The Surgical Technician (ST) is a member of the surgical team and provides assistance to the surgeon and other team members during surgical procedures. The ST participates with the surgical team in planning and implementing complex procedures under the general supervision of the surgical team.
To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement. Individual Occupational Requirement: Applicants who meet the Individual Occupational Requirements described below are fully qualified for the specified entry grade and must also meet the specialized experience requirements. In addition to meeting the above Individual Occupational Requirement (IOR), applicants must also meet the experience relevant to this position. GS-06 grade level: One year of specialized experience (equivalent to the GS-05 grade level in the federal service); experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities (KSA's) and other characteristics to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled, in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Specialized experience includes: Adherence to aseptic technique Operates of a variety of instrumentation and service lines including orthopedic, general urology, ophthalmology, vascular, thoracic and plastic, surgical ethics and consciousness Adaptable to a variety of caseloads, self-starter and time management skills, Establishes and maintains sterile field during surgical procedures Assist circulating nurses and surgical team in maintaining sterile environment Assist circulating nurses in gathering surgical supplies and equipment Track physician preference cards accurately and updated as required Confirm all specimens to be sent to pathology with surgeon and verify accuracy with team, gown, and gloves members of surgical team Transport all surgical equipment to appropriate cleaning areas Assist in daily instruments and supply organization Attend conferences, huddles, meetings as required Communicate effectively and courteously with visitors, physicians, office staff, employees, and patients. Maintain designated certificates as required Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Duties may include: Sets up sterile field with all required items for each procedure such as air-powered equipment, fiber optic equipment, laparoscopic equipment, microscopes, lasers, arthroscopy equipment, urologic equipment, recording devices, robotic equipment, and other operating room supplies and equipment. Observes and responds promptly to each stage of the surgical procedure and anticipates the needs of the surgeon by maintaining a high level of concentration for extended periods of time. Accounts for the availability of correct prosthetics in the room, follows established procedure regarding implant inventory and prosthetic tracking; Follows correct site surgery policies. Assists in the implementation and utilization of the Generic Inventory Package to maintain adequate surgical supplies. This includes but not limited to re-stocking the OR cabinets, specialty carts, and other secondary storage containers. Assist PRN with the responsibilities of the OR Program Support Assistant, preparing daily surgery schedules, case scheduling duties, telephone calls, entering work orders, and monitoring the OR Front Desk. Assists the team members with care of the patient, i.e., positioning, prepping, and obtaining supplies. Handles all specimens appropriately. Assists the surgeon by performing such procedures as preparing skin grafts, suctioning, holding retractors, applying skin staples, and cutting sutures; Prepares prosthesis and surgical devices during procedures. Assists in training residents, medical students, nursing students, operating room technology students, and new Operating Room (OR) staff in the operation of equipment, sterile technique, handling of instruments, and OR procedures to include the scrub role in surgical procedures. Functions as second circulator for complex surgical procedures. Plans and discusses each procedure with surgical professionals and assures that all supplies and equipment are available prior to the surgical procedure. Provides transportation of patients to and from the Operating Room, as assigned. Assists surgical team members in quality improvement activities and in developing and maintaining appropriate and cost-effective inventory practices. Prepares, organizes, and maintains highly complex sterile surgical setups. Utilizes universal precautions and follows all infection control policies and procedures when handling specimens, supplies, and equipment. Utilizes universal precautions in all work functions and Updates personal knowledge regarding current trends in surgical technology through continuing education courses. In conjunction with the circulating Registered Nurse (RN), performs sponge and instrument counts to verify accuracy. Responsible for the accountability for all surgical instruments and equipment during the surgical procedure. Maintains equipment and work areas. Promotion Potential: The selectee may be promoted to the full performance level without further competition when all regulatory, qualification, and performance requirements are met. Selection at a lower grade level does not guarantee promotion to the full performance level. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday; 6:45am-3:15pm; Subject to change based on the needs of the facility. Position Description Title/PD#: Surgical Technician/PD07211a Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not authorized Physical Requirements: The employee is required to perform regular and recurring physical exertion such as lifting and positioning of patients. The position experiences extensive periods of standing, walking, bending, lifting, pushing, reaching, and prolonged stretching.