Senior Surgical Technologist - OR

Position Overview

This is a full‑time evening shift position working three 12‑hour shifts from 10:30 am – 11:00 pm, rotating during varied weekdays, plus call.

FLSA Status: Non‑exempt

• Perform delegated tasks associated with the safe and efficient operating room support functions and related procedures.
• Work independently, exercising sound judgment, and report observations and patient problems to the licensed nurse or surgeon.
• Provide mentoring and guidance for Surgical Technologist positions, helping to train and orient others.
• Carry out assigned non‑nursing functions and practice relationship‑centered care in concert with Houston Methodist values.
• Perform general patient care and department upkeep as delegated by licensed personnel.

• Education: High School diploma or equivalent (e.g., GED, homeschool equivalency, partial or full post‑secondary education).
• Successful completion of an accredited Surgical Technology program or military training equivalency.
• Experience: Two years as a Surgical Technologist.

• BLS – Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA) – American Heart Association.
• Required certification: CST from NBSTSA, TS‑C from NCCT, or CSA from NCCSA, or meet the grandfather clause (Bill 643) for individuals employed before Sept. 1, 2009. (30 CEUs shall be completed every two years.)

• Demonstrate the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through ongoing assessments and evaluations.
• Proficient in speaking, reading, and writing English necessary for essential job functions.
• Effective communication with patients, physicians, family members, and co‑workers, applying positive language principles.
• Understand medical terminology.
• Independent, exercising sound judgment in interactions with physicians, the interprofessional team, and patients/families.
• Proficient knowledge and appropriate use of the hospital database such as EPIC.
• Strong knowledge in using procedure software.
• Knowledge of instrument sets, individual surgical instruments, supplies, and their use.
• Competency in decontamination and use of autoclave equipment.
• Expertise as a clinical resource in one or more surgical specialty service lines.

• Promote a positive work environment that actively assists the interprofessional health care team to achieve optimal department results through open, professional communication, active listening, and role modeling.
• Teach others to think critically by verbally expressing rationale for decisions, following up, and providing structured feedback.
• Serve as the department preceptor for new surgical technologists, utilizing skills and knowledge for training and orientation.
• Facilitate teamwork by anticipating needs for assistance and responding positively to requests, using peer‑to‑peer accountability toward improving department engagement scores.

• Prepare the operating room, equipment, and supplies for the next patient, anticipating instrumentation and supply needs before the surgeon scrubs.
• Anticipate the needs of the surgeon and nursing staff by passing instruments and supplies and assist the circulating RN with counts.
• Assist during a variety of surgical procedures across multiple specialties (orthopedics, gynecology, general, ENT, ophthalmology, urology, CV, spine, neurology, oral/maxillofacial, minimally invasive).
• Role‑model behaviors and skills through peer‑to‑peer accountability, improving department patient satisfaction scores.

• Maintain the highest standard of sterile technique during pre‑ and post‑procedures, including preparing sterile dressings and immobilization devices.
• Clean and prepare instruments for terminal sterilization and assist with terminal cleaning of the room.
• Implement and teach department‑based safety initiatives and standards of practice.
• Problem‑solve and manage multiple priorities with minimal supervision.
• Participate in debriefing and quality improvement practices, initiate corrective actions, report near misses, and collaborate with the interprofessional team.