Surgical Services Technologist (Surgical Tech)

Department Overview

South Operating Room (SOR) is a large 25-bed OR primarily an adult inpatient operating room with a small volume of outpatient procedures including: Cardiac/ Thoracic, General Surgery/Minimally Invasive/ Colorectal/Bariatric, Gynecology, Oral Maxillofacial, Neuro/neuro spine, Orthopedic/orthopedic spine, Otolaryngology, Plastics, Transplant, Urology, Vascular, Robotic (Urology/GYN/Oral), and Trauma. Surgical procedures on infants and children less than 18 years of age are also performed if the procedure requires specialized equipment found only at this location.

The ST performs the delegated duties that ensure that the OR environment is safe, that equipment is cleaned and functions appropriately, and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety. The ST possesses expertise in the application of sterile and aseptic technique; he/she combines the knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation tools and technologies to safely facilitate invasive and/or diagnostic procedures. The ST has the ability to manage stressful/unusual situations in a positive manner, and embraces the OHSU Core Competencies (Accountability, Collaboration, Communication, Diversity, Integrity, Respect, Service Orientation, Teamwork) into his/her practice.

Function/Duties of Position

Surgical Technician Role Expectations:

• Demonstrate Proficiency in clinical skills/knowledge specific to  Perioperative Services.
  • Demonstrates a working knowledge of sterile technique.
  • Proficient in the scrub role in the surgical specialties. 
  • Provides fundamental components of patient comfort, safety, privacy and respect within the perioperative setting.
  • Identifies and develops areas of expertise within the surgical specialties.
  • Demonstrates working knowledge of equipment, instrumentation, and supplies.
• Performs effectively in emergent situations.
  • Recognizes and effectively responds as directed in emergency situations.
  • CPR certified..
  • Responds appropriately as directed in a code situation.
• Manages time effectively.
  • Accomplishes caseload assignments in a timely manner.Completes turnover of the operating room between cases before or within the established time lines.
• Uses unassigned time productively

Communication, Teamwork, and Leadership:

• Demonstrates effective communication skills, which convey a positive and supportive message.
• Collaborates with surgical team members (nursing, anesthesia and surgeon) on specific issues or concerns.
• Seeks input and consultation.
• Reports incidents and errors verbally and in writing in accordance with established procedures.
• Ensures confidentiality is maintained in all forms of communication.
• Demonstrates flexibility in response to unexpected changes in workload and assignment.
• Incorporates conflict management skills in the resolution of issues.
• Participates in projects and committees as requested/assigned.
• Works collaboratively with OHSU personnel, maintaining communication that facilitates teamwork.
• Conveys a positive image of peers, colleagues, and OHSU to patients, families, the public and other health care team members.

Teaching and Education: 

• Participates in the education and development of others.
• Participates in orientation and teaching of area specific skills.
• Serves as a resource for other staff members, students, and residents.
• Promotes staff skill development as appropriate 

Professional Development and Knowledge Base Expectations:

• Participates in educational programs and research that contributes to the improvement of skills.
• Assumes responsibility for development of own skills.
• Recognizes and accepts the need for guidance and assistance.
• Completes all required educational programs and activities within established time lines.
• Demonstrates practice consistent with current research/standards/policies.
• Meets and maintains minimum qualifications for the position.

Organizational Participation Responsibilities:

• Incorporates OHSU service excellence/customer service philosophy into all aspects of care provided to patients and families and in interactions within the work setting.
• Participates in Continuous Quality Improvement activities, incorporating principles into practice.
• Demonstrates ability to access departmental and organizational policies and procedures.
• Complies with organizational policies and procedures.
• Supports the missions of OHSU Perioperative Services.
• Complies with the OHSU Code of Conduct.
• Demonstrates fiscally responsible resource utilization and promotes cost containment as appropriate for a surgical unit.
• Performs staff member requirements as outlined in the compliance section of the Core Competencies.

Required Qualifications

AHA Basic Life Support (BLS) certification at time of hire.

New Employees as of 9/1/2015

Graduated from a Nationally-Accredited organization approved by the Oregon Health Authority as of date of hire; AND 

Hold and maintain a national Surgical Technologist Certification by NBSTSA (National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting) as of date of hire. 

New provision of House Bill 4106 amending ORS 676.875 (New Employees effective March 23, 2022):

Completion of a surgical assistant or surgical technologist certification, including but not limited to a certified ophthalmic surgical assisting credential issued by the International Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology or its successor organization, that is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies

OR

Completed a Surgical Technologist training program in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, or Public Health Service of the USA AND must complete 16 hours of continuing education every 2 years. 

OR

Did not graduate from an accredited school must and can provide documentation showing that he/she they practiced as a Surgical Tech during at least two of the three years immediately preceding January 1, 2017 AND must complete 16 hours of continuing education every 2 years. 

Additional Details

Requires prioritization of multiple projects, activities, and assignments. May be exposed to excessive

auditory and visual stimulation. May be exposed to body fluids, tissue, and infectious processes. Subject to

computer work for several hours, as needed. Able to utilize all patient care equipment with work area.

All are welcome

Oregon Health & Science University values a diverse and culturally competent workforce. We are proud of our commitment to being an equal opportunity, affirmative action organization that does not discriminate against applicants on the basis of any protected class status, including disability status and protected veteran status. Individuals with diverse backgrounds and those who promote diversity and a culture of inclusion are encouraged to apply. To request reasonable accommodation contact the Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Department at 503-494-5148 or aaeo@ohsu.edu.