions may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.