Staff - Surgical Technologist

Advocate Aurora Health is seeking a Surgical Technologist for a job in Kohler, Wisconsin.

• Specialty: Surgical Technologist
• Discipline: Allied Health Professional
• Duration: Ongoing
• 40 hours per week
• Shift: days
• Employment Type: Staff

Aurora Medical Center – Sheboygan County is a state-of-the-art, 113-bed community hospital offering general surgery, behavioral health, back and spine, pulmonology, imaging services, and a lab and pharmacy. Everything is Green, Zen and Fresh

• 11 OR's (1 in the making) 1 pain procedure room
• High volume of orthopedic/ total joints/ENT/Robotic bowels, pain, hernias and hysterectomies. Planning to do Robotic joints in 2025. 
• Busy department, in 2023 we have 9,320 procedures including pain procedures.
• Department team includes Surgical Techs, Surgical Assists, RN's/Charge Nurse, Business Operations Coordinator
• Surgery department is known for having "the special sauce" - very low turnover, high team member engagement, and great surgeons who value the team. 
• Previous experience preferred but may consider new grads. 

Aurora continues to offer leading benefits, and a competitive wage program to help you live your best life,

• Sign on Bonuses up to $12,000(for full-time/amount based on experience for new hires joining Advocate Health)
• Top Referral program
• ExCEL Professional Development for Surgical Techs/Assists with financial incentives
• Career progression ST I to ST II to Surgical Assist- progressions may require certifications and further education.

Major Responsibilities:

• Provides for a clean, safe and efficient area conducive to optimal patient care. Utilizes aseptic surgical techniques in the preparation of materials, supplies and equipment for surgical procedures (e.g., assistance with gowning and gloving; preparation and draping of the surgical area; provision of a sterile field, instruments, suture and related materials; anticipation of the Surgeons' needs; passing of instruments and/or supplies; holding of retractors, observing and reporting possible breaks in aseptic technique; and assisting in maintaining a sterile, dry, unobstructed field).
• Performs all types of procedures and maintains basic knowledge of a variety of procedures.
• Ensures the environmental disinfection, safety and efficiency of the operating room. This includes setting up the room for each case including moving equipment (i.e., tables, cameras, microscopes, fracture table, and instrument pans), operating the various types of equipment used during operating room procedures, and returning equipment post procedure.
• Functions as a Second Assistant as necessary.
• Notifies appropriate staff of equipment and supply problems.
• Transports patients and/or equipment and supplies.
• Maintains a specialty cart or item, ensuring its completeness and availability. This includes checking the working condition of equipment, sterility, and sending damaged items out for repair.
• Performs various patient positioning and transporting duties, which require lifting and pushing/pulling, while utilizing proper technique.
• Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the department's policies and procedures. Age-specific information is developed further in the departmental job standards.

Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification Required:

• Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA) needs to be obtained within 6 months unless department leader has determined it is not required.

Education Required:

• Completion of an accredited or approved program in Surgical Technology.

Experience Required:

• No experience required.

May consider filling this position with a senior Surgical Tech II based on experience/qualifications.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Knowledge of aseptic surgical techniques used in the preparation of materials, supplies and equipment for various surgical procedures.
• Knowledge of various types of equipment used in the operating room.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Basic computer proficiency.
• Certification Addendum
• Team members will maintain annual educational requirements for hospital based certifications (e.g. DNV, CARF or others).

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Must be able to withstand a very stressful and fast-paced environment.
• Must be able to:
• lift up to 50 lbs. from floor to waist.
• lift up to 20 lbs. over the head.
• carry up to 40 lbs. a reasonable distance.
• Must be able to:
• push/pull with 30 lbs. of force.
• perform a sliding transfer of 150 lbs. with a second person present.
• Required to use foot pedals on carts or machines.
• Exposed to the following hazards on a continuous basis: mechanical, electrical, chemical, radiation, blood and body fluids.
• Must have functional sight and hearing.
• Required to wear masks, gloves, goggles, and gowns.
• Must be able to sit, stand, walk, lift, squat, bend, reach above shoulders and twist frequently during work shift.
• Must be able to operate all equipment essential to performing the duties of the job.

Surgical Tech II

Experience Required:

• Typically requires 2 years of experience in a Surgical Technologist position.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Completion of a suturing class approved by supervisor.
• Proficient in all surgical specialties with expertise in a minimum of two.
• Advanced knowledge and skill of aseptic surgical techniques used in the preparation of materials, supplies and equipment for various surgical procedures and suturing.
• Demonstrated ability to anticipate and recognize physician's needs and changes that require unplanned or unanticipated interventions and respond appropriately.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Basic computer proficiency.
• CST may be required per site

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.

Advocate Aurora Health Job ID #R134763. Posted job title: Surgical Technologist (St)

Advocate Aurora Health’s 22,000 nurses demonstrate our values of excellence, compassion and respect, collaborating to advance our stated purpose of helping people live well. To encourage you to be the best nurse you can, Advocate Aurora will provide support, tools and resources for orientation, education and professional development, in the care setting that is best for you. Your voice as a team member will be heard clearly whether you’re at one of our 10 Magnet® designated hospitals or more than 500 sites of care.

Join our team and be inspired to chart a course for Advocate Aurora to become the best place in the nation for nurses to pursue their passion.

• Holiday Pay
• Guaranteed Hours
• Continuing Education
• 401k retirement plan
• Pet insurance
• Wellness and fitness programs
• Mileage reimbursement
• Employee assistance programs
• Medical benefits
• Dental benefits
• Vision benefits
• Life insurance
• Discount program