Certified Surgical Technologist

General Summary of Duties

The Surgical Technologist functions as an integral member of the perioperative team within a specialty orthopedic ambulatory surgery center, providing support to surgeons, anesthesia providers, registered nurses, and other surgical personnel before, during, and after surgical procedures.

The Surgical Technologist is responsible for maintaining a sterile field, preparing surgical supplies and equipment, anticipating the needs of the surgical team, and ensuring efficient surgical operations while promoting patient safety and quality outcomes. This position requires advanced orthopedic expertise and the ability to independently support complex orthopedic procedures.

Education/experience/requirements

• Graduate of an accredited Surgical Technology program.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS/CPR) certification.
• Surgical Technologist certification (CST) preferred, or as required by state regulations.
• Minimum of 2 years of recent orthopedic surgical experience preferred.
• Demonstrated proficiency in orthopedic instrumentation, implants, power equipment, and sterile techniques.
• Must be able to independently scrub all orthopedic surgical procedures, including total joint arthroplasty cases (hip, knee, shoulder), sports medicine procedures, fracture fixation, spine procedures, and other orthopedic specialty cases performed at the center.

Essential Functions

• Prepares and maintains medical equipment for orthopedic surgical procedures.
• Before an operation, surgical technologists help prepare the operating room by setting up surgical instruments and equipment, sterile drapes, and sterile solutions.
• Follows hospital regulations and industry procedures to tend to patient during pre-operation procedures.
• Prepare and manage orthopedic-specific instrumentation, implants, biologics, and power equipment.
• Ensure availability and proper handling of orthopedic implants and vendor-supplied instrumentation.
• Assist surgeons during complex orthopedic procedures by anticipating surgical needs and maintaining procedural efficiency.
• Demonstrate expertise in orthopedic case setup, instrumentation selection, and implant management.
• Perform accurate counts and maintain sterile technique during high-volume orthopedic procedures.
• Performs pre-operation preparations to the patient's skin, body and medical equipment.
• Transport patients to the operating room, help position them on the operating table, and cover them with sterile surgical "drapes."
• Hold retractors, cut sutures, and help count sponges, needles, supplies, and instruments. Help prepare, care for, and dispose of specimens taken for laboratory analysis and help apply dressings.
• Operate sterilizers, lights, or suction machines, and help operate diagnostic equipment.
• After an operation, help transfer patients to the recovery room and clean and restock the operating room.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Physical/mental Demands

• Ability to be on your feet for long periods and lift or turn disabled patients.
• Requires sitting and standing associated with a normal office environment.
• Ability to concentrate for periods of up to four hours
• Ability to communicate verbally both in person and on the telephone.
• Ability to use computer keyboard and to view a computer monitor

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES

• Thorough knowledge of orthopedic surgical procedures, instrumentation, implants, and sterile processing requirements.
• Demonstrated competency with orthopedic power equipment, specialty instrumentation, and implant systems.
• Ability to independently function as the primary scrub technologist for all orthopedic procedures performed within the surgery center, including total joint replacement surgeries.
• Ability to effectively coordinate with surgeons, vendor representatives, anesthesia personnel, and nursing staff to support optimal patient outcomes.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple implant and instrumentation systems simultaneously.
• Commitment to excellence in patient safety, infection prevention, and quality surgical outcomes.
• Must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients in the center.
• Must demonstrate the knowledge of the principle of growth and development of the life span and the possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's requirements relative to his/her age specific needs and to provide the care needed as described in the center's policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates the knowledge and skills in the nursing process.
• Demonstrates the ability to utilize recognized channels of communication.
• Demonstrates the ability to maintain good interpersonal relationships with patients, co-workers, and other health team members.

Physical/mental Demands

• Requires sitting and standing associated with a normal office environment.
• Surgical technologists work in clean, well-lit, cool environments.
• Must stand for long periods and remain alert during operations.
• At times may be exposed to communicable diseases and unpleasant sights, odors, and materials.

Environmental/working Conditions

Normal busy office environment with much telephone work. Occasional evening and/ or weekend work.