NEEDED: SURGICAL TECHNICIAN (Operating Room)

LOCATION: WJB Dorn VA Medical Center, 6439 Garners Ferry Rd, Columbia SC 29209

SCHEDULE: For Nursing/Surgical Technologist Services typically include:

8 Hour Tours of Duty

• 6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.                                 
• 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.                                                                       
• 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.                                                                          
• 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.  

• 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

• US Citizen
• Competent in planning and implementing complex surgical procedures under the general supervision of the surgeon and registered nurse.
• The surgical technologist functions as a primary scrub person and handles instruments, supplies, and equipment for surgical procedures to include thoracic, vascular, orthopedic, ENT, ophthalmology, general/laparoscopic, robotic, podiatry, urology, etc.
• Certification: The minimum requirement for all Surgical Technologists to perform services in the OR/PACU shall include completion of a current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)/Basic Life Support (BLS) certificate accredited by the American Heart Association.
• Experience: Candidates shall possess at least five years of clinical experience in an Operating Room.
• Education: The Surgical Technologist must be a graduate of an accredited Surgical Technologist Program recognized and accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
• Technical Proficiency: Shall be technically proficient in the ability to speak, understand, read, and write English fluently.

DUTIES:

• The surgical technologist must possess knowledge of highly technical medical instruments, human anatomy, physiology, and aseptic technique to prepare and protect the sterile field during surgery.
• Knowledge of sterile technique must include sterilizer operations and tests to determine the effectiveness of sterilization, packaging storage, and shelf life.
• Proper cleaning techniques and the types of detergents to use on various items, as well as the proper handling and rotation of sterile supplies, handling of contaminated items, quality control policies and procedures.
• Must possess knowledge of a wide variety of complex surgical procedures and possible complications to prepare for the procedure, to anticipate the needs of the surgical team, to respond with speed and accuracy, and to report observations and immediate procedural needs to the RN circulator.
• Must have a thorough knowledge of all appropriate names, uses, physical characteristics, function, and processing procedures for the full range of surgical supplies and equipment.
• Must be familiar with dosages and proper use of all medications administered from the sterile field.
• To prepare for the surgical procedure, the surgical technologist must have sufficient knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and protocol to select the correct instruments for a procedure, anticipate the needs of the surgeon during the procedure, and on a regular and recurring basis recognize and respond to a variety of critical situations, including emergency and life-threatening conditions.
• Must have technical knowledge on the use and effects of anesthesia to recognize the hazards of anesthetic agents and to recognize and respond to adverse conditions during the procedure.
• Knowledge of pathology care; and handling of specimens correctly are essential for the prevention of damage to or loss of specimens and eventual diagnosis.
• During procedures in which implantable devices are used, incumbent must display knowledge and skill necessary for proper handling of prosthesis such as intra-ocular lenses, total joint prostheses, vascular grafts, pacemakers, and heart valves.
• Must possess knowledge of operation and function of all surgical instruments and equipment, testing procedures to ensure all equipment works, and proper postoperative decontamination procedures.
• Must know appropriate instruments to be sterilized, including extremely costly endoscope instruments, and proper storage of instruments and supplies to maintain sterility.

BENEFITS: Competitive hourly pay, 11 paid Federal holidays, accrued vacation, accrued sick leave, 401K opportunity, and employer healthcare benefits contribution.