Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)

PSA Ambulatory Surgical Center of Austin LLC•Austin, TX

About The Position

Pain Specialists of America ("PSA") is a Texas-based, multisite comprehensive pain management company. PSA is growing rapidly. We require highly competent, talented professionals who can support the business and help it achieve its strategic objectives. Job Summary The Surgical Technologist handles the instruments, supplies, and equipment necessary during the surgical procedure. They understand the procedures being performed and anticipate the needs of the surgeon. They have the necessary knowledge and ability to ensure excellent and quality patient care during the operative procedure and is constantly vigilant for maintenance of the sterile field.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited school of training
Current certification as a Surgical Technologist OR evidence of employment as a Surgical Technologist before September 1, 2009
Evidence of current BLS certification

Nice To Haves

Two years of previous experience as a Surgical Technologist (Preferred)
Sterile Processing experience is (Preferred)

Responsibilities

Wears appropriate attire and personal protective equipment (PPE)
Gathers, checks and opens supplies and equipment needed for surgical procedure
Performs the surgical scrub and wears appropriate gown and gloves
Sets-up the sterile back table and Mayo stand with instruments, supplies, equipment, medications, and solutions required for the procedure
Performs initial instrument, sharps and sponge counts with the circulator
Assists the team members with gowning and gloving
Assists with draping the patient and establishing the sterile field
Participates in the surgical site and patient verification during the time-out procedure
Secures tubing, cords and other sterile accessories in accordance with processes and procedures
Prepares and anticipates additional instrumentation, equipment and supplies for usage during procedure
Anticipates needs of the surgeon by passing instruments and supplies to surgeon during procedure
Measures and passes medications, hemostatic agents, and irrigation solutions utilized during the surgical procedure
Holds retractors or instruments as directed by the surgeon
Sponges or suctions the operative site
Applies electrocautery to clamps on bleeders
Cuts suture material as directed by the surgeon
Coordinates the camera or changes out robotic arms and instruments during endoscopic surgery as directed by the surgeon
Maintains highest standard of sterile technique during the procedure
Performs additional counts as necessary
Prepares sterile dressings and/or immobilization devices
Prepares and passes off specimen(s) as appropriate
Cleans and prepares instruments for terminal sterilization
Assists other members of the team with terminal cleaning of room
Assists in prepping the Operating Room for the next patient
Participates in debriefing and quality improvement practices to ensure excellent and quality patient care
Review the patient’s chart, identifies patient, verifies surgery to be performed with consent forms, and brings the patient to the assigned operating room
Assists with transferring patient to the operating room table
Monitors the comfort of the patient and provides verbal and tactile reassurance to the patient.
Assists in maintaining normothermia.
Assists the anesthesia provider.
Assists with positioning the patient, using appropriate equipment and anatomical principles to avoid patient injury
Applies the electro-surgical grounding pad
Assists with applying tourniquets and monitors before the procedure begins
Completes the patient skin prep prior to draping by the sterile surgical team
Performs instrument, sharps, and sponge counts with the surgical technologist in the first scrub role prior to the operation and before the incision is closed
Anticipates additional supplies needed during the procedure
Keeps accurate records throughout the procedure
Properly cares for specimens
Secures dressings after incision closure
Helps transport the patient to the post-anesthesia care unit
Performs urinary catheterization, as required
Updates and keeps accurate records of the surgeon’s preferences
Cognizant of established safety regulations
Knowledgeable in the techniques to prevent the spread of disease and an awareness that the job may require contact with communicable diseases
Knowledge of emergency equipment and medications with the ability to react promptly and professionally in any situation
Maintains quality reporting, daily logs, staff meeting minutes, supply ordering, and staff call-ins