At Houston Methodist, the Surgical Technologist (L&D) position requires novice to competent knowledge and skills necessary to carry out delegated tasks associated with the safe and efficient operating room support functions and related procedures. This position records data established by policy and procedure and reports observations and patient problems to the licensed nurse. The Surgical Technologist (L&D) position, under the direction of the surgeon, assists the surgeon and/or surgical assistant during the vaginal deliver and/or surgical procedure by carrying out tasks including but not limited to sponging, suctioning, cutting suture, and holding retractors. This position provides general patient care and department upkeep as delegated by licensed personnel. The Surgical Technologist (L&D) position is responsible for assigned non-nursing functions and practices, relationship-centered care in concert with the Houston Methodist values.

PATIENT AGE GROUP(S) AND POPULATION(S) SERVED
Refer to departmental "Scope of Service" and "Provision of Care" plans, as applicable, for description of primary age groups and populations served by this job for the respective HM entity.

HOUSTON METHODIST EXPERIENCE EXPECTATIONS

• Provide personalized care and service by consistently demonstrating our I CARE values:
  • INTEGRITY: We are honest and ethical in all we say and do.
  • COMPASSION: We embrace the whole person including emotional, ethical, physical, and spiritual needs.
  • ACCOUNTABILITY: We hold ourselves accountable for all our actions.
  • RESPECT: We treat every individual as a person of worth, dignity, and value.
  • EXCELLENCE: We strive to be the best at what we do and a model for others to emulate.

• Practices the Caring and Serving Model

• Delivers personalized service using HM Service Standards

• Provides for exceptional patient/customer experiences by following our Standards of Practice of always using Positive Language (AIDET, Managing Up, Key Words)

• Intentionally collaborates with other healthcare professionals involved in patients/customers or employees' experiential journeys to ensure strong communication, ease of access to information, and a seamless experience

• Involves patients (customers) in shift/handoff reports by enabling their participation in their plan of care as applicable to the given job

• Actively supports the organization's vision, fulfills the mission and abides by the I CARE values

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Establishes a working relationship with all members of the interprofessional health care team, based on trust, honesty, confidence and respect to achieve optimal department results. Collaborates with the interprofessional health care team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent patient care information and data in a comprehensive manner.

• Contributes to a positive work environment with the interprofessional care team to achieve optimal department results. Participates in teamwork by responding positively to requests for assistance. Collaborates to foster healthy relationships in the work environment.

• Contributes towards improvement of department scores for employee engagement, i.e. peer-to-peer accountability.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assists in prepping room, equipment and supplies to accommodate planned procedures. Gathers all instruments and supplies for each assigned procedure and ensures that the set-up is ready before surgeon scrubs.

• Supports the obstetrician during obstetrical procedures, performing the surgical tech role in the provision of surgical assistance during a variety of obstetrical procedures including, but not limited to, as appropriate for the respective entity: vaginal deliveries, operative vaginal deliveries, cesarean section deliveries, and other non-delivery obstetrical and gynecologic procedures.

• Assists the circulating RN with sponge, instrument, needle, and other surgical counts.

• Accurately communicates updates surgeon preference cards.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Prepares the delivery room or operating room for obstetrical procedures and/or deliveries, ensuring that surgical equipment is functioning properly and safely. Assists with the care of instruments, equipment, and supplies following surgical procedure.

• Maintains the sterile field for surgical procedures by preparing sterile supplies, instruments, and equipment using sterile technique.

• Reports observed variances in practices, established hospital and department policies, procedures, and standards to department management, reporting near misses.

• Contributes towards meeting hospital and department quality and safety targets, through peer-to-peer accountability, and collaborating with the interprofessional health care team.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Self-motivated to independently manage time effectively and prioritize daily tasks, minimizing incidental overtime. Utilizes time between heavy workloads efficiently and helps other team members.

• Maintains efficient use of surgical supplies and minimizes opening of supplies until confirmation that will be used during surgery does not waste supplies.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Participates in department projects and shared governance activities.

• Identifies and assumes responsibility of own learning needs, consults with healthcare team experts and seeks continuing education opportunities to meet those needs. Seeks opportunities to expand learning beyond novice competencies with a focus on continual development. Completes and updates the My Development plan on an on-going basis.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related business/job duties as assigned. Houston Methodist reserves the right to revise job duties and responsibilities as the need arises.

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

• None

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS - REQUIRED

• BLS - Basic Life Support (AHA) AND
• CST - Certified Surgical Technologist (NBSTSA) OR
• TS-C - Technologist in Surgery-Certified (NCCT) OR
• GRNDF - Surgical Technologist Met Grandfather Clause (Bill 643)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through on-going skills, competency assessments, and performance evaluations.

• Sufficient proficiency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language necessary to perform the essential functions of this job, especially with regard to 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.

• Knowledge of surgical procedures, case progression, pertinent observations, and possible complications

• Demonstrates knowledge and competent use of procedure equipment and instruments sets and use of various surgical instruments

• Demonstrates knowledge of surgical supplies, use of and restocking of supplies

• Demonstrates appropriate skills of sterile technique

• Demonstrates competency in decontamination and use of autoclave equipment

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 (ie. DIsaster, 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

Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital, located 35 miles east of Houston, is the area's only full-service hospital offering specialized medical care for patients at every stage in life. This 230-licensed bed hospital with 15 operating rooms and over 1,700 employees, brings Medical Center excellence and quality care close to East Harris and surrounding counties.