CHRISTUS Health Looking for Surgical Technologist – Ambulatory Surgery Center at San Antonio, Texas Full Time

Summary:

Performs a variety of technical duties to assist in preparing and caring for pre-operative patients. Prepares patient skin for surgery in accordance with hospital standards. Maintains aseptic techniques; actively monitors situations which could lead to breaches in aseptic technique. Provides comfort and support for pre-operative patients by demonstrating sensitivity to patient’s care and privacy. Transports patients to and from Operating Room suite. Positions patients according to type of surgery. Identifies and cares for biological specimens. Prepares the Operating Room by setting up tables, instruments and supplies according to type of case.

Pre-Op

• Ensures the preoperative area has a clean and therapeutic environment for all patients at all times
• Ensures supplies and equipment needed are available and in good working order
• Admits the patient to the unit and prepares him/her for the scheduled procedure
• Makes initial assessment and determines the nursing needs of the patient
• Explains nursing procedures and actions taken to help reduce anxiety
• Identifies patient’s physical and mental status
• Monitors the patient’s medical condition and reports any significant changes to the admitting physician or anesthesiologist
• Assures surgical consent and preoperative test results are in the medical record prior to proposed procedure
• Reports any important health history facts to the operating room nurse
• Gives patients and family members emotional support as necessary
• Documents patient care delivered, accurately in the medical record
• Performs other nursing duties as assigned
• Maintains established Center/departmental policies and procedures
• Maintains confidentiality of patient and Center related business
• Develops and maintains an effective working relationship with patients, families, visitors and other Center employees
• Documents concisely, precisely and accurately on all records or documents as indicated by policy.
• Participates in Quality Assessment activities as directed for the continuous improvement of patient care and Center business

PACU

• Ensures that the PACU has a clean and therapeutic environment for all patients at all times
• Ensures supplies and equipment needed are available and in good working order
• Admits the patient to the unit and monitors recovery from anesthesia and surgical procedure
• Makes initial assessment and determined the nursing needs of the patient
• Follows and implements physician’s orders and performs all required nursing activities
• Explains nursing procedures and actions taken to help reduce anxiety
• Identifies patient’s physical and mental status
• Monitors the patient’s medical condition and reports any significant changes to the admitting physician or anesthesiologist
• Documents accurately in the patient’s medical record the care received and the progress in the recovery process
• Assures that the patient fits the documented criteria prior to discharge
• Gives patients and family members emotional support as necessary
• Performs other nursing duties as assigned
• Maintains established Center/departmental policies and procedures
• Maintains confidentiality of patient and Center related business
• Develops and maintains an effective working relationship with patients, families, visitors and other Center employees
• Documents concisely, precisely and accurately on all records or documents as indicated by policy.
• Participates in Quality Assessment activities as directed for the continuous improvement of patient care and Center business

Qualifications:

• High school graduate or equivalent is required.
• At least one year in surgery as a Surgical Technician.

• Two (2) or more years of experience is preferred.
• Must have knowledge of aseptic technique and be able to competently practice aseptic technique.
• Must demonstrate competency to monitor and control the surgical environment.
• Have the knowledge and ability to operate various types of sterilizing equipment, surgical power equipment, endoscopic equipment, as well as complex instrument systems.
• Must be able to perform as a team member and work in a collaborative relationship with other staff and physicians.
• Computer skills very helpful.
• Must be able to handle multiple demands in the surgical suite.
• Current BLS certification (American Heart Association) is required.
• Certified Surgical Technician preferred.
• Must have completed an appropriate technologist certification training program in the U. S. military or U. S. Public Health Service. OR Surgical Technologist must have been employed to practice in health care facilities prior to 9/1/09.

Work Type:

Full Time