SAH Surgical Tech

Summary

The surgical technician's responsibilities include, but are not limited to: reviewing upcoming OR schedule to anticipate need for instrumentation/equipment, ensuring all necessary equipment is available and in proper working order, setting up all necessary equipment and instrumentation for surgical procedures, performing appropriate surgical counts according to facility policy and organizing case carts for upcoming procedures. The surgical technician works in collaboration with the operating room circulator prior to a surgical procedure to carry out the plan of care by preparing the operating room, gathering and preparing sterile supplies, instruments and equipment, preparing and maintaining the sterile field using sterile and aseptic technique and ensuring that the surgical equipment is functioning properly and safely. Work involves inventorying, disassembling, decontamination, high level disinfection, cleaning, reassembling, and maintaining operating room instrumentation and endoscopy equipment. The surgical technician performs in-between case cleaning turnover in the OR suite.

Key Responsibilities

• Demonstrates respect and regard for the dignity of all patients, families, visitors, and fellow employees to ensure a professional, responsible, and courteous environment.
• Commits to recognize and respect cultural diversity for all customers (internal and external).
• Communicates effectively with internal and external customers with respect of differences in cultures, values, beliefs and ages, utilizing interpreters when needed.
• Anticipates surgeon needs.
• Maintains surgeon's preference cards.
• Processes all instruments and equipment for the operating room.
• Performs surgical counts.
• Passes supplies, equipment, or instruments.
• Prepares and cuts suture material.
• Transfers, but not administers, drugs within the sterile field.
• Assists in counting sponges, needles, supplies and instruments with an operating room circulator.
• Performs specimen handling.
• Assists in room turnover.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• 1 – 5 years previous preferred.
• Knowledge of aseptic technique, infection control principles, sterilization techniques, equipment and supply processing, and operation of steam sterilizers.
• Knowledge of Spaulding Classification.
• Knowledge of Universal Protocol.
• Knowledge of AORN Standard and Recommended Practices.
• Ability to prioritize equipment needs of the operating room.
• Good organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment.

Education and Certification

• High School Diploma or GED required; graduation from an accredited school of surgical technology required.
• CST required, BLS required.
• Has successfully completed a training program for surgical technology in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard of the United States or in the United States Public Health Service which has been deemed appropriate by the commissioner.
• Complete an accredited educational program for surgical technologists and hold and maintain a certified surgical technologist credential administered by a nationally recognized surgical technologist certifying body accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies and recognized by the American College of Surgeons and the Association of Surgical Technologists.
• Was employed as a surgical technologist in a surgical facility on or before July 1, 2013.
• Has successfully completed an accredited school of surgical technology but has not, as of the date of hire, obtained the certified surgical technologist certification. This is provided, however, that such certification shall be obtained within 12 months of the graduation date.

Physical Requirements

75% or more:

• Stand / walk
• Use hands to finger, feel, reach with hands, climb, or balance
• Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl
• Talk or hear
• Taste or smell
• Exposure to blood‑borne pathogens
• Exposure to infections from disease bearing specimens
• Exposure to infectious/contagious diseases
• Exposure to cleaning agents/chemicals

25% – 50%:

• Lift up to 50 lbs
• Exposure to outdoor weather conditions
• Exposure to extreme cold or heat (non‑weather)
• Risk of radiation
• Exposure to flammable, explosive, gases
• Exposure to toxic or caustic chemicals
• Exposure to dust or other irritants
• Exposure to grease or oils
• Exposure to hot or noisy equipment
• Exposure to humid or wet conditions (non‑weather)
• Exposure to a moderate noise level

Vision Requirements

• Close vision
• Distance vision
• Color vision
• Peripheral vision
• Depth perception
• Ability to adjust focus

Safety Equipment Used

• Safety eye glasses
• Face shields
• Surgical mask
• Gowns
• Gloves

Pay Range

USD $31.49 – $46.27 per hour

Brown University Health is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and maintaining a work environment free from all forms of unlawful discrimination and harassment.

Location and Work Details

Location: Saint Annes Hospital – 795 Middle Street, Fall River, Massachusetts 02721

Work Type: M‑F rotating 7 a‑7:30 p m

Work Shift: Day

Driving Required: No

Union: 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East