Surgical Technologist II

Description

Klickitat Valley Health is seeking a skilled and dedicated Certified Surgical Technologist (CST/ST) to join our surgical services team in a casual capacity. In this role, you’ll play a vital part in supporting safe, efficient, and patient-centered surgical care. From preparing sterile instruments and equipment to maintaining the surgical field and anticipating the needs of the surgical team, your expertise helps ensure positive outcomes for every patient.

This position is ideal for an experienced surgical technologist looking for flexible, casual hours while contributing meaningfully to a collaborative operating room team. If you are detail-oriented, adaptable, and passionate about delivering high-quality care in a fast-paced environment, we encourage you to apply.

GENERAL SUMMARY:

The Certified Surgical Technologist (CST/ST) is responsible for providing patient-centered and respectful care in the operating room (OR). The CST/ST is responsible for preparing the necessary sterile instruments, supplies, and equipment; maintaining the sterile field during surgical procedures; handling a variety of equipment that requires manual dexterity and efficiency; and preparing the operating room for surgical procedures. Anticipates and responds to the needs of the surgical team. The CST/ST consistently demonstrates excellence in customer service during interactions with employees, managers/supervisors, physicians, patients, and patient family members. The CST/ST is aware of the potential exposure to internal and external hazardous materials, including but not limited to: blood and blood-borne pathogens, infectious/communicable diseases, and potential physical injury while caring for patients. Maintains a safe and clean environment for patient care.

Casual positions are not benefit-eligible, but this role qualifies for a 15% casual differential in lieu of guaranteed hours and benefits.

Qualifications

Minimum Education, Training & Experience (includes licenses or certifications):

👉 Tip: List all relevant work history on your application or resume- wage placement is based on transferable experience.

Safety Sensitive per WA SB5123: No

Education:

• High school diploma or GED required. 
• Graduate from an accredited surgical technology program or another learning program that is acceptable to the Director of Nursing Services (DNS) and Human Resources.
• Certification through the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) is preferred.
• Current Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) preferred.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification required.
• Current ACLS and PALS Certification required.

Experience:

• One-year perioperative service experience required.

Skills/Knowledge/Abilities:

• Demonstrate the knowledge of the principles of growth and development to provide care and service according to the identified age-specific needs of patients served in the hospital surgical department.
• Requires critical thinking skills, the ability to make good decisions, listen and accept advice from others, demonstrate maturity and good judgement, and the ability to work with regular supervision.
• Demonstrate a thorough working knowledge of surgical interventions/procedures, Aseptic techniques, instrumentation, and the sterilization process.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the function, set-up, use, and storage location of: surgical supplies, instruments, specialty trays, electronic equipment, etc., and is responsible for troubleshooting operational problems of surgical equipment.
• Conduct various sensory assessments, including vision, speech, smell, touch, manual dexterity, fine motor skills, and hearing, to assess and treat the patient accurately.
• Promote/develop/deliver excellent customer service to both internal (patients and staff) and external customers (visitors and vendors). 
• Demonstrate positive and effective interpersonal and communication skills with colleagues, patients, families, physicians, volunteers, and the community. 
• Work productively and cohesively within a team, resolving conflicts/differences positively.
• Work in a stressful, fast-paced/demanding environment and take appropriate action to ensure the quality of patient care, while also coping with both the physical and emotional demands of the job.
• Maintain a calm and composed manner in emergency/stressful situations, taking appropriate action as necessary.  
• Demonstrate attention to detail and a high degree of accuracy; risk of error could result in significant harm or loss.
• Experience with using everyday computer electronic technology tools (e.g., email, data retrieval, voicemail, and internet/intranet) as well as ability to effectively utilize an electronic medical record (EMR), as well as use/handle all medical equipment/instruments utilized in the care of the patient.
• Adaptability is essential to manage the needs of a department with unpredictable volume and limited staff. 

GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Supports the organization's mission, vision, and values.
• Prepares, assembles, and organizes sterile instruments, equipment, supplies, dressings, and the surgical field for the procedure; functions as a scrub assistant in major and minor procedures in accordance with the procedure book.
• Assist the surgeon/surgery team during surgery by holding scopes or instruments as directed by the surgeon, within the scope of practice, and provide instruments and supplies during the procedure. Assist with the placement of sterile drapes. 
• Monitors and maintains the integrity, safety, and efficiency of the sterile field throughout the surgical procedure; speaks up and/or takes corrective action as needed to maintain sterility/patient safety.
• Properly identifies and preserves specimens received during surgery in accordance with hospital policy and procedure.
• Participates in appropriate sponge/instrument/needle counts with the Circulating Registered Nurse.
• Assist the Circulating Registered Nurse in keeping an accurate accounting of specialty items used in the respective operating room so that all the specialty supplies can be reordered and restocked.
• Cleans, inspects, wraps, and sterilizes instruments and equipment. 
• Transports contaminated instruments and equipment to the decontamination area for cleaning/serialization.
• Assists with ordering and restocking of instruments and supplies, and restocking the specialty cart as needed.
• Keep the surgeon’s preferences cards current.
• Participates in training and maintains knowledge of current/latest surgical procedures and techniques, instrumentation, and serialization.
• May assist with post-procedure cleaning of the surgery area in preparation for subsequent patients as needed.
• Protects the patient’s rights, dignity, and respect.
• Follows hospital policy when disposing of biohazardous materials, labeling, and handling of all materials.
• Comply with all hospital policy and procedures, while upholding the high expectations of KVH.
• Attends a minimum of 80% of nursing staffing meetings and 100% of mandatory in-services. 
• Completes initial and annual skills competencies.
• Takes call.
• Performs other duties as assigned.