Lead Surgical Technologist

At Houston Methodist, the Lead Surgical Technologist position serves as a clinical resource/expert for Surgical Technology staff and creates an environment for the delivery of safe patient care and assists others in developing their skills and knowledge. This position requires proficient knowledge and skills necessary to carry out delegated tasks associated with the safe and efficient operating room support functions, anticipating the needs of the surgeon and nursing staff to support the patient during the surgical procedures. The Lead Surgical Technologist position reports observations and patient problems to the licensed nurse, ensuring other team members do the same. The Lead Surgical Technologist position is responsible for assigned non-nursing functions and practices relationship-centered care in concert with Houston Methodist values. Other duties for this position include participating in the selection, training, education, development and evaluation of the Surgical Tech team, validating competencies of Surgical Techs prior to release from orientation, general patient care and department upkeep, as delegated by licensed personnel.

FLSA STATUS
Non-exempt

QUALIFICATIONS

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 Technologist program or military training equivalency

EXPERIENCE

• Five years of experience as a Surgical Technologist, serving as a clinical resource for three years in surgical specialty service lines
• Experience in the role of a service line team lead or preceptor

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Required

• CST or CSA or NCCT TS-C or meet the grandfather clause (Bill 643): The bill includes an extensive grandfather clause exempting all individuals employed to practice surgical technology in a health care facility before Sept. 1, 2009. The clarification notes that legislation does not state employed "on" Sept. 1, 2009, but rather "before that date. A surgical technologist who was employed before Sept. 1, 2009, may remain employed as a surgical technologist without meeting the certification requirement. SB1239, Sec 259.002: 30 CEUs shall be completed every two years and
• BLS - Basic Life Support or Instructor (AHA) - American Heart Association

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Demonstrates the skills and competencies necessary to safely perform the assigned job, determined through ongoing 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
• Adapts to multiple ongoing priorities with minimal supervision including, organizing work flow and actively participating in problem-solving
• Demonstrates expertise in a minimum of three surgical specialty service lines and serve as a clinical resource
• Demonstrates proficiency in the surgical technologist role in the provision of surgical assistance during a variety of surgical procedures
• Demonstrates critical thinking, creativity and versatility in handling complex situations and problem solving. Calmly manages the most complex clinical and interpersonal situations. Recognizes when to utilize additional resources
• Demonstrates proficient knowledge of instruments sets, the use of the individual surgical instruments, surgical supplies and the use of the supplies
• Demonstrates appropriate skills of sterile technique. Demonstrates competency in decontamination and use of autoclave equipment

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

PEOPLE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Role models to team members effective communication skills, assisting in their development of such skills. Teaches others to critically think by verbally expressing rationale for decisions and follows up consistently.
• Independently and expertly executes the duties and responsibilities of preceptor and clinical resource, guiding and mentoring colleagues’ though processes in complex situations in order to provide optimal patient care. Provides structured feedback with examples.
• Leads and initiates problem resolution within the work unit. Facilitates teamwork by anticipating the need for assistance and responding positively to requests for assistance.
• Participates in the selection, training, education, development and evaluation of the Surgical Tech team. Develops skills of team members and continually assists with improving skills, performance and outcomes. Validates competencies of Surgical Techs prior to release from orientation. Participates in staff evaluations by providing information regarding clinical skills, knowledge base and interpersonal skills.
• Effectively supports management to implement protocols and objectives with team members to result in optimization of staff performance, teamwork, patient safety, and customer service. Initiates recommendations, collaborating with management, for improvement of employee engagement score.

SERVICE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Prepares room, equipment and supplies to accommodate planned procedures. Supports the physician with surgical procedures; anticipates the needs of the surgeon and nursing staff to support the patient during the surgical procedures. Assists with the care of instruments, equipment and supplies following surgical procedure.
• Validates potential revisions and accurately updates physician preference cards.
• Executes above average clinical and critical thinking skills in challenging procedures and patient care situations, utilizing conflict management techniques as appropriate. Drives service improvements to impact overall physician satisfaction for their department and department patient satisfaction.

QUALITY/SAFETY ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Upholds established hospital and department policies, procedures, and standards as well as scope of practice for Surgical Techs. Reports observed variances in practices to department management.
• Ensures implementation of evidence-based practices within the department. Participates in debriefing and quality improvement practices to ensure quality patient care. Partners with hospital Education to identify educational needs in partnership with unit and hospital-based education specialists.
• Contributes to identification of corrective action and improvement activities, impacting department and hospital quality and safety targets, reporting near misses, and collaborating with the interprofessional team.

FINANCE ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Assists team members in maintaining inventories. Maintains efficient use of surgical supplies and minimizes opening of supplies until confirmation that will be used during surgery; does not waste supplies. Collaborates with physicians to identify cost-saving initiatives.
• Organizes time effectively and sets priorities, minimizing incidental overtime. Utilizes time between heavy workloads efficiently and helps other team members.

GROWTH/INNOVATION ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Collaborates with interprofessional health care team and initiates department process improvement. Serves on department and hospital committees, such as Shared Governance, Service Team Lead Committee, etc.
• Proactively seeks opportunities to enhance knowledge and learning towards expertise in competencies with a focus on continual development. Completes and updates the My Development Plan (MDP) on an ongoing basis.

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