Surgical Technologist III, Maternity Services

Become a vital part of a leading academic healthcare institution, University of Chicago Medicine, as a Surgical Technologist III within the Maternity Services Department.

In this capacity, you will engage in process enhancement and quality improvement initiatives within Perioperative Services.

This role involves assisting nursing and medical personnel in delivering care to patients undergoing surgical procedures, while performing surgical scrub technologist responsibilities. You will collaborate with nursing and other healthcare professionals to adapt care plans according to the evolving needs of patients.

You will maintain constant communication with Operating Room staff, physicians, clerical personnel, anesthesia teams, and materials management.

Clinical Practice:
Independently execute the surgical scrub role within the operative field, demonstrating expert proficiency across all services, both adult and pediatric.

Utilize advanced surgical techniques and apply knowledge relevant to emergency and trauma situations in the operating room.

Exhibit infection control measures by employing proper aseptic techniques when handling blood and bodily fluids.

Efficiently operate sterilizers and high-level disinfectors associated with surgical procedures, ensuring accurate documentation and competency maintenance as required.

In collaboration with Unit leadership, review prior case needs for accuracy and completeness, demonstrating organizational skills in case preparation, cart assembly, and room setup for surgical instruments and trays.

Prepare instruments, supplies, and equipment according to surgeon preference cards, policies, and standards of care.

Act as a mentor and educator for students and new staff members.

Manage and troubleshoot video systems as necessary, working alongside Administrative Coordinators, Specialty Managers, Clinical Engineering, and in-house vendors to ensure functionality.

Provide insights for organizing and coordinating effective personnel and material utilization.

Deliver cost-effective care through judicious use of equipment and instruments, demonstrating appropriate supply utilization based on assessed needs and standards of care.

Understand immediate and long-term outcomes of surgical activities, including sponge, needle, and instrument counts, aseptic techniques, proper specimen handling, and medication management on sterile fields.

Maintain proper care and handling of surgical instruments.

In partnership with Perioperative Educators, develop, organize, and present continuing education topics or courses for operating room technologists and Central Sterile Processing staff.

Assist in the care of surgical patients by:
- Preparing the operating room
- Opening packs, supplies, and instrument sets
- Positioning patients
- Monitoring the sterile field
- Performing counts
- Handling specimens
- Serving as a resource for Clinical Services.

In collaboration with Unit leadership and Charge Nurse, assess individual patient and surgeon requirements, adjusting instrumentation and supplies accordingly.

Manage inventory and restock supplies in individual operating rooms and specialty service carts.

Oversee the review and updating of preference cards in conjunction with the specialty team.

Liaison with Central Sterile Processing:
Act as a liaison to Central Sterile Processing in maintaining specialty instrumentation to enhance quality patient care delivery.

Conduct unit-based in-services for peer groups bi-annually for educational purposes.

Patient Flow Facilitation:
Communicate with incoming shifts regarding pertinent patient and unit information.

Serve as a resource for patients, visitors, physicians, and other staff members.

Facilitate communication regarding the operating room schedule across departments.

Collaborate with Scheduling Board Manager, Anesthesia Coordinator, Charge Nurse, and Perioperative management team to provide accurate and timely patient status and operating room schedule information.

Assist in efficient room turnover and case setup.

Demonstrate consistent leadership qualities in alignment with UCMC's objectives, emphasizing safety, quality, and patient experience.

Fulfill the preceptor role in training students, new hires, and operating room staff; assist in staff orientation.

Serve as a mentor and role model, providing support for float staff.

Actively participate in at least one departmental or medical center committee.

Contribute to a work environment that fosters positive staff morale, motivation, and commitment to patient care.

Adapt to changes within the unit by being supportive and cooperative.

Recognize and seek opportunities for learning from others, remaining open to new ideas and solutions in patient care.

Education:
High School Diploma or Equivalent
Graduate of an accredited Surgical Technologist program.

Minimum of 5 years of Operating Room experience required.

Strong interpersonal skills to facilitate effective communication.

Basic knowledge and capability to perform surgical technologist skills, with analytical skills necessary to interpret and relay data relevant to patient care to RN and MD.

Ability to function as a collaborative member of the surgical team, executing instructions from surgeons and circulating RNs with speed, accuracy, and focus.

Capable of prioritizing daily tasks and recognizing life-threatening situations.

Maintain composure in high-pressure circumstances.

Exhibit advanced critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, demonstrating professionalism and confidentiality in all duties.

Work collaboratively with peers in decision-making related to surgical patient care.

Demonstrate critical thinking in anticipating perioperative needs of patients and surgeons.

Ability to perform physically demanding tasks and wear lead aprons for extended periods.

Willingness to fulfill on-call responsibilities and be prepared for emergency situations.

CST certification required.

Previous work experience is expected, but the employee must obtain CST certification within 12 months of promotion.

BLS certification required.

Full Time, 0.90 FTE - Three 12-hour shifts per week.

Days: 7:00 am - 7:00 pm, with weekend coverage included.

Since 1899, we have been at the forefront of medicine, providing exceptional healthcare with compassion, recognizing each patient as an individual.

We seek employees who are passionate, talented, and committed to both patients and colleagues.

We are working to advance medical innovation, meet community health needs, and enhance our collective knowledge. If you want to contribute to meaningful work, the University of Chicago Medicine is the place for you. Here, we are engaged in work that truly matters. Bring your passion.

Elevate your career at a thriving hospital; from patient satisfaction to employee engagement, we are at the forefront of medicine.

Explore how you can be part of our pursuit of excellence.

The University of Chicago Medical Center is an equal opportunity employer, evaluating qualified applicants without regard to race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, civil union status, parental status, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristics.