Certified Surgical Technician (CST) – Surgical Department PRN, 7a-3:00pm (Various Shifts)

Major Responsibilities:

• To assist in providing quality patient care in a manner which is patient-focused, technically appropriate, and cost effective. The Surgical Technologist (ST) works under the direct supervision of a registered nurse in accordance with the Standards of Practice and within the guidelines of the Illinois Nurse Practice Act. The ST is responsible for establishing and maintaining a sterile field, a safe patient care environment, and appropriate supplies/equipment as required for the operative procedure. The ST functions as a cooperative health care team member in a critical care environment treating the patient in a holistic manner with dignity and respect.
  •     3)Responsible for maintenance of professional growth: Demonstrates self-direction in maintaining professional skills. Independently completes assignments/projects. Participates in unit/hospital committees and projects
  •     4)In collaboration with health care team, assists in providing for a cooperative work environment: Assists with maintaining goals of Surgical Services and Advocate. Shares clinical and professional knowledge in a supportive/educational manner. Demonstrates self-direction in utilizing work time appropriately. Accepts and completes team responsibilities as assigned.
  •     5)Responsible for compliance with hospital policies and procedures: Maintains patient confidentiality. Utilizes guest relation techniques with members of health care team and patients. Performs other related duties as assigned.
  •     2)Responsible for the preparation of the surgical field and supplies/instruments delivered to the field: Verifies instrument/supply/equipment available and ready per physician preference card. Verifies specific needs of physician by completely reading scrub tips. Assists in opening sterile supplies and instruments. Assists with clean up and turnover upon completion of case. Efficiently utilized supplies to avoid waste and decrease costs. Restock room supplies as needed and prepare for the following day. Identify equipment deficiencies and reports to appropriate individual.
  •     1) Performs duties in the scrub role as assigned: Completely prepares sterile field in a timely manner. Complies with departmental policy and procedures regarding specimens, counts, and disposition of contaminated instruments. Maintains sterile field and boundaries prior to and during procedure. Acts as preceptor, sharing knowledge in a supportive/educational manner. Maintains on-call availability. Assists in emergency situations as assigned. Maintains a safe work environment according to regulatory agency standards. Maintains education records and timecard. Maintains competencies.
• Demonstrates customer satisfaction skills within the department and hospital as defined by the Advocate’s System’s goals.
  •     5) Maintains positive relationships with all customers e.g., patients, significant others, physician, and associates
  •     6)Review Patient Satisfaction data and participates in development of the team’s action plan for improvement in satisfaction
  •     1) Utilizes Advocate IMMC’s MVP and service excellence expectations
  •     2) Serves as patient advocate to ensure that patients and customers needs are met in a timely and efficient manner and individualizes each patient’s plan of care.
  •     3) Resolves patients and customers concerns immediately using the defined service recovery process
  •     4) Utilizes appropriate referrals and chain of command to resolve ongoing patient customer’s complaints (such as patient’s grievance process
• Establishment and achievement of self-development objectives and continued advancement of the practice team.
  •     2) Maintains and supports Accrediting Organization requirements in regards to competencies. (i.e., CPR certification, safety and infection control, current licensure, hospital/unit based certification standards
  •     9)Promotes patient safety by reporting of issues through established channels and participating as requested in safety initiatives
  •     3) Demonstrates appropriate technical skills for clinical competency
  •     4) As competence is demonstrated, may be asked to train new Associates to unit functions and responsibilities
  •     1) Assesses own learning needs. Seeks appropriate training and development. Sets own objectives and goals. • Attends to personal work schedule in a consistent and professional manner • Demonstrates self direction by identifying learning needs and establishing self development activities • Completes all developmental goals and departmental inservices and competencies within timeframe established • Attends and participates in departmental meetings • Identifies problems and takes steps toward resolution, including crisis management strategies in collaboration with the OR Team. • Participates in the education process of other team members and visitors in areas of expertise by serving in the role of scrub mentor. • Demonstrates teaching strategies with other health care members
  •     5) Participates in hospital committees and projects
  •     6) Participates in development of other team member’s technical and interpersonal skills to improve patient care.
  •     7)Serves as a mentor to other staff related to clinical issues. Readily shares knowledge and experience concerning surgical procedures.
  •     8)Participates in the education of others in the Operating Room by serving in the role of preceptor for areas of expertise
  •     10)Maintains certification, Maintains 10 CEU's annually.
• Contributes to the surgical services, department and hospital innovation efforts to maximize excellence and build respect for services
  •     1)Submits improvement ideas and participates in the implementation process
  •     3) Participates in unit innovation opportunities and strategies.
  •     4) Utilizes creative measures to optimize customer satisfaction.
  •     2) Identifies improvement ideas within scope of responsibility, and assumes accountability for implementation and communication of plans and results
• Participates in the implementation of strategies to increase productivity
  •     1) Cross train to other unit functions and units as necessary to achieve optimal flexibility.
  •     2) Ensures appropriate staffing coverage for subsequent shifts.
  •     3) Suggest productivity improvement ideas
  •     4) Flexible in meeting the staffing requirements of the practice and unit.
• Contributes to cost containment and business growth initiatives of the unit/department
  •     2) Communicates inventory needs adjustments to Nurse Manager
  •     1) Responsible for efficient utilization of all resources within scope of practice
  •     3)Participates in cost containment practice strategies
• Participates in an environment within the practice team that supports management philosophy, strategic plans and Advocate Healthcare strategies.
  •     2)b. Participates with other Associates to create a cooperative team environment.
  •     3)c. Actively participates in unit meetings. Provides positive suggestions for improvement of nursing services.
  •     4)d. Communicates and collaborates effectively with physicians, nurses, directors and other healthcare members to assure delivery of quality care in a high stress environment.
  •     5)e. Participates in implementing planned changes and activities to improve nurseing services, the working environment or patient care.
  •     6)f. Holds self and others accountable for clinical practice and customer service initiatives.
  •     7)g. Actively participates in recognition efforts of team and hospital.
  •     1) Foster and environment where Advocate values can flourish: • Compassion – Care of the whole person • Equality – Everyone is respected • Excellence – Empowered to improve • Partnership – Pooling of talents as a team • Stewardship – Sensible use of resources

Education/Experience Required:

• High school graduate or GED Completion of CST program

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Good communication skills Ability to independently perform scrub duties
• Certification as a Surgical Technician

Physicial Requirements and Working Conditions:

• • May be exposed to hazardous materials and life-threatening disease and radiation • This position needs to recognize needs and behaviors of specific age groups of patients treated. • Ability to perform heavy lifting (lifting 50 to 100 pounds occasionally and/or 25 or 50 pounds frequently and/or lifting 10 to 20 pounds constantly.) • Ability to cooperate and work well with others • Ability to communicate with mask on and not facing others • Ability to work in a fast paced environment with established time constraints. • Ability to work designated shifts including weekends and holidays • Ability to assume on-call responsibility
• If position has direct patient care or direct patient contact the following lifting requirement supersedes any previous lifting requirement effective 06/01/2015. Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available. Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Addendum: A. 2. Restock room supplies as needed and prepare for the following day. Identify equipment deficiencies and reports to appropriate individual.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.