At Central Maine Healthcare our team members are committed to providing exceptional care and experiences for our community and for each other every day.

Position Summary: 

The Certified Surgical Technologist works on a multidisciplinary team to assist the performing Surgeon(s), in aspects of invasive and non-invasive procedures including diagnostic, therapeutic, interventional and open surgical procedures. He/she performs duties and tasks in accordance with performance standards established for the job. The incumbent is responsible for participation in and completion of all patient safety initiatives appropriate to the position. In addition, the incumbent conducts all job responsibilities according to the Mission and Values of Central Maine Healthcare.

Essential Duties:

• Makes decisions reflecting knowledge of facts and good judgment within the Surgical Technologist’s scope of practice.
• Functions proficiently as the first or second Surgical Technologist on any surgical procedure to assist the surgeon in the performance of the procedure.
• Maintains knowledge and skills current as to procedure, instrumentation, equipment, and surgeon preference.
• Checks all equipment/instruments needed, prior to each procedure to ensure proper functioning.
• Assists in positioning, prepping and draping of patients for surgical procedures.
• Scrubs in and assists Surgeon with manipulation of catheters and guidewires.
• Consults with attending surgeon as necessary to obtain specific additional items for planned procedure.
• Anticipates needs of surgeon during intraoperative phase.
• Preps and drapes patients following aseptic techniques.
• Carries out medical/surgical asepsis during procedures.
• Checks medication/drugs with RN as to name, dosage, and outdate; labels all medications on sterile field, per CMH policy.
• Stocks and assures appropriate function of all supplies and equipment within the Operating Rooms
• Removes all special and reusable material after cases and responsible for cleaning in accordance with Infection Control policies.
• Accurately completes operating room counts (instruments, sponges, needles); follows proper procedure in the event of incorrect count; reports all discrepancies to Circulating Nurse and surgeon and/or corrects immediately.
• Demonstrates responsibility for care of instruments/equipment during intra/postoperative phase, including cleaning of instruments.
• Makes decisions reflecting knowledge of assigned case and instruments and/or trays to be pulled for the procedure.
• Consults with the STL to consolidate instrumentation/equipment required for the procedures.
• Regularly collaborates with other members of the surgical team, in order to maintain equipment and supplies for surgical procedures.
• Prepares room in a timely manner with all anticipated instruments, sutures, supplies and equipment for each individual surgical procedure.
• Follows aseptic technique, when opening sterile supplies and setting up procedures.
• Sets up, scrubs, and prepares for procedures 15-45 minutes prior to scheduled time, unless otherwise directed.
• Verifies informed consent, site of surgery, patient ID verbally with surgeon, and RN.
• Maintains safe environment for patient, co-workers and self, per CMH policies and procedures.
• Consults with other staff members, when in question or unfamiliar with equipment or procedure.
• Demonstrates competence in care of specimens and accurately handles specimens at all times.
• Assists with the cleaning and preparation of the rooms between procedure and after cases; restocks supplies, when necessary and organizes effectively for end-of-case clean up.
• Follows written procedures for steam sterilization; knows responsibilities and the necessity for chemical and biological monitoring, ensures sterility of flash autoclaved items through the proper use of flash autoclave indicators for each load processed, and follows proper procedure of tracking item (s).
• Demonstrates knowledge of emergency evacuation procedures per care of the patient initiated in response to unsafe environmental situations.
• Establishes and maintains effective communication and good working relationship with co-workers for the patient’s benefit.
• Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity. Identifies and addresses psychosocial, cultural, ethnic and religious/spiritual needs of patients and their families.
• Adapts procedures to meet individual needs of adolescent, adult and geriatric patients for treatment.
• Maintains a basic understanding of individualized care specific to normal growth and development of age specific groups.
• Acts as a role model at all times. Supervises, precepts, and mentors new staff.
• Notifies appropriate licensed personnel when patient complains of pain.
• Provides patient with explanations and verbal reassurance, as necessary.
• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
• Protects patient’s sensitivities and right to privacy; closely observes patient with minimal disturbance.
• Maintains self-accountability practices for added responsibilities to enhance the safety of the patient.
• Customer Service: Interacts with all individuals in a consistent manner, providing attention, support, and assistance to foster an environment of exceptional personal service.
  • Maintains a pleasant and helpful demeanor, and presents a professional appearance toward all internal and external customers at all times.
  • Consistently initiates interaction to provide assistance to individuals who may not be direct customers of the employee (i.e. asks patients who appear to be lost if they need assistance in finding their way).
  • Takes appropriate action to recover from a service difficulty, ensuring that the necessary action is taken to affect a resolution to the customer’s problem.
  • Conducts all work activities with respect for coworkers, including the maintenance of a pleasant and professional environment, fostering calmness during stressful situations.
  • Interacts with supervisory personnel in a professional, supportive and courteous manner, venting emotions appropriate to time and place.
  • Demonstrates a commitment to service by consistent attendance and punctuality, scheduling absences according to departmental requirements, and incurring unplanned absences only when unavoidable circumstances exist.

Education and Experience:

• Graduate of an accredited school for Surgical Technologists.
• Required certification for surgical technologist with one (1) year of hire to job.
• Required maintaining approved national certification through completion of CEU requirements or testing.
• Current American Heart Association Healthcare Provider BLS required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Able to effectively communicate in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Strong written and verbal skills.
• Additional languages preferred.
• Basic computer knowledge.
• Ability to engage patients and team members utilizing the CMH Experience Standards
  • I am creating a warming, caring, and non-judgmental environment
  • I am actively listening and seeking information
  • I am honest, truthful, and consistent
  • I am respectful, treating all individuals with dignity and empathy
  • I am serving as a role model, taking both initiative and ownership when appropriate
  • I am working collaboratively and demonstrating teamwork
  • I am resilient and adapt to change in positive ways.
• Demonstrated ability to direct and triage in a highly fluid dynamic operational environment.
• Ability to collaborate with all layers of the management/ administration team. 

If you are passionate about making a difference and are looking for your next great career opportunity, we look forward to reviewing your application!