** $20,000 SIGN ON BONUS AVAILABLE **

*Surgical Technologist Certification is REQUIRED (within 6 months of graduation)

The Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) at Decatur Memoral Hospital functions as a member of surgical team, maintains sterile environment for surgical patients of all ages, ensures availability of case-specific supplies and equipment, and passes instruments and supplies.

Education Requirements:

• Graduate of a recognized Surgical Technologist program, or in the last semester of an approved program is required. 
• National Surgical Technologist Certification, and CPR certification are required within 6 months of graduation from recognized program, or within 6 months of start date of employment. If the employee allows certification to lapse they must re-certify within 3 months from the expiration date or employment can be suspended or terminated.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. 

• Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
• Will complete additional training or demonstrate competency in skills for all age groups and populations served.  Additional training to demonstrate competency will be required for specialty areas/equipment.
• Knowledge of anatomical structures and application skills in tissue handling, retracting, clamping, cutting, suturing, and exposure retracting in either the assistant or scrub role.
• Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
• Monitors the effectiveness and accuracy of surgical equipment and devices for optimum performance.
• The ability to maintain sustained hand and/or arm position while moving the opposite hand and/or arm.
• The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
• The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

• Ensures sterile environment and applies sterile and safe techniques.
• Assists in preparation and draping of the patient.
• Assists with operating room setup.
• Wears lead aprons during radiological surgical procedure. Always wears eye protection and personal protection equipment/uses hands free zone.
• Reports unsafe conditions.
• Disassembles and decontaminates instruments/supplies.
• Performs as a scrub nurse or assistant, anticipating surgeon’s needs throughout.
• Plans for procedures by reviewing case cart and resource map.
• Sets up and passes instruments, sutures and supplies during surgical procedures.
• Identifies specimens with the surgeon and the circulating nurse, places in appropriate container that is properly labeled. Transports specimen to appropriate lab pickup area.
• Transports surgery patients as needed.
• Utilizes supplies and equipment in cost-effective manner.
• Maintains adequate supplies/par levels for assigned specialty items (i.e. mesh, staplers, special suture, and ortho systems).
• Updates resource maps on an ongoing basis.
• Collaborates with RN for correct sponge, needle, and instrument count.
• Achieves goals identified at previous annual or 90 day evaluation.
• Maintains proficiency in specialties and flexibility in all other areas.
• Attends meetings and in-services to further self-growth.
• Completes required Computer Based Learnings (CBL’S) on NetLearning
• Seeks information from literature and resource persons for all specialties.
• Maintains requirements for certification.
• Assists in instructing staff, students, and new employees.
• Adheres to departmental/DMH policies.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Regular attendance and punctuality.
• Unscheduled hours and weekly stay-lates.
• Participation in 24-hour call rotation.