Surgical Technologist-Certified-Surgery Center Cedar Rapids - UnityPoint Health

As a multi-specialty surgical facility, Surgery Center Cedar Rapids is a leader in the national trend toward surgical procedures being performed outside hospital operating rooms.  The Surgery Center Cedar Rapids is located in the heart of the MedQuarter-Regional Medial District on 1st Avenue.  Our facility was designed specifically for outpatient surgical care which means we provide the highest levels of convenience and privacy to our patients and families. Take a virtual tour through our facilities to see for yourself.

The surgical technologist functions as a member of the surgical team to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of invasive surgical, therapeutic, and diagnostic procedures.   The surgical technologist collaborates with the team to ensure that the operating room environment is safe, that equipment functions properly, and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety.   The Surgical Technologist I (Skilled) is proficient in the role of first or second scrub person, or assistant circulator during procedures within one specialty area.

Why UnityPoint Health?

• Culture – At UnityPoint Health, you Come for a fulfilling career and experience a culture guided by uncompromising values and unwavering belief in doing what's right for the people we serve.
• Benefits – Our competitive Total Rewards program offers benefits options like 401K match, paid time off and education assistance that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you’re in.
• Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commitment – We’re committed to ensuring you have a voice that is heard regardless of role, race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation.
• Development – We believe equipping you with support and development opportunities is an essential part of delivering a remarkable employment experience.
• Community Involvement – Be an essential part of our core purpose—to improve the health of the people and communities we serve.

Visit us at UnityPoint.org/careers to hear more from our team members about why UnityPoint Health is a great place to work.

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Is aware of center compliance requirements for federally funded healthcare programs (e.g. Medicare and Medicaid) regarding fraud, waste and abuse. Brings any questions or concerns regarding compliance to the immediate attention of center administrative staff. 

Purposefully conducts all aspects of the job in an ethical manner in support of the center’s commitment to ethical behavior in all areas of personal and professional activity.

The Certified Surgical Technologist functions in the role of first scrub or assistant to the surgeon to the extent of their experience and competency. He/She is responsible for maintaining the integrity, safety, and efficiency of the sterile field throughout the operation. The Certified Surgical Technologist: 

• Maintains knowledge and experience in aseptic technique and surgical procedures
• Prepares and arranges instruments and supplies in the sterile field.
• Administers medication in the operative field under the direction of the physician.
• Holds and operates retractors or other instrumentation as necessary.
• Assists the surgeon and assistants throughout the operation by providing the sterile instruments and supplies when necessary.
• Anticipates and responds to the needs of the surgeons and other members of the Operating Room team.
• Maintains manual skills and dexterity, as well as physical stamina to work under pressure.
• Properly handles operative specimens.
• Performs wound closure as directed by the physician.  

The Certified Surgical Technologist may assist the circulating registered nurse in the operating room to meet the patient's individual needs. 

•  Uses Standard Precautions and Isolation protocols appropriately.

• Strives to meet the patient's needs promptly and efficiently.
• Prepares patients and selects proper positioning.
• Performs procedures at level of competency.
• Completes surgical skin preparations as designated.
• Assists in transfer of patients (cart to operating table, operating table to cart, cart to PACU, etc.).
• Works in the sterile environment providing patient care. 

Demonstrates an awareness of patient and personal safety. 

• Follows department dress code policy and wears appropriate personal protective equipment.
• Knowledgeable about Standard and Isolation Precautions.
• Demonstrates knowledge of principles of good body alignment when positioning patient.
• Demonstrates proper use of positioning devices.
• Implements measures to promote a safe environment for the patient/family.

-     Observes and promptly reports any unusual occurrences.

-     Practices correct body mechanics in performing patient care activities.

-     Consistently assures patient safety in the use of side rails, equipment, nurse call lights, etc.

• Ensures safe environment by keeping patient care areas free of clutter and spills.
• Utilizes autoclaves in the OR for “just in time” sterilization according to current guidelines 

Organizes, cleans, and maintains unit work areas, supplies, and equipment.

• Restocks subutility as needed.
• Assist other staff to restock operating rooms.
• Returns unused supplies, instruments & equipment to their proper storage area.
• Assembles instruments, supplies, equipment and positioning aids needed for cases based on the preference card.
• Rotates/removes out-dated stock/supplies.
• Uses Standard Precautions, personal protective equipment, and Isolation precautions.
• Assists in room turnover by cleaning furniture and equipment according to established End of Case Cleaning guidelines.
• Assist in SPD as directed by
• Cleaning equipment
• Operating peel pack machine
• Assembling trays
• Wrapping trays 

Demonstrates good verbal and written communication skills with other health care team members. 

• Maintains friendly, courteous and responsible interpersonal communication patterns.
• Verbal communication is clear and precise.
• Written communication is legible, if handwritten, and done in a timely manner.
• Respects patient confidentiality in all communication.
• Attends and participates in staff meetings, team meetings, inservices and committee meetings.
• Utilizes and shares information from inservices, reading, workshops and conferences. 

Demonstrates flexibility and self-direction in meeting patient and unit needs by responding as a team player. 

Assumes responsibility for personal growth and development. 

-     Continually maintains and strives to enhance personal technical and clinical competence in all job related duties.

Participates in mandatory education and department and center staff meetings, per established guidelines. 

Complies with established infection control and risk management policies and procedures. 

Performs other duties as deemed necessary to meet the center’s mission and vision.

PERSONAL SPECIFICATIONS

Education

Requires high school diploma or GED and graduation from an accredited surgical technology program or eligibility to take the CST exam.

Qualifications/Experience

The newly graduated Surgical Technologist must obtain certification within 12 months of hire date to maintain employment.

All grandfathered CST's must maintain CEU's as defined by the Liaison Council on Certification for Surgical Technologists (LCCST). (60 CEU's every 4 years)