Come lead with us at Houston Methodist Hospital.
At Houston Methodist, the Senior Surgical Technologist position requires proficient knowledge and skills necessary to carry out delegated tasks associated with safe and efficient operating room support functions and related procedures. The role works independently, exercises sound judgment, and reports observations and patient problems to the licensed nurse or surgeon. In addition to performing the duties and responsibilities of a Surgical Technologist, the Senior Surgical Technologist provides mentoring and guidance for other Surgical Technologist positions, using skills and knowledge to train and orient new staff. This position is responsible for assigned non‑nursing functions and practices relationship‑centered care in concert with Houston Methodist values. Other duties include general patient care and department upkeep as delegated by licensed personnel.
FLSA Status
Non‑exempt
Qualifications
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
Experience
- Two years as a Surgical Technologist
Licenses and Certifications
- BLS – Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA) – American Heart Association
- Must hold a certification (CST from NBSTSA, TS‑C from NCCT, or CSA from NCCSA) or meet the grandfather clause (Bill 643) which exempts individuals employed as surgical technologists before Sept. 1, 2009. SB1239, Sec 259.002: 30 CEUs shall be completed every two years.
Skills and Abilities
- Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through ongoing skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations.
- Proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing English necessary to perform essential functions, especially with regard to activities impacting patient or employee safety or security.
- Effectively communicates with patients, physicians, family members and co‑workers in a customer‑service focused manner using positive language principles.
- Understanding of medical terminology.
- Independence and sound judgment in interactions with physicians, the interprofessional care team, patients and their families.
- Proficient knowledge and appropriate use of the hospital database such as EPIC, accessing information within the department and the hospital system.
- Strong knowledge of procedural software.
- Proficient knowledge of instrument sets, use of individual surgical instruments, surgical supplies, and supplies handling.
- Competency in decontamination and use of autoclave equipment.
- Expertise and serves as a clinical resource in at least one or more surgical specialty service lines.
Essential Functions
People Essential Functions
- Promotes a positive work environment, actively assisting the interprofessional health care team to achieve optimal department results, facilitating open professional communication, active listening, and teaching to achieve mutual understanding.
- Teaches others to think critically by verbally expressing rationale for decisions and providing structured feedback with examples; serves as the department preceptor for new surgical technologists.
- Facilitates teamwork by anticipating the need for assistance and responding positively to requests; uses peer‑to‑peer accountability toward improvement of department engagement scores.
Service Essential Functions
- Prepares the operating room, equipment and supplies for the next patient; anticipates additional instrumentation, equipment and supplies for usage during procedures before surgeon scrubs.
- Anticipates the needs of the surgeon and nursing staff by passing instruments and supplies; competently assists during a variety of surgical procedures across multiple specialties.
- Assists the circulating RN with sponge, instrument, needle, and other surgical counts.
- Role‑models behaviors and skills; contributes to improved patient satisfaction scores through peer‑to‑peer accountability.
Quality/Safety Essential Functions
- Maintains highest standard of sterile technique during pre‑ and post‑procedures; prepares sterile dressings and immobilization devices.
- Assists with implementation and teaching of department‑based safety initiatives and standards of practice; problem‑solves multiple priorities with minimal supervision.
- Participates in debriefing and quality improvement practices; initiates corrective actions to improve department and hospital quality and safety targets, reporting near misses.
Finance Essential Functions
- Maintains efficient use of surgical supplies; minimizes opening of supplies until confirmed use.
- Recommends cost‑containment measures during cases; self‑motivated to manage time effectively, minimizing incidental overtime and prioritizing daily tasks.
Growth/Innovation Essential Functions
- Identifies and presents areas for innovation, efficiency and improvement for department projects and shared governance activities; may co‑chair a unit‑based Shared Governance Council.
- Acts as a resource in surgical technology for departmental and hospital committees; participates in committees and facilitates accomplishment of goals.
- Proactively seeks opportunities to enhance knowledge and learning toward expertise in competencies; completes and updates the My Development Plan (MDP) continually.
Supplemental Requirements
Work Attire
- Uniform: No
- Scrubs: Yes
- Business professional: No
- Other (department approved): No
On‑Call
- Employees may be required to be on‑call during emergencies (e.g., disaster, severe weather events) regardless of selection below.
- On Call: Yes
Travel
- Travel specifications may vary by department.
- May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area: No
- May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area: No
Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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