Surgical Tech Service Expert

Job Description

This paragraph summarizes the general nature, level and purpose of the job.

The Surgical Tech Service Expert is an advanced practitioner who provides expertise in one or more service lines. Provides expertise in the first scrub role in advanced surgical procedures. Serves as a clinical resource for Surgical Tech staff. Partners with Nursing Education in identifying education needs and collaborates in the development of competency-based orientation program for surgical technologists. Performs the preceptor role in the training of students.

Participates and provides input to management in decision-making activities related to evaluating and acquiring surgical equipment, instruments and supplies. Leads process improvement initiatives in service area and identifies areas for improvement. Serves on department and hospital committees.

The essential functions listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classification. They are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks, and responsibilities. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.

Employees must abide by all Joint Commission Requirements including but not limited to sensitivity to cultural diversity, patient care, patient rights and ethical treatment, safety and security of physical environments, emergency management, teamwork, respect for others, participation in ongoing education and training, communication and adherence to safety and quality programs, sustaining compliance with National Patient Safety Goals, and licensure and health screenings.

Must perform all duties and responsibilities in accordance with the hospital's policies and procedures, including its Service Standards and its Code of Conduct.

• Functions and acts as the recognized expert and is fully responsible and accountable for Service Area of expertise.
• Acts as resource to less experienced team members throughout the day, even when scrubbed.
• Collaborates with OR Educator or Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS) in the development and provision of a competency-based orientation program for the scrub role in their service and oversees those orienting within their Service.
• Works in collaboration with OR Management and participates in the annual competency evaluation of Core Team members in their Service.
• Develops and leads PI (Process Improvement) initiatives. Identifies issues that need improvement and follows through with solutions for positive outcome.
• Provides service-specific in-services yearly to members of the OR team.
• Actively participates in physician recruitment and on-boarding activities.
• Partners with Management and Division Chief in the development of new programs/procedures.
• Partners with Management to create staffing models to support block allocation for Service.
• Organizes the work flow, problem-solves, and manages multiple ongoing priorities.
• Serves as a teacher to the Anesthesia Techs, Operating Room Assistants and SPD Techs on the nuances of supporting their Service.
• Serves as an expert resource to Bio Med/Clinical Engineering, Vendors and Supply Chain, regarding their Service.
• Creates and navigates documents using Microsoft Office programs.
• Maintains and accurately processes and updates surgeon preference cards.
• Performs all surgical technologist functions.

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities as well as possession of any required licenses or certifications is qualifying.

Completion of an accredited program recognized by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting or Formal structure surgical program, (e.g., military services)

Five (5) years post program experience as a Surgical Tech in an acute care setting with similar patient case load, to include two (2) years specifically in the LPCHS OR (Operating Room). The two (2) year LPCHS - OR - experience for external candidates/new hires, three (3) years of direct service experience in a particular service in need of an expert and six (6) months of LPCHS experience, in which case the two (2) year LPCHS OR experience could be waived.

• RQI Healthcare Provider Basic Life Support
• or
• Basic Life Support by American Heart Association (AHA)
• Certified Surgical Technologist by National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting
• or
• Technician in Surgery - Certified by National Center for Competency Testing

• Knowledge of the various surgical equipment and advanced surgical instrumentation.
• Knowledge and expert practice in the first scrub role in advanced surgical procedures.
• Leadership skills by displaying a positive attitude, possesses outstanding listening skills, utilizes assertive communication both in spoken and written word, coaches others to improve performance and is recognized as a team player within the department.
• Time management and organizational…