GENERAL OVERVIEW:
The Certified Surgical Technology (CST) Educator reports to a designated Professional Development Manager and demonstrates clinical expertise by incorporating surgical technology theory and evidence-informed practice. The CST Educator participates in the execution of the staff development programs that contribute to the professional growth and development of CST staff. This individual will be responsible for the assurance of proper surgical technique and adherence to current standard practices. The CST Educator will provide clinical evaluation of new procedures, policies, and staff development. The CST Educator collaborates with nursing and surgical leadership to promote and improve surgical care and patient safety by educating the CST staff.
The CST Educator establishes and maintains collaborative relationships with all disciplines and departments necessary to promote optimal patient outcomes and create a professional practice environment. The CST Educator promotes a just culture and a culture of safety and is positioned to be accessible to the nurse in direct care. The role requires competency in adult learning principles and a sound clinical surgical technology knowledge base.
CSTs are integral members of the surgical/nursing team in each Operating Room and report to the Professional Development Manager of the Operating Room. They work under the supervision and license of the surgeon and with nurses and other health care professionals as part of a multi-disciplinary team in the role of surgical technologist providing quality care for an array of surgical patients. Major functions include, but are not limited to, preparation of an operating room suite and gathering surgical instrumentation and supplies for various surgical procedures.
At the Brigham, we place great value on being a diverse and inclusive community. Brigham Health and the Department of Nursing are dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion as we aim to reflect the diversity of the patients in our local community. We have a dedicated focus on equity. Thus, we believe in equal access to quality care, employment and advancement opportunities encompassing the full spectrum or human diversity: race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin and all the other forms of human presence and expression that make us better able to provide innovative and cutting-edge healthcare and research.
PRINCIPLES DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Orientation, Training and Professional Development
1. Participate in educational needs assessments and identify learning needs of patients and staff.
2. Facilitate opportunities and developmental experiences necessary for staff to successfully precept, teach, and mentor others.
3. Facilitate educational offerings that incorporate new initiatives, products, equipment, technology, policies, procedures, or regulations in either a classroom, a simulated laboratory setting, or on assigned patient care area.
4. Track and monitor orientation progress for all surgical technologist hires.
5. Support competency training and annual HealthStream completion by all staff.
6. Conduct an on-going evaluation of educational offerings by using the latest evidence, scholarly information, and cost-effectiveness strategies.
7. Serves as a surgical technology leader, coach, and mentor to staff.
8. Participates in self-performance appraisal process in an ongoing manner.
9. Seeks feedback regarding role performance from his/her respective nurse leaders, peers, and others.
10. Provides formal and informal opportunities for staff to develop personal career goals and recognizes their achievement.
11. Provides ongoing formal and informal feedback regarding professional development to staff members.
12. Facilitate, and support peer to peer education.
Consultation/Collaboration
1. Provides informal consultation on education and practice issues.
2. Participates in committees and task forces as designated by Professional Development Manager.
3. Initiates and maintains effective collaborative relationships.
4. Responds effectively to requests for education and training.
5. Participates in developing department policies and procedures with designated work teams.
Direct Patient Care
1. Provides direct patient care in both collaboratively planned and emergent situations.
2. Serves as a role model in providing expert care to patients.
3. Engages in direct patient care experiences that promote, facilitate, and evaluate staffs critical
thinking, decision making, and problem-solving abilities.
4. Models clinical decision-making skills and critical thinking behaviors in the clinical setting.
5. Provides direct clinical support for orientation and training.
6. Collaborates with Operating room staff to manage emergency clinical situations.
7. Serves as a clinical expert in patient care areas, maintaining and enhancing competency through a variety of methods including but not limited to direct patient care and professional conferences.
Quality / Research
1. Participates in quality and process improvement initiatives as designated by the Professional Development Manager.
2. Participates in Collaborative Care Reviews and supports improvement efforts as designated by the Professional Development Manager.
3. Supports education of new initiatives.
4. Supports regulatory preparation and required learning.
5. Implements audit plan as directed by the Professional Development Manager.
6. Uses new information and/or research findings in developing and revising program content.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
• Demonstrated leadership skills preferred.
• Expertise in evidence-based practice, writing, research, and practice development.
• Expert critical thinking skills.
• Expertise in leading training and education programs.
• Ability to motivate self and others and change attitudes when necessary.
• Ability to be self-directed and to work independently at times.
• Ability to offer and initiate new ideas.
• Ability to support rapid change process.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Ability to effectively collaborate with the BWH professional community at large.
• Proficient in EPIC and Microsoft Office.
• Hours dependent on the program and needs of the units.
Qualifications
QUALIFICATIONS:
• Certification as a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) is required and maintained.
• National certification is required in accordance with Massachusetts law.
• Requires 5 years current CST experience in multi specialties, knowledge of patient care and aseptic technique is essential.
• Personal attributes such as good judgment, dependability and initiative are necessary.
• Demonstrated evidence of competent surgical technology practice in clinical area or specialty.
• Competency in adult learning principles and a sound clinical nursing knowledge base.
• Previous leadership experience preferred.
• Participation in unit-based committees preferred.
EEO Statement
BWH is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives, and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.