Lead Surgical Technologist

Overview

At Houston Methodist, the Lead Surgical Technologist position serves as a clinical resource/expert for Surgical Technology staff and creates an environment for the delivery of safe patient care and assists others in developing their skills and knowledge. This position requires proficient knowledge and skills necessary to carry out delegated tasks associated with the safe and efficient operating room support functions, anticipating the needs of the surgeon and nursing staff to support the patient during the surgical procedures. The Lead Surgical Technologist position reports observations and patient problems to the licensed nurse, ensuring other team members do the same. The Lead Surgical Technologist position is responsible for assigned non-nursing functions and practices relationship centered care in concert with Houston Methodist values. Other duties for this position include participating in the selection, training, education, development and evaluation of the Surgical Tech team, validating competencies of Surgical Techs prior to release from orientation, general patient care and department upkeep, as delegated by licensed personnel.

Houston Methodist Standard

PATIENT AGE GROUP(S) AND POPULATION(S) SERVEDRefer to departmental "Scope of Service" and "Provision of Care" plans, as applicable, for description of primary age groups and populations served by this job for the respective HM entity.

HOUSTON METHODIST EXPERIENCE EXPECTATIONS

• Provide personalized care and service by consistently demonstrating our I CARE values:
  • INTEGRITY: We are honest and ethical in all we say and do.
  • COMPASSION: We embrace the whole person including emotional, ethical, physical, and spiritual needs.
  • ACCOUNTABILITY: We hold ourselves accountable for all our actions.
  • RESPECT: We treat every individual as a person of worth, dignity, and value.
  • EXCELLENCE: We strive to be the best at what we do and a model for others to emulate.

• Practices the Caring and Serving Model

• Delivers personalized service using HM Service Standards

• Provides for exceptional patient/customer experiences by following our Standards of Practice of always using Positive Language (AIDET, Managing Up, Key Words)

• Intentionally collaborates with other healthcare professionals involved in patients/customers or employees' experiential journeys to ensure strong communication, ease of access to information, and a seamless experience.

• Involves patients (customers) in shift/handoff reports by enabling their participation in their plan of care as applicable to the given job

• Displays cultural humility, diversity, equity and inclusion principles

• Actively supports the organization's vision, fulfills the mission and abides by the I CARE values

Responsibilities

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Role models to team members effective communication skills, assisting in their development of such skills. Teaches others to critically think by verbally expressing rationale for decisions and follows up consistently.

• Independently and expertly executes the duties and responsibilities of preceptor and clinical resource, guiding and mentoring colleagues' though processes in complex situations in order to provide optimal patient care. Provides structured feedback with examples.

• Leads and initiates problem resolution within the work unit. Facilitates teamwork by anticipating the need for assistance and responding positively to requests for assistance.

• Participates in the selection, training, education, development and evaluation of the Surgical Tech team. Develops skills of team members and continually assists with improving skills, performance and outcomes. Validates competencies of Surgical Techs prior to release from orientation. Participates in staff evaluations by providing information regarding clinical skills, knowledge base and interpersonal skills.

• Effectively supports management to implement protocols and objectives with team members to result in optimization of staff performance, teamwork, patient safety, and customer service. Initiates recommendations, collaborating with management, for improvement of employee engagement score.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Prepares room, equipment and supplies to accommodate planned procedures. Supports the physician with surgical procedures; anticipates the needs of the surgeon and nursing staff to support the patient during the surgical procedures. Assists with the care of instruments, equipment and supplies following surgical procedure.

• Validates potential revisions and accurately updates physician preference cards.

• Executes