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 and/or 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, oral/maxillofacial, and minimally invasive procedures.

　　Assists the circulating RN with sponge, instrument, needle, and other surgical counts.

　　Accurately communicates updates for surgeon preference cards.

　　QUALITY/SAFETY 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.

　　GROWTH/INNOVATION 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 business/job 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

　　NoneLICENSES 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* YesTRAVEL**

　　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:

　　Since 2000, Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital has been serving Northwest Houston residents. Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital is a comprehensive acute care facility and has been named a Magnet recognized health care facility by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program®. With 358 operating beds, 20 operating rooms and more than 2,300 employees, Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital provides comprehensive, personalized care for patients in Champions, Tomball, Magnolia, Spring and Cypress.

　　Houston Methodist is an equal opportunity employer inclusive of women, minorities, disabled persons and veterans.

　　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.