Surgical Technologist - Main Operating Room - 36hr

Connecticut Children's is seeking a Surgical Technologist I for the Main Operating Room on a 36-hour schedule. This is an entry-level position for someone new to the surgical technologist role who will receive training to become fully proficient in surgical procedures on infants and pediatric patients.

You will provide assistance during surgical procedures by passing sterile instruments to the surgeon, holding retractors, sponging or suctioning the operative site, and applying electrocautery within your scope of practice. You will perform routine and delegated duties before, during, and after surgery according to Connecticut Children's standards, policies, and procedures, including scrubbing and related duties under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse to maintain sterility.

Responsibilities

Preoperative (20% of time):

• Assist the Registered Nurse in gathering appropriate supplies for cases
• Assist team members to place and position patients on the operating room table
• Identify specific care needs related to the patient's age group and size, including appropriate instruments and bed size/type
• Place equipment and supplies in the operating room and arrange instruments according to instructions

Intraoperative (60% of time):

• Distinguish between core and specialty cases in each service and identify core cases for assigned services
• Perform first scrub role, directly assisting the surgeon by passing sterile instruments and supplies at the sterile field
• Perform second scrub role duties, including holding retractors, sponging or suctioning the operative site, and applying electrocautery as directed by the surgeon
• Anticipate and predict surgeon's requests based on knowledge of the case
• Aid operating room team members to don gown and gloves, and assist with doffing as needed
• Follow all safety policies
• Ensure a sterile and organized environment using principles of good aseptic technique
• Collaborate with the circulating RN to correctly account for countable items at the sterile field according to policy and procedure
• Mix, label, and dispense drugs and solutions to the surgeon from the sterile field
• Maintain supply of fluids, solutions, and drugs

Postoperative (10% of time):

• Prepare and apply dressings to surgical sites post-surgery
• Wash and sterilize equipment when necessary following manufacturer's recommended instructions according to AAMI standards
• Return unused sterile supplies and ensure equipment is in the correct location
• Restock room supplies as needed
• Prepare cases for the following day
• Assist with preparation, maintenance, and after-care of supplies, equipment, and facilities within the operating room
• Check stock including instruments, sutures, supply expiration dates, working order, and stock integrity
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• High School Diploma, GED, or equivalent
• Graduate of a Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP) accredited Surgical Technology Program
• Certification as Certified Surgical Technologist through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assistants within 6 months of start date
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) / CPR certification in adult, child, and infant

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior surgical technician experience
• Prior healthcare experience

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Maintain confidentiality and act in an ethical manner
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written, with good listening skills
• Ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies within a diverse community
• Demonstrate cultural sensitivity in all interactions with patients, families, and coworkers
• Solid conflict resolution, team building, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
• Work effectively individually and within teams
• Comfortable working under pressure
• Strong attention to detail
• Manual dexterity with ability to use hands with precision
• Ability to anticipate the needs of the surgeon
• Act in a professional capacity and serve as a role model