Surgical Technologist - Senior

Under limited supervision, the senior surgical technologist works under the supervision of the registered nurse and medical staff to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of invasive and minimally invasive surgical procedures. This individual works to ensure that the operating room environment is safe, that equipment functions properly and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety.

• Collaborates with the Registered Nurse to continuously update the nursing plan of care and recommends interventions to meet identified patient goals.
• Evaluates and recommends updates to surgeon preference cards and notifies appropriate personnel of needed changes.
• Labels drugs on the field. Prepares labels and verifies specimens according to protocol and surgeons' preference.
• Uses proper documentation related to sterilization procedures. Signs/verifies initials on instrument count sheet and signs preference list when pulling of case is completed.
• Precepts new staff and student populations sharing knowledge of procedures to enhance learning. Participates in peer review as requested.
• Coordinates treatments and procedures to facilitate cost effective patient care.
• Provides input for new policies, procedures, meeting minutes and memos.
• Contributes to the development and revision of standards/policies as needs are identified.
• Identifies and utilizes information from monitors and research to effect changes in practice.
• Maintains a working knowledge of emergency protocol in the event of an emergent procedure by ensuring surgical set-ups necessary to manage an emergency.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

• Ability to follow appropriate Infection Control policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of decontamination, packaging and sterilization of instrumentation and supplies.
• Ability to demonstrate accountability for patient care environment including the reporting of malfunctioning equipment, maintenance of instrumentation and matters of patient safety.
• Knowledge on how to perform assigned patient care tasks under the direction and supervision of a designated Registered Nurse and works under the direction of the surgeon for procedural related tasks.
• Ability to assess and anticipates needed supplies for scheduled and emergent procedures, the need for comfort and safety measures for individual patients and anticipates the needs of the surgeon to expedite the procedure by passing instruments, sponges and sutures.
• Knowledge on how to prepare the operating room according to a particular surgical procedure with the assistance of other personnel in accordance with procedures for disinfection of furniture and equipment.
• Ability to exercise proper sterile technique, opens and arranges sterile field in accordance with accepted protocol for each surgical procedure to be performed, both routine and special procedures.
• Knowledge on how to utilize equipment and supplies efficiently, charges for and assures replacement of medical & surgical supplies. Daily and periodically checks, restocks, and inventories supplies (checks, rotates dated items and reorders supplies as assigned or as needed for surgery and other procedures within their unit)
• Ability to assist in clearing the operating room for the next procedure including appropriate disposal of contaminated linen and waste, cleaning instruments when necessary and disinfecting equipment.
• Ability to participate in counts with the circulating nurse to assure that all counts are correct.
• Ability to serve as a preceptor and a mentor by fostering teaching environment.

EDUCATION:

• Graduate of an accredited Surgical Technology program

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION:

Benefits Overview

UT Health San Antonio offers an excellent benefits package for its employees. Employees who work at least 20 hours a week, with an appointment of at least 4.5 months, are eligible for benefits. 
Medical - UT SELECT Medical insurance is offered free for employees and administered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. Family members can be added to the plan through payroll deduction. Employees and their dependents can also receive discounted copays and coinsurance when using UT Health Physicians, a network of 800 premier physicians including more than 100 specialists. 
Dental - Three dental insurance plan options are available for employees and their families through Delta Dental Insurance Company, two PPOs and one dental HMO plan. Both PPO plans allow employees to choose any licensed dentist. 
Vision - Fully insured Vision Care benefits are offered by Superior Vision Services. Two vision plan options that offer either standard or enhanced vision benefits.