Lead Surgical Technologist

At Houston Methodist, the Lead Surgical Technologist role necessitates advanced expertise and capabilities essential for executing assigned responsibilities linked to secure and effective operating room support functions and associated procedures. This position operates autonomously, applying sound judgement, and communicates observations and patient concerns to the licensed nurse or surgeon. Beyond fulfilling the duties of a Surgical Technologist, the Lead Surgical Technologist also offers mentorship and direction for Surgical Technologist roles, leveraging skills and knowledge to assist in training and orientation of new staff. Responsibilities also encompass designated non-nursing tasks while practicing relationship-centered care in alignment with Houston Methodist values. Additional responsibilities include general patient care and maintaining departmental standards as delegated by licensed personnel.

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Encourages a constructive work atmosphere that actively supports the interprofessional healthcare team in achieving optimal departmental outcomes. Promotes open, professional communication (verbal, nonverbal, written) which includes active listening and educational opportunities to foster mutual understanding, serving as a role model.
• Instructs others in critical thinking by articulating the rationale behind decisions and providing structured feedback with relevant examples. Acts as the department preceptor for new surgical technologists, utilizing expertise to train and orient others.
• Facilitates collaboration by anticipating the need for assistance and responding positively to requests for help. Engages in peer-to-peer accountability to enhance departmental employee engagement scores.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Prepares the operating room, equipment, and supplies for upcoming patients. Anticipates additional instruments, equipment, and supplies required during procedures prior to the surgeon's scrubbing. Maintains and accurately updates surgeon preference cards within the relevant service line.
• Anticipates the requirements of the surgeon and nursing staff by passing instruments and supplies during surgical procedures, competently fulfilling the role of surgical technologist across various surgical specialties including but not limited to: orthopedics, gynecology, general surgery, ENT, ophthalmology, urology, cardiovascular, spine, neurology, oral/maxillofacial, and minimally invasive techniques.
• Assists the circulating RN with surgical counts of sponges, instruments, needles, and other items.
• Exemplifies behaviors and skills through peer accountability to enhance patient satisfaction scores.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Upholds the highest standards of sterile technique during preoperative and postoperative procedures. Prepares sterile dressings and/or immobilization devices. Cleans and prepares instruments for terminal sterilization following surgical procedures. Aids other team members in terminal cleaning of the operating room.
• Contributes to the implementation and education of department-specific safety initiatives and standards of practice. Effectively manages multiple ongoing priorities with minimal supervision.
• Participates in debriefing and quality improvement initiatives to ensure high-quality patient care. Initiates corrective actions and improvement activities aimed at enhancing departmental and hospital quality and safety targets, reporting near misses, and collaborating with the interprofessional healthcare team.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Ensures efficient utilization of surgical supplies and minimizes the opening of supplies until confirmed for use during surgery. Provides recommendations for cost containment during surgical cases.
• Demonstrates self-motivation to manage time effectively, minimizing incidental overtime, and prioritizes daily responsibilities. Utilizes downtime efficiently to assist other team members.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Identifies and proposes areas for innovation, efficiency, and improvement for departmental projects and shared governance activities. May co-chair a unit-based Shared Governance Council.
• Acts as a resource in surgical technology for the department on various hospital committees. Engages in one departmental or hospital committee or subcommittee and facilitates the achievement of its goals.
• Proactively seeks opportunities for knowledge enhancement and skill development with a focus on continual professional growth. Regularly updates the My Development plan.

This job description is not intended to be exhaustive; the employee may also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to modify job duties and responsibilities as necessary.

EDUCATION

• High School diploma or equivalent education (examples include: GED, verification of homeschool equivalency, partial or full completion of post-secondary education, etc.)
• Successful completion of an accredited Surgical Technology program or military training equivalency.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Two years of experience as a Surgical Technologist.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

• BLS - Basic Life Support (AHA) AND
• CSA - Certified Surgical Assistant (NCCSA) -- Certification by the Surgical Technologist Association OR
• TS-C - Technologist in Surgery-Certified (NCCT) -- National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) OR
• CST - Certified Surgical Technologist (NBSTSA) -- the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) OR
• GRNDF - Surgical Technologist Met Grandfather Clause (Bill or meet the Grandfather clause (Bill 643). This bill includes an extensive grandfather clause exempting all individuals employed to practice surgical technology in a health care facility before Sept. 1, 2009. The clarification notes that legislation does not state employed "on" Sept. 1, 2009, but rather "before that date. A surgical technologist who was employed before SB1239, Sec : 30 CEUs shall be completed every two years.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through ongoing skills assessments and performance evaluations.
• Proficient in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, particularly regarding activities impacting patient or employee safety or security.
• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, family members, and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles.
• Demonstrates understanding of medical terminology.
• Exhibits independence and sound judgement in interactions with physicians, interprofessional care teams, and patients and their families.
• Demonstrates proficient knowledge and appropriate use of hospital databases such as EPIC. Ability to access information both in the department and within the hospital system.
• Strong knowledge in the use of procedure software.
• Demonstrates proficient knowledge of instrument sets, the use of individual surgical instruments, surgical supplies, and their applications.
• Demonstrates competency in decontamination and the use of autoclave equipment.
• Exhibits expertise and serves as a clinical resource in one or more surgical specialty service lines.

SUPPLEMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

WORK ATTIRE

• Uniform No
• Scrubs Yes
• Business professional No
• Other (department approved) No

ON-CALL*

*Note that employees may be required to be on-call during emergencies (e.g., disasters, severe weather events, etc.) regardless of selection below.

• On Call* Yes

TRAVEL**

Travel specifications may vary by department

• May require travel within the Houston Metropolitan area No
• May require travel outside Houston Metropolitan area No

Company Profile:

Houston Methodist Specialty Physician Group is a vital component of Houston Methodist's overarching strategy to establish itself as one of the nation's premier academic medical centers. Formed as a nonprofit entity certified by the Texas State Board of Medical Examiners, the Specialty Physician Group empowers physicians to maintain autonomy in clinical practice while expanding their practice within an academic framework.

Houston Methodist is an equal opportunity employer, inclusive of women, minorities, disabled persons, and veterans.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Equal employment opportunity is a fundamental principle to which Houston Methodist is firmly committed. Houston Methodist will not engage in discrimination against or harassment of any person employed or seeking employment with Houston Methodist based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran, or other characteristics protected by law. VEVRAA Federal Contractor – priority referral for Protected Veterans requested.

Houston Methodist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Equal employment opportunity is a fundamental principle to which Houston Methodist is firmly committed. Houston Methodist will not engage in discrimination against or harassment of any person employed or seeking employment with Houston Methodist based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran, or other characteristics protected by law. VEVRAA Federal Contractor – priority referral for Protected Veterans requested.