Lead Surgical Technologist, Labor and Delivery - Full-Time, Days

Join a world-class academic healthcare system, University of Chicago Medicine, as a Lead Sugical Technologist in the Labor and Delivery Department.

In this role as a Lead Surgical Technologist, you will be involved in process improvement or quality initiatives within Perioperative Services. This position also assists the nursing and medical staff in providing care to patients undergoing surgical intervention and performance of surgical scrub technologist duties; collaborates with nursing and other disciplines, when necessary, to revise the plan of care to meet the changing needs of the patient.  Has constant contact with the Operating Room staff, physicians, clerical staff, anesthesia staff and materials management. 

At the Family Birth Center, we offer a customized birth experience in the comfort and privacy of our nurturing environment. Our team of experts supports pregnant women and their partners and families with compassion and respect through pregnancy, childbirth, bonding, breastfeeding and healing. Equipped with private triage, delivery, antepartum and recovery suites, two large, private natural birthing suites, both with built-in warm water immersion (hydrotherapy) tubs, and operating rooms to support an optimized cesarean birth experience when necessary, the Family Birth Center was designed to optimize comfort, safety and options as you welcome your newest loved one.

Essential Job Functions

• Clinical Practice
  • Independently performs surgical scrub role within the operative field and is able to scrub in all services , adult and pediatric, with expert ability
  • Applies knowledge of advanced surgical techniques
  • Applies knowledge related to emergency and trauma situations and surgical procedures in the operating room
  • Demonstrates infection control practices by utilizing proper aseptic technique while dealing with blood/body fluid
  • Correctly uses all sterilizers and high level disinfectors related to surgical procedures; documents appropriately and maintains competencies, as required.
  • In conjunction with Unit leadership
    • Review needs for prior cases for accuracy and completion, Charge Nurse and Central Sterile Processing, demonstrates organizational skills in case preparation, case cart picking and accurate room set-up for instrument and tray contents in scheduled cases.  Sets up instruments, supplies and equipment according to surgeon’s preference cards, policies and procedures and standards of care
  • Acts as an exemplary mentor and teacher for students and staff orientees
  • Operates and troubleshoots video systems as needed.  Works in collaboration with Administrative Coordinators Specialty Managers, Clinical Engineering and In-house Vendors to maintain video systems 
  • Provides input in organizing and coordinating the effective use of personnel and materials
  • Provides cost-effective care by proper use of equipment and instruments.  Demonstrates appropriate utilization of supplies based on assessed needs, standard of care and surgeon’s preference cards
  • Demonstrates knowledge of immediate and long term outcomes of surgical activities including, but not limited to: sponge, needle and instrument count, aseptic technique, proper handling of specimens, proper labeling and handling of medications on sterile field and care of electrosurgical active electrodes and implants
  • Properly handles and cares for instrumentation
  • In collaboration with Perioperative Educators, develops, organizes, and delivers continuing education topics and/or courses for operating room technologist colleagues and Central Sterile Processing staff
  • Assists in performing care of the surgical patient, including:
    • Helps team to prepare room
    • Helps open packs, supplies and instrument sets
    • Helps position patients
  • Monitors sterile field
  • Opens sterile supplies onto sterile field before procedure
  • Performs counts
  • Handles specimen(s)

• Resource to Clinical Service

  • In collaboration with Unit leadership and Charge Nurse, determines individual patient/surgeon needs and adjusts instrumentation and supplies according to those needs
  • Inventories and restocks supplies in individual OR suites and Specialty Service carts
  • Responsible for reviewing and updating preference cards in collaboration with the specialty team
• Liaison to Central Sterile Processing (CSP)
  • In collaboration with Specialty Manager and Central Sterile Processing management team, acts as a liaison to Central Sterile Processing (CSP) in the maintenance of specialty instrumentation necessary to enhance the delivery of quality patient care for assigned service(s)
  • Preform unit based in-service’s to peer groups on a bi-yearly basis for education and learning purposes
• Patient Flow Facilitation, Communication and Control Desk
  • Communicates with oncoming shift any pertinent information regarding patients or unit activities
  • Acts as a resource person to patients, visitors, physicians and other staff
  • Facilitates inter- and intradepartmental communication flow of the OR schedule
  • Collaborates with Scheduling Board Manager, Anesthesia Coordinator, Charge Nurse, Perioperative management team in providing accurate and timely information regarding patient status and OR schedule
  • Assists in efficient room turnover and case set-up

