Surgical Services Technician

Department Overview

The Surgical Services Technician performs the delegated duties under the supervision of the surgeon and R.N. to ensure that the OR environment is safe, that equipment is cleaned and functions appropriately, and that operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety. The ST possesses expertise in the application of sterile and aseptic technique; they combine the knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation tools and technologies to safely facilitate invasive and/or diagnostic procedures. The ST has the ability to manage stressful/unusual situations in a positive manner and embraces the OHSU Core Competencies (Accountability, Collaboration, Communication, Diversity, Integrity, Respect, Service Orientation, Teamwork) it their practice. The role requires that all policies, procedures, and patient safety initiatives will be followed.

Function/Duties of Position

Surgical Preparation and Assistance:

• Checks schedule of surgeries to be performed during shift; reviews procedure cards for needed supplies and instruments.
• Demonstrates proficiency and working knowledge of sterile technique.
• Performs appropriate surgical counts with circulator prior to operation and appropriate intervals per policy.
• Assists with gowning/gloving surgeon and assistants as well as draping sterile field.
• Demonstrates working knowledge of equipment, instrumentation, supplies.
• Any concerns or issues are escalated through appropriate mechanism to CTS, CSPD or materials management. 6. Passes instruments and supplies to surgeon/assistant maintaining highest standard of sterile technique during the procedure.
• Prepares sterile dressings. Cleans and prepares instruments for transport to sterile processing.
• Assists other members of the team with room turnovers in established timelines.
• Assist with end of day procedures and uses unassigned time productively.
• Responds appropriately as directed in a code/emergency situation.
• Provides fundamental components of patient comfort, safety, privacy and respect within the perioperative setting. 

Communication, Teamwork, and Leadership:

• Demonstrates effective communication skills, which convey a positive and supportive message.
• Collaborates with surgical team members (nursing, anesthesia and surgeon) on specific issues or concerns. Seeks input and consultation.
• Reports incidents and errors verbally and in writing in accordance with established procedures.
• Ensures confidentiality is maintained in all forms of communication.
• Demonstrates flexibility in response to unexpected changes in assignment and/or workload.
• Works collaboratively with OHSU personnel, maintaining communication that facilitates teamwork and reduces conflict.
• Participates in projects and committees and requested/assigned.

Teaching and Education:

• Participates in orientation and teaching of area specific skills.
• Serves as a resource for other staff members, students and residents.
• Assumes responsibility for continued development of own skills.
• Completes all required educational programs and activities within established timelines.
• Meets and maintains minimum qualifications for the position.

Organizational Participation Responsibilities:

• Incorporates OHSU service excellence/customer service philosophy into all aspects of care provided to patients and families and in interactions within the work setting.
• Demonstrates the ability to access departmental and organizational policies and procedures.
• Complies with organizational policies, procedures and the OHSU Code of Conduct.
• Demonstrates fiscally responsible resource utilization and promotes cost containment as appropriate for a surgical unit.

Required Qualifications

New Employees as of 9/1/2015

• Graduated from a Nationally-Accredited organization approved by the Oregon Health Authority as of date of hire; AND 
• Hold and maintain a national Surgical Technologist Certification by NBSTSA (National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting) as of date of hire. 

New provision of House Bill 4106 amending ORS 676.875 (New Employees effective March 23, 2022):

• Completion of a surgical assistant or surgical technologist certification, including but not limited to a certified ophthalmic surgical assisting credential issued by the International Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology or its successor organization, that is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies OR
• Completed a Surgical Technologist training program in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or Public Health Service of the USA AND must complete 16 hours of continuing education every 2 years. OR
• Did not graduate from an accredited school must and can provide documentation showing that he/she they practiced as a Surgical Tech during at least two of the three years immediately preceding January 1, 2017 AND must complete 16 hours of continuing education every 2 years. 

For new hire after 9/1/2015,

• National Surg Technologist Certification by NBSTSA (National Board of Surgical Technologists and Surgical Assistants); OR
• Subspecialty surgical assistant or surgical technologist certification, including but not limited to a certified ophthalmic surgical assisting credential issued by the International Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology or its successor organization, that is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies.

 BLS certificate within 30 days of hire or prior to independent practice, whichever comes first

Preferred Qualifications

• High School Diploma

Additional Details

Constant exposure to usual hospital environmental conditions; exposure to cleaning chemicals, possible exposure to body fluids/tissue, infectious processes and radiation.

Why apply to OHSU?

We are Oregon's only public academic health center. In addition to caring for patients, we lead groundbreaking research. We also train the next generation of health care professionals. As Portland's largest employer, we give you opportunities to learn and advance in a system of hospitals and clinics across Oregon and Southwest Washington. All are welcome. OHSU welcomes people of all ages, ethnicities, genders, national origins, religions and sexual orientations. We are striving to build an anti-racist, multicultural institution and encourage people with diverse backgrounds to apply. To request reasonable accommodation, contact [email protected]