Surgical Technologist II, CCD OR – General – Full-Time, Day Shift

Be a part of a world-class academic healthcare system, UChicago Medicine, as a Surgical Technologist II for our General Operating Rooms at the Center for Care and Discovery (CCD).

Here, you will be involved in process improvement or quality initiatives related to, but outside of, Perioperative Services. You will assist the nursing and medical staff in providing care to patients undergoing surgical intervention and performing surgical scrub technologist duties. You will collaborate with nursing and other disciplines, when necessary, to revise the plan of care to meet the changing needs of the patient, maintaining regular contact with Operating Room staff, physicians, clerical staff, anesthesia staff, and materials management.

This position is a 100% onsite opportunity. You will need to be based in the greater Chicagoland area.

Essential Job Functions

• Independently performs the surgical scrub role in the operative field and can scrub in all services, including adult and pediatric.
• Applies knowledge related to emergencies, trauma situations, and surgical procedures in the operating room.
• Demonstrates infection control practices by utilizing proper aseptic techniques while dealing with blood and body fluids.
• Correctly uses all sterilizers and high-level disinfectors related to surgical procedures; documents appropriately and maintains competencies, as required.
• In conjunction with the Specialty Manager, Charge Nurse, and Central Sterile Processing, demonstrates organizational skills in case preparation, case cart picking, and accurate room setup for instrument and tray contents in scheduled cases. Sets up instruments, supplies, and equipment according to the surgeon's preference cards, policies, procedures, and standards of care.
• Operates and troubleshoots video systems as needed. Works in collaboration with Administrative Coordinators, Specialty Managers, Clinical Engineering, and In-House Vendors to maintain video systems.
• Provides cost-effective care through the proper use of equipment and instruments. Demonstrates appropriate utilization of supplies based on assessed needs, standards of care, and surgeon preference cards.
• Demonstrates knowledge of immediate and long-term outcomes of surgical activities, including sponge, needle, and instrument counts; aseptic technique; proper handling of specimens; proper labeling and handling of medications on a sterile field; and care of electrosurgical active electrodes and implants.
• In collaboration with Perioperative Educators and Managers, develops, organizes, and delivers continuing education topics and/or courses for operating room technologist colleagues and Central Sterile Processing staff.
• Assists in providing care to surgical patients, including preparing rooms, opening packs and supplies, positioning patients, monitoring the sterile field, performing counts, handling specimens, assisting with emergencies, and ensuring quality measures are met.
• In collaboration with the Circulating RN, Specialty Manager, and Charge Nurse, determines individual patient and surgeon needs and adjusts instrumentation and supplies accordingly.
• Inventories and restocks supplies in individual OR suites and Specialty Service carts.
• Reviews and updates preference cards in collaboration with the specialty team.
• In collaboration with the Specialty Manager and Central Sterile Processing management team, acts as a liaison to Central Sterile Processing (CSP) in maintaining specialty instrumentation necessary to enhance the delivery of quality patient care.
• Communicates pertinent patient or unit information to the oncoming shift.
• Acts as a resource to patients, visitors, physicians, and other staff.
• Communicates accurate and timely information regarding patient status and the OR schedule to the Scheduling Board Manager, Anesthesia Coordinator, Charge Nurse, and Perioperative Management team.

• Demonstrates leadership abilities in support of UChicago Medicine's goals, including excellence in safety, quality, and patient experience.

   

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Graduate of an accredited Surgical Technologist program.
• Minimum of 1–3 years of Operating Room experience.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to facilitate effective communication.
• Knowledge and ability to perform surgical technologist duties.
• Analytical skills necessary to interpret and communicate information relevant to direct patient care to the RN and physician.
• Ability to function as a member of the surgical team, carrying out instructions from surgeons and the Circulating RN with speed, accuracy, and concentration.
• Ability to prioritize daily activities.
• Ability to recognize and intervene in life-threatening situations.
• Ability to maintain composure under stressful circumstances.
• Demonstrates higher-level critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and organizational awareness.
• Demonstrates professionalism and courtesy when interacting with coworkers, physicians, visitors, and patients.
• Maintains confidentiality and demonstrates advanced knowledge and expertise in the scrub role for complex surgical procedures.
• Collaborates effectively with peers in decisions related to surgical patient care.
• Anticipates the perioperative needs of patients and surgeons.
• Ability to perform repetitive and physically demanding tasks.
• Ability to wear lead aprons weighing approximately 10–25 pounds for prolonged periods.

• Ability to fulfill on-call responsibilities and respond to emergencies.

   

Licenses and Certifications

• Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) certification required; certification may be obtained within 12 months of hire, subject to confirmation of the approved requirement.

• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.

   

Position Details

• Job Type/FTE: Full-Time, 1.0 FTE (40 hours per week)
• Shift: Day Shift, 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Weekend Requirement: Two weekend shifts within a six-week period
• Work Location: Center for Care and Discovery, Hyde Park, Chicago, IL
• Department: CCD Operating Room – General