Position Overview
This is a full‑time evening shift position working three 12‑hour shifts from 10:30 am – 11:00 pm, rotating during varied weekdays, plus call.
FLSA Status: Non‑exempt
Responsibilities
- Perform delegated tasks associated with the safe and efficient operating room support functions and related procedures.
- Work independently, exercising sound judgment, and report observations and patient problems to the licensed nurse or surgeon.
- Provide mentoring and guidance for Surgical Technologist positions, helping to train and orient others.
- Carry out assigned non‑nursing functions and practice relationship‑centered care in concert with Houston Methodist values.
- Perform general patient care and department upkeep as delegated by licensed personnel.
Qualifications
- Education: High School diploma or equivalent (e.g., GED, homeschool equivalency, partial or full post‑secondary education).
- Successful completion of an accredited Surgical Technology program or military training equivalency.
- Experience: Two years as a Surgical Technologist.
Licenses and Certifications
- BLS – Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA) – American Heart Association.
- Required certification: CST from NBSTSA, TS‑C from NCCT, or CSA from NCCSA, or meet the grandfather clause (Bill 643) for individuals employed before Sept. 1, 2009. (30 CEUs shall be completed every two years.)
Skills and Abilities
- Demonstrate the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through ongoing assessments and evaluations.
- Proficient in speaking, reading, and writing English necessary for essential job functions.
- Effective communication with patients, physicians, family members, and co‑workers, applying positive language principles.
- Understand medical terminology.
- Independent, exercising sound judgment in interactions with physicians, the interprofessional team, and patients/families.
- Proficient knowledge and appropriate use of the hospital database such as EPIC.
- Strong knowledge in using procedure software.
- Knowledge of instrument sets, individual surgical instruments, supplies, and their use.
- Competency in decontamination and use of autoclave equipment.
- Expertise as a clinical resource in one or more surgical specialty service lines.
Essential Functions
People Essential Functions
- Promote a positive work environment that actively assists the interprofessional health care team to achieve optimal department results through open, professional communication, active listening, and role modeling.
- Teach others to think critically by verbally expressing rationale for decisions, following up, and providing structured feedback.
- Serve as the department preceptor for new surgical technologists, utilizing skills and knowledge for training and orientation.
- Facilitate teamwork by anticipating needs for assistance and responding positively to requests, using peer‑to‑peer accountability toward improving department engagement scores.
Service Essential Functions
- Prepare the operating room, equipment, and supplies for the next patient, anticipating instrumentation and supply needs before the surgeon scrubs.
- Anticipate the needs of the surgeon and nursing staff by passing instruments and supplies and assist the circulating RN with counts.
- Assist during a variety of surgical procedures across multiple specialties (orthopedics, gynecology, general, ENT, ophthalmology, urology, CV, spine, neurology, oral/maxillofacial, minimally invasive).
- Role‑model behaviors and skills through peer‑to‑peer accountability, improving department patient satisfaction scores.
Quality and Safety Essential Functions
- Maintain the highest standard of sterile technique during pre‑ and post‑procedures, including preparing sterile dressings and immobilization devices.
- Clean and prepare instruments for terminal sterilization and assist with terminal cleaning of the room.
- Implement and teach department‑based safety initiatives and standards of practice.
- Problem‑solve and manage multiple priorities with minimal supervision.
- Participate in debriefing and quality improvement practices, initiate corrective actions, report near misses, and collaborate with the interprofessional team.
Finance Essential Functions
- Maintain efficient use of surgical supplies, minimizing opening of supplies until confirmation of use, and make cost‑containment recommendations.
- Self‑motivated to independently manage time effectively, minimizing incidental overtime, and prioritize daily tasks while helping other team members.
Growth and Innovation Essential Functions
- Identify and present areas for innovation, efficiency, and improvement for department projects and shared governance activities; may co‑chair a unit‑based Shared Governance Council.
- Act as a resource in surgical technology for the department on other hospital committees, participating in one department or hospital committee/subcommittee and facilitating its goals.
- Proactively seek opportunities to enhance knowledge and learning, completing and updating the My Development Plan (MDP) on an ongoing basis.
Supplemental Requirements
Work Attire
- Uniform: No
- Scrubs: Yes
- Business professional: No
- Other (department approved): No
On‑Call
Yes
*Note that employees may be required to be on‑call during emergencies (i.e., Disaster, Severe Weather Events, etc.) regardless of selection below.
Travel
- May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area: No
- May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area: No