Operating Room Neuro Surgical Technologist I – Days

Be a part of a world-class academic healthcare system, UChicago Medicine, as a Surgical Technologist I for our CCD (Neuro) Operating Rooms. Here, you will assist the nursing and medical staff in providing care to patients undergoing surgical intervention and performance of surgical scrub technologist duties; collaborate with nursing and other disciplines, when necessary, to revise the plan of care to meet the changing needs of the patient. You will have constant contact with the Operating Room staff, physicians, clerical staff, anesthesia staff and materials management. This is the Center for Care and Discovery OR (Neuro) department. This position is 100% onsite opportunity. You will need to be based in the greater Chicagoland area.  

Essential Job Functions 

• Independently performs surgical scrub role within the operative field and is able to scrub in all services, adult and pediatric. 
• Applies knowledge of surgical techniques. 
• Applies knowledge related to emergency and trauma situations and surgical procedures in the operating room.
• Demonstrates infection control practices by utilizing proper aseptic technique while dealing with blood/body fluid.
• Correctly uses all sterilizers and high level disinfectors related to surgical procedures; documents appropriately and maintains competencies, as required.
• In conjunction with Unit leadership, Charge Nurse and Central Sterile Processing, demonstrates organizational skills in case preparation, case cart picking and accurate room set-up for instrument and tray contents in scheduled cases.  Sets up instruments, supplies and equipment according to surgeon’s preference cards, policies and procedures and standards of care.
• Operates and troubleshoots video systems as needed. Works in collaboration with Administrative Coordinators, Specialty Managers, Clinical Engineering, and In-House Vendors to maintain video systems. 
• Provides cost-effective care by proper use of equipment and instruments.  Demonstrates appropriate utilization of supplies based on assessed needs, standard of care and surgeon’s preference cards.
• Demonstrates knowledge of immediate and long term outcomes of surgical activities including, but not limited to: sponge, needle and instrument count, aseptic technique, proper handling of specimens, proper labeling and handling of medications on sterile field and care of electrosurgical active electrodes and implants.
• Properly handles and cares for instrumentation.
• Assists in performing care of the surgical patient, including:
  • Helps team to prepare room
  • Helps open packs, supplies, and instrument sets
  • Helps position patient
• Monitors sterile field
• Opens sterile supplies onto sterile field before procedure
• Performs counts
• Handles specimen(s)
• Assists with emergency situations
• Assures quality measures are met, such as Surgical Care Improvement Project (SCIP) core measures
• In collaboration with Preceptor Surgical Technologist and RN Circulator determines individual patient/surgeon needs and adjusts instrumentation and supplies according to those needs.
• Inventories and restocks supplies in individual OR suites and Specialty Service carts. 
• Responsible for reviewing preference cards in collaboration with the specialty team.
• Communicates with oncoming shift any pertinent information regarding patients or unit activities.
• Acts as a resource person to patients, visitors, physicians and other staff.
• Communicates to Scheduling Board Manager, Anesthesia Coordinator, Charge Nurse, Perioperative management team accurate and timely information regarding patient status and OR schedule.
• Assists in efficient room turnover and case set-up.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications 

• High school diploma or equivalent.  Graduate of Accredited Surgical Technologist program.
• Minimum experience is graduate of an accredited Surgical Technologist school.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to facilitate communication.
• Basic knowledge and ability to perform surgical technologist skills, analytical skills necessary to interpret and communicate data relevant to direct patient care to RN and MD.
• Ability to function as a member of the surgical team, carrying out the instructions of surgeons and of the Circulating RN and Surgical Technologist Preceptor with speed, accuracy, and concentration.
• Able to prioritize daily activities.
• Able to recognize and intervene in life threatening situations.
• Able to maintain composure under stressful circumstances.

License/Certifications

• CST certification must be obtained within  12 months of hire 
• BLS required  

Position Details 

• Job Type/FTE: Full-Time (1.00 FTE)
• Shift: Day Shift 7am-5:30pm
• Work Location: Chicago, IL
• Unit/Department: CCD OR - Neuro
• CBA Code: Non-union