ENT Service Lead Surgical Technologist at Tufts Medical Center

Job Profile Summary

​This role focuses on providing medical and clinical support services to patients. In addition, this role focuses on performing the following Surgical Services duties: Responsible for medical services involving the excision or incision of a patient's body, such as interventional pain management and other procedures. This position also works to provide a safe environment for patients undergoing invasive procedures or surgery. A clinical technologist role that has specialized knowledge or skills gained through a combination of vocational education, training, and experience. This role will be most commonly applied to patient care and/or scientific/laboratory jobs. A specialist level role requiring advanced knowledge of operational procedures and tools through extensive work experience and requiring vocational or technical education. Works under limited supervision for non-routine situations and may be responsible for leading daily operations, and trains, delegates and reviews the work of entry level employees and problems are typically difficult and non-routine but not complex.

Job Overview

This position is an expert Surgical Technician who practices under the supervision of the surgical team in the Operating Room to deliver patient care throughout the perioperative experience. Assists the Surgeon during surgery by providing the appropriate instruments and in maintaining and organizing operating room equipment. Performs job duties according to the policies, procedures, philosophy, and objectives of the department and hospital. Displays high level abilities and advanced clinical practice in a specific surgical subspecialty. Assists in coordinating the services, techniques and teachings of those individuals assigned to specialty services in which technician has an expertise and is daily assigned. This position is a key member of the service line leadership model and collaborates with members of the multidisciplinary team to optimize team performance within their specific service line.

Job Description

Minimum Qualifications:

1. High school diploma or equivalent.
2. Before July 1, 2013, employed as a surgical technologist in a surgical facility; OR Successfully completed a training program for surgical technology in the military; OR Graduated from an accredited Surgical Tech Program.
3. If employed as a Surgical Technologist after July 1, 2013, Surgical Technologist Certification (CST) is required.

4. 8 Years of healthcare experience.

5. Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification.

Duties and Responsibilities: The duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to describe the general nature of work and are not intended to be an all-inclusive list. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned.

1. Functions professionally and independently as the Surgical Technologist Operating Room on a wide variety and in all stages of surgical procedures.

2. Maintains strict aseptic technique during set-up, patient draping and during surgical procedure.

3. Scrubs on surgical cases, participates in surgery by organizing the instrumentation to the surgeon, participating in surgical counts.

4. Selects and prepares the appropriate instruments, supplies and equipment for surgical cases.

5. Performs related activities under the direction of the surgeon.

6. Performs all counts with the circulating nurse according to Operating Room policy.

7. Manages all intraoperative medications in accordance with Operating Room policy.

8. Manages surgical specimens according to Physician’s orders and Hospital policy.

9. Follows Operating Room procedures for the proper decontamination of instrumentation, equipment, and room turnover.

10. Assists in the positioning, moving and transporting of patients as needed.

11. Reports equipment and supply problems to the Charge Nurse, Service Lead or Clinical Nursing Director as needed.

12. Participates in decision-making activities related to evaluating and acquiring surgical equipment, instrumentation and supplies which may include collaborating with the Central Processing or supply chain.

13. Performs the role of Preceptor for staff in training and displays leadership qualities and acts as a role model and mentor.

14. Provides advisory supervision to section technologists through collaboration with the Service Line Nurse Manager and/or Clinical Nursing Director.

15. Participates in the ongoing and annual and ongoing performance appraisal process for surgical technologists within their surgical subspecialty.

16. Participates in the scheduling and training of other Surgical Technologist in collaboration with the Service Line Nurse Manager, Clinical Nursing Director or Professional Development Director.

17. Keeps abreast of new techniques and equipment within their surgical subspecialty and provides guidance and instruction to technologists working within their service line.

18. Conducts service specific education that is applicable to the surgical technologist’s scope of practice.

19. Establishes, revises, and implements department procedures and policies, in cooperation with other members of the Perioperative Leadership team.

20. Maintains collaborative working relationships with peers and colleagues in order to effectively contribute to the achievement of team goals, and to foster a positive work environment.

21. Recommends solutions to interdepartmental and intradepartmental coordination problems and supports a team approach to problem solving.

22. Collaborates with the multidisciplinary team to ensure appropriate planning and preparation for surgical cases occurring prior to the surgical date.

23. Collaborates with the clinical team to ensure that all specialty equipment that is required is available on the surgical date.

Physical Requirements:

1. Ability to work within the semi-restricted and restricted environment of the Operating Room and other Perioperative support areas.

2. Stands under hot surgical lights for prolonged periods of time.

3. Possibility of muscle strain from lifting patients and heavy equipment, shocks and burns from cautery units and autoclaves. Possibility of cuts from sharp instruments.

4. Frequent exposure to hazardous chemicals, blood and bodily fluids, extreme noise levels, radiation, lasers, drastic fluctuations in ambient temperature, etc.

5. Ability to wear a protective lead apron for extended periods of time and exposure to radioactivity, harmful anesthesia gases and septic infections.

6. Requires frequent lifting and positioning of patients, materials, equipment, power tools, instruments, etc.

7. Frequent contacts with patients, physicians and nursing staff in Operating Room.

Skills & Abilities:

1. Expert knowledge of aseptic technique and infection prevention practices.

2. Expert knowledge of anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, microbiology, and pharmacology to ensure that optimal patient care is provided.

3. Advanced knowledge of computers, surgical equipment, and department infrastructure.

4. Intermediate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care to patients throughout the life span.

5. Expert knowledge of surgical subspecialty equipment, supplies, and instrumentation.

6. Advanced knowledge and skills necessary to provide care to patients throughout the life span.

Tufts Medicine is a leading integrated health system bringing together the best of academic and community healthcare to deliver exceptional, connected and accessible care experiences to consumers across Massachusetts. Comprised of Tufts Medical Center, Lowell General Hospital, MelroseWakefield Hospital, Lawrence Memorial Hospital of Medford, Care at Home - an expansive home care network, and large integrated physician network. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity and inclusion at Tufts Medicine. Tufts Medicine does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, national origin, gender identity and/or expression, marital status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation by emailing us at