Surgical Technologist II

Be a part of a world-class academic healthcare system, UChicago Medicine, as a Surgical Technologist II for our CCD Operating Room  department. 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; collaborate with nursing and other disciplines, when necessary, to revise the plan of care to meet the changing needs of the patient, having constant contact with the Operating Room staff, physicians, clerical staff, anesthesia staff, and materials management. This is the Center for Care and Discovery OR department. This position is 100% onsite opportunity. You will need to be based in the greater Chicagoland area.  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 and trauma situations and surgical procedures in the operating room. 
• Demonstrates infection control practices by utilizing proper aseptic techniques while dealing with blood/body fluid. 
• 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 set-up 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. 
• Operate and troubleshoot 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 by the proper use of equipment and instruments. Demonstrates appropriate utilization of supplies based on assessed needs, standard of care, and the surgeon’s preference cards. 
• Demonstrates knowledge of immediate and long-term outcomes of surgical activities, including, but not limited to: sponge, needle, and instrument count, 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 performing care of the surgical patient, including: 
• Helps team to prepare rooms, helps open packs, supplies, and instrument sets, helps position patient, monitors sterile field, opens sterile supplies onto sterile field before procedure, performs counts, handles specimen(s), assists with emergencies, and assures quality measures are met, such as Surgical Care Improvement Project (SCIP) core measures. 
• In collaboration with the Circulating RN, Specialty Manager, and Charge Nurse, determines individual patient/surgeon needs and adjusts instrumentation and supplies according to those needs. 
• Inventories and restocks supplies in individual OR suites and Specialty Service carts.  
• Responsible for reviewing and updating 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 the maintenance of specialty instrumentation necessary to enhance the delivery of quality patient care for assigned service. 
• Communicates with the oncoming shift any pertinent information regarding patients or unit activities. 
• Acts as a resource person to patients, visitors, physicians, and other staff. 
• Communicates to the Scheduling Board Manager, Anesthesia Coordinator, Charge Nurse, and Perioperative management team accurate and timely information regarding patient status and OR schedule. 
• Consistently demonstrates leadership abilities in support of UCMC’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 (1-3) years of Operating Room experience  

License/Certifications

• CST certification required  

  • CST certification can be obtained within 12 months of hire 

• BLS required  

Preferred Qualifications 

• Interpersonal skills necessary to facilitate communication 
• Basic knowledge and ability to perform surgical technologist skills, analytical skills necessary to interpret and communicate data relevant to direct patient care to RN and MD 
• Ability to function as a member of the surgical team, carrying out the instructions of surgeons and of the Circulating RN with speed, accuracy, and concentration 
• Able to prioritize daily activities 
• Able to recognize and intervene in life-threatening situations 
• Able to maintain composure under stressful circumstances 
• Demonstrates higher-level critical thinking and problem-solving skills, thinks on an organizational level 
• Demonstrates a competent, courteous, and professional manner with coworkers, physicians, visitors, patients, and others 
• Maintaining confidentiality in the execution of all duties, and superior knowledge and expert practice in the scrub role in advanced surgical procedures 
• Exhibits a high level of collaboration with peers in making decisions related to surgical patient care. Demonstrates critical thinking skills in relation to anticipating the perioperative needs of the patient and surgeon 
• Able to perform repetitive and physically demanding tasks 
• Able to wear lead aprons (ranging in weight from 10-25 pounds) for prolonged periods of time for protection from exposure to radiation 
• Able to fulfill on-call responsibilities, being alert and ready to work in emergencies 

Position Details 

• Job Type/FTE: Full-Time (1.00 FTE)
• Shift:Day Shift, 7:00am - 5:30pm
• Work Location: Chicago, IL
• Unit/Department: CCD OR
• CBA Code: Non-Union