Surgical Technologist
Stanford Health Care
Palo Alto, CA

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This is a Stanford Health Care job.

A Brief Overview
The Surgical Technologist (ST) provides hands-on care to patients in the operating room, practicing in an evidence-based manner within the regulatory requirements, standards of care, and hospital policies. The ST demonstrates behaviors in concert with Stanford Health Care's Mission, Values, Policies and Procedures. An ST is an allied health professional who assists in the preparation and care of surgical patients ranging from infancy to geriatrics under the general direction of a professional nurse. The ST possesses knowledge of the theory and application of sterile aseptic technique and combines knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation tools and technologies to facilitate a doctor's performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. The ST also performs other duties and responsibilities as required.

Locations
Stanford Health Care

What you will do, including but not limited to:

• Performs the necessary surgical counts with the Circulating Nurse per SHC policy/ practices
• Applies the principles of sterile technique during surgical procedures; actively monitors situations that could lead to a breach in sterile technique and identifies process improvement opportunities
• Serve as a role model to new employees and other staff member
• Assist with teaching of newly hired STs and ST students, as assigned by manager
• Scrub in to complex and multi-team surgical cases proficiently
• Scrub in to common emergency cases proficiently
• Attends and participates in staff and unit meetings
• Adheres to all policies and practices for safe identification and handling of specimens and medications.
• Has knowledge of medications and its intended use on the field. Is aware of patients’ weight and maximum doses of medication when appropriate. Is aware of patient allergies.
• Handles specimens and medications using correct technique and according to departmental policy and procedure.
• Prepares the surgical field by opening correct supplies and instruments needed for the scheduled case.
• Assures all needed materials are available and in working order and ensures own skill in using instruments and supplies correctly.
• Participate in Quality Assurance, Performance Improvement, and Audits
• Attends all in-services/reviews all in-service information
• Attends and participates in staff and unit meetings
• Duties as otherwise assigned

Education Qualifications

• Completion of a formal, structured program for Surgical Technology

Experience Qualifications

• Two or more years of experience

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to provide comfort and support for perioperative patients by demonstrating sensitivity to patient’s care/privacy
• Ability to provide appropriate care based on the needs of the individual taking into consideration age, culture, and developmental issues.
• Ability to apply sound judgment and make informed decisions
• Ability to foster effective working relationships and build consensus
• Ability to identify issues and recommend solutions
• Ability to communicate effectively in a variety of formats in all areas of practice at a level appropriate for the job
• Ability to assist the team in meeting standard work requirements for all patient care in the operating room, including but not limited to, setting up a case, activities related to patient care during the case, and cleaning at completion of the case
• Advanced knowledge related to OR emergencies
• Knowledge and theoretical understanding of normal/abnormal anatomy/physiology
• Knowledge and understanding of surgical procedures to anticipate needs/request from surgeons
• Knowledge of the principles of sterile technique during surgical procedures; actively monitors situations that could lead to a breach in sterile technique. Ability to communicate and immediately correct identified breaks in sterile technique
• Knowledge of computer systems and software used in functional area
• Knowledge of and adherence to Stanford Healthcare policies and practices that meet all hospital policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements
• Knowledge of general safety procedures and ability to escalate any violations of safety procedures, as appropriate
• Takes accountability for own clinical and professional growth based on continuing education, evaluations and feedback

Licenses and Certifications

• BLS - Basic Life Support
• Preferred: Certification by one of the below, hospital-approved certifying entities:
  • National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting
  • National Center for Competency Testing
  • International Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (only applicable to Byers Perioperative Services)

Physical Demands and Work Conditions
Blood Borne Pathogens

• Category I - Tasks that involve exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues

These principles apply to ALL employees:

SHC Commitment to Providing an Exceptional Patient & Family Experience

Stanford Health Care sets a high standard for delivering value and an exceptional experience for our patients and families. Candidates for employment and existing employees must adopt and execute C-I-CARE standards for all of patients, families and towards each other. C-I-CARE is the foundation of Stanford’s patient-experience and represents a framework for patient-centered interactions. Simply put, we do what it takes to enable and empower patients and families to focus on health, healing and recovery.

You will do this by executing against our three experience pillars, from the patient and family’s perspective:

• Know Me: Anticipate my needs and status to deliver effective care
• Show Me the Way: Guide and prompt my actions to arrive at better outcomes and better health
• Coordinate for Me: Own the complexity of my care through coordination

Equal Opportunity Employer Stanford Health Care (SHC) strongly values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination in all of its policies and practices, including the area of employment. Accordingly, SHC does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity and/or expression, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, or disability, or the perception of any of the above. People of all genders, members of all racial and ethnic groups, people with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Qualified applicants with criminal convictions will be considered after an individualized assessment of the conviction and the job requirements.

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training. This pay scale is not a promise of a particular wage.