• Leadership

  • Consistently demonstrates leadership abilities in support of UCMC’s goals, including excellence in safety, quality and the patient experience
  • Performs the preceptor role in the training of students, orientees and OR staff; Assists in the orientation of staff
  • Serves as a mentor and role model
  • Serves as a resource for float staff
  • Actively participates in at least one department or medical center committee
  • Contributes to creating a work climate that encourages positive staff morale, motivation and commitment for all who participate in the care of patients
  • Participates in a changing environment by being supportive and cooperative with changes at the unit level.  Recognizes and seeks opportunities to learn from others and is receptive to new ideas, programs and solutions to patient care

Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or Equivalent
  • Graduate of accredited Sugical Technologist program
• Minimum 5 years of Operating Room experience required
• Interpersonal skills necessary to facilitate communication
• Basic knowledge and ability to perform surgical technologist skills, analytical skills necessary to interpret and communicate data relevant to direct patient care to RN and MD.
• Ability to function as a member of the surgical team, carrying out the instructions of surgeons and of the circulating RN with speed, accuracy, and concentration
• Able to prioritize daily activities
• Able to recognize and intervene in life threatening situations
• Able to maintain composure under stressful circumstances
• Demonstrates higher level critical thinking and problem solving skills, thinks on an organizational level; demonstrates a competent, courteous and professional manner with coworkers, physicians, visitors, patients and others, maintaining confidentiality in execution of all duties, and superior knowledge and expert practice in the scrub role in advanced surgical procedures. Exhibits a high level of collaboration with peers in making decisions related to surgical patient care
• Demonstrates critical thinking skills in relation to anticipating the perioperative needs of the patient and surgeon
• Able to perform repetitive and physically demanding tasks
• Able to wear lead aprons (ranging in weight from 10-25 pounds) for prolonged periods of time for protection from exposure to radiation

• Able to fulfill on-call responsibilities, being alert and ready to work in emergency situations

• CST certification Required

• Will expect past work experience but employee will need to obtain CST certification within 12 months of promotion

• BLS Required

Position Details 

• Full Time, 0.90 FTE - Three 12-hour shifts per week 
• Days 7:00am - 7:00pm, every other weekend coverage included 
• Department: Labor and Delivery
• Non-Union

In this role, we anticipate that you will generally work approximately 36 hours per week. We anticipate that you will generally be scheduled to work the Day shift, from approximately 7:00am - 7:00pm and will be scheduled for on-call shifts. We anticipate you will be scheduled to work 100% at the Hyde Park campus. The days of the week that you are scheduled will vary depending on the week, but we anticipate that you will be scheduled to work on weekends (Saturday and/or Sunday).

We’ve been at the forefront of medicine since 1899. We provide superior healthcare with compassion, always mindful that each patient is a person, an individual. To accomplish this, we need employees with passion, talent and commitment… with patients and with each other. We’re in this together: working to advance medical innovation, serve the health needs of the community, and move our collective knowledge forward. If you’d like to add enriching human life to your profile, UChicago Medicine is for you. Here at the forefront, we’re doing work that really matters. Join us. Bring your passion.

UChicago Medicine is growing; discover how you can be a part of this pursuit of excellence at: UChicago Medicine Career Opportunities.

UChicago Medicine is an equal opportunity employer.  We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, civil union status, parental status, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status and other legally protected characteristics.

Must comply with UChicago Medicine’s COVID-19 Vaccination requirement as a condition of employment. If you have already received the vaccination, you must provide proof as part of the pre-employment process. This is in addition to your compliance with the Flu Vaccination requirement as well. Medical and religious exemptions will be considered consistent with applicable law. Lastly, a pre-employment physical, drug screening, and background check are also required for all employees prior to hire.

Compensation & Benefits Overview

UChicago Medicine is committed to transparency in compensation and benefits.  The pay range provided reflects the anticipated wage or salary reasonably expected to be offered for the position.

The pay range is based on a full-time equivalent (1.0 FTE) and is reflective of current market data, reviewed on an annual basis. Compensation offered at the time of hire will vary based on candidate qualifications and experience and organizational considerations, such as internal equity. Pay ranges for employees subject to Collective Bargaining Agreements are negotiated by the medical center and their respective union.

Review the full complement of benefit options for eligible roles at Benefits - UChicago Medicine.