Surgical Technologist II

Position Overview

Be a part of a world-class academic healthcare system, UChicago Medicine, as a Surgical Technologist II at our CCD Operating Room. At UChicago Medicine, we bring the world's most innovative approaches to patients with all conditions—from common to complex. This position is 100% onsite and located in the greater Chicagoland area. You will assist the nursing and medical staff in providing care to patients undergoing surgical intervention and perform duties as a surgical scrub technologist, while also contributing to process improvement and quality initiatives within Perioperative Services.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently performs the surgical scrub role on the operative field for both adult and pediatric services.
• Applies knowledge in emergency, trauma situations and various surgical procedures in the operating room.
• Demonstrates infection control practices by using proper aseptic techniques when handling blood and body fluids.
• Correctly operates sterilizers and high level disinfectors, documents usage, and maintains required competencies.
• Collaborates with supervisors and teams to organize case preparation, including case cart picking and accurate room set-up.
• Operates and troubleshoots video systems in collaboration with Administrative Coordinators, Specialty Managers, Clinical Engineering, and vendors.
• Provides cost-effective care through the appropriate use of equipment, instruments, and supplies based on surgeon preference cards and quality care standards.
• Monitors surgical outcomes such as sponge, needle and instrument counts, aseptic techniques, specimen handling, and proper labeling of medications.
• Assists in educating operating room technologist colleagues and Central Sterile Processing staff by developing and delivering continuing education topics.
• Supports the care of surgical patients by preparing the room, opening instrument packs, positioning the patient, monitoring the sterile field, performing counts, handling specimens, and assisting during emergencies.
• Collaborates with the surgical team to adjust instrumentation and supplies based on individual patient and surgeon needs.
• Inventories and restocks supplies in operating room suites and Specialty Service carts.
• Reviews and updates preference cards in conjunction with the specialty team.
• Acts as a liaison with Central Sterile Processing to maintain specialty instrumentation for quality patient care.
• Communicates key patient and unit information during shift changes and with various team members.
• Serves as a resource person to patients, visitors, physicians, and other staff, consistently demonstrating leadership in safety, quality, and patient experience.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Graduate of an accredited Surgical Technologist program.
• Minimum of 1-3 years of Operating Room experience.
• CST certification required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong interpersonal skills to facilitate communication within the team.
• Basic technical proficiency in performing surgical technologist skills and interpreting clinical data.
• Ability to function effectively as part of a surgical team, following instructions with speed, accuracy, and concentration.
• Capability to prioritize daily activities and recognize/intervene in life-threatening situations.
• Composure under stressful circumstances and strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Professional and courteous demeanor with coworkers, physicians, visitors, and patients.
• Strict adherence to confidentiality and expert practice of the scrub role in advanced surgical procedures.
• Willingness and ability to perform repetitive and physically demanding tasks, including wearing lead aprons for extended periods.
• Ability to fulfill on-call responsibilities and remain alert for emergency situations.

Compensation & Benefits

• Full Time (0.9 FTE) position with an anticipated 40 hours per week.
• Competitive compensation based on candidate qualifications, experience, and internal equity considerations.
• A comprehensive range of benefit options is available. Review the full complement of options at Benefits - UChicago Medicine.
• Additional pre-employment requirements include a physical, drug screening, and background check. Must comply with the COVID-19 and Flu Vaccination requirements, with exemptions considered consistent with applicable law.