CST- Certified Surgical Technologist

At Bon Secours Mercy Health, we are dedicated to continually improving health care quality, safety and cost effectiveness. Our hospitals, care sites and clinicians are recognized for clinical and operational excellence.

**Summary of Primary Function/General Purpose of Position**

Facilitates the operative or other invasive procedure by preparing and providing the required sterile instruments, supplies and equipment. Maintains the sterile field and anticipates and responds to the needs of the surgical team.

**Essential Job Functions**

- Functions as the scrub person and assists as trained during operative and other invasive procedures by assembling supplies and equipment required for the procedure.

- Prepares and organizes sterile supplies and instruments for the procedure and performs surgical counts with the circulating RN according to policy.

- Maintains an organized sterile field and ensures the sterility of the field by taking corrective action as needed. Assists with the placement of sterile drapes. Provides instruments and supplies to the surgical team during the procedure and maintains aseptic technique.

- Retrieves and collects specimens and labels specimens appropriately and correctly.

- Reports any implanted devices, catheters, drains, and packing to the circulator.

- Provides complete case preparation and knows, with the ability to adapt, of special instruments, supplies, and equipment needs for patient populations.

- Demonstrates knowledge of patient's rights and responsibilities according to the patient's age and understanding.

- Demonstrates understanding of patient's Advance Directives.

- Assists in CPR as needed.

- Assists with pre and post-procedure cleaning of the operative or invasive procedure room and necessary instruments.

- BSMH Surgical technologists are expected to practice and deliver care in accordance with the core concepts and intention of the BSMH policy.

- Participates in ongoing educational and competency verification opportunities.

- Participates in financial accountability by utilizing resources in a cost-conscious manner and offers performance improvement initiatives.

- Participates in all patient safety care measures.

- Accessible for "on call" as scheduled and is available within the time frames as indicated by the department.

- Participates in the orientation of new staff and students as assigned.

- Prepares and performs surgical skin prep and clipping as indicated by procedure. Inserts urinary catheter as required.

- Demonstrates flexibility regarding unit/area staffing and scheduling needs.

- Maintains personal grooming and attire consistent with BSMH policy.

Call Requirements

This document is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as required by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.

**Licensing/Certification**

Must be certified by one of the following: Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTA) or Tech in Surgery - Certified (TS-C), National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) (required)

If employed in South Carolina NBSTA certification is required. If certified prior to 2008 NBSTA or NCCT certification is accepted.

If employed in Virginia, must be certified by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting or its successor and hold a certification with the Virginia Board of Medicine.

BLS Basic Life Support (preferred upon hire, must obtain from approved source prior to direct patient care)

**Education**

Associate degree, Vocational Certification, or Military Certificate in Surgical Technology (required)

**Work Experience**

One year of perioperative, operating room, or related military surgical technology experience (preferred)

**Training**

None

**Language**

None

**Patient Population**

Neonates (0-4 weeks)

Infant (1-12 months)

Pediatrics (1-12 years)

Adolescents (13-17 years)

Adults (18-64 years)

Geriatrics (65 years and older)

**Working Conditions**

Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur

May be exposed to high noise levels and bright lights

May be exposed to limited hazardous substances or body fluids*

May be exposed to physical altercations and verbal abuse

May be required to use physical restraints

May be exposed to human blood and other potentially infectious materials*

May be exposed to adverse weather conditions; cold, hot, dust, wind, etc.

May have periods of constant interruptions

Required to car travel to off-site locations, occasionally in adverse weather conditions

Prolonged periods of working alone

* Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn the policies concerning infection control.

**Additional Physical Requirements/Hazards**

Manual dexterity (eye/hand coordination)

Perform shift work

Maneuver weight of patients

Hear alarms/telephone/audio recorder

Reach above shoulder

Repetitive arm/hand movements

Finger Dexterity

Color Vision

Acuity - far

Acuity - near

Depth perception

Use of latex products

Exposure to toxic/caustic/chemicals/detergents

Exposure to moving mechanical parts

Exposure to dust/fumes

Exposure to potential electrical shock

Exposure to x ray/electromagnetic energy

Exposure to high pitched noises

Gaseous risk exposure

**Skills**

Ability to Follow Instructions

Able to Work Independently

Anatomy

Anticipate Needs

Communication

Critical Thinking

Infection Control

Knowledge of AORN and AST Recommendations

Move with a sense of urgency

Physiology

Possess Surgical Conscience

Professionalism

Self-Directed

Takes Direction

Teamwork

Microsoft Office

Many of our opportunities reward* your hard work with:

Comprehensive, affordable medical, dental and vision plans

Prescription drug coverage

Flexible spending accounts

Life insurance w/AD&D

Employer contributions to retirement savings plan when eligible

Paid time off

Educational Assistance

And much more

*Benefits offerings vary according to employment status

All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you'd like to view a copy of the affirmative action plan or policy statement for Mercy Health - Youngstown, Ohio or Bon Secours - Franklin, Virginia; Petersburg, Virginia; and Emporia, Virginia, which are Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employers, please email recruitment@mercy.com . If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact The Talent Acquisition Team at recruitment@mercy.com