University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health (UM UCH) offers the residents of northeastern Maryland an unparalleled combination of clinical expertise, leading-edge technology, and an exceptional patient experience.
A community-based, integrated, non-profit health system, our vision is to become the preferred, integrated health system creating the healthiest community in Maryland. We are dedicated to maintaining and improving the health of the people in our community through an integrated health delivery system that provides high quality care to all. Our commitment to service excellence is evident through a broad range of health care services, technologies and facilities. We work collaboratively with our community and other health organizations to serve as a resource for health promotion and education.
Today, UM UCH is the leading health care system and second largest private employer in Harford County. Our 3,500 team members and over 650 medical staff physicians serve residents of Harford County, eastern Baltimore County, and western Cecil County.

University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Health owns and operates:
University of Maryland Harford Memorial Hospital (UM HMH), Havre de Grace, MD
University of Maryland Upper Chesapeake Medical Center (UM UCMC), Bel Air, MD
The Upper Chesapeake Health Foundation, Bel Air, MD
The Patricia D. and M. Scot Kaufman Cancer Center, Bel Air, MD
The Senator Bob Hooper House, Forest Hill, MD

 The Surgical Technologist is responsible for the performance of scrub duties for patients requiring all surgical interventions simple to complex. They must be self-directed and capable of carrying out assignments with limited supervision. They are responsible for assessing the needs of each patient assigned to him/her and planning patient care needed to meet those needs in consultation with an RN. Once planned, their responsibility is to see that the plan of care is implemented through performance. The Surgical Technologist will accept responsibility for assisting in on-the-job training and will perform nursing care tasks for the provision of a safe environment for the surgical patient. The age of the population served is neonate to geriatric as defined in the unit-specific structural standards

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Is a graduate of an accredited school of Surgical Technology or has had a minimum of two years of on-the-job surgical technologist experience.
• Certification in BCLS. Possession of a current CST certification highly desirable.
• Two years experience in a health care setting.
• Assists in the nursing care and the preparation of the surgical
• patient by performing routine and delegated duties according to standards and hospital policy.
• Demonstrates organizational ability by organizing and managing time and
• equipment effectively, setting appropriate priorities.
• Works under pressure of time and accuracy often in stressful situations; d) Demonstrates skill and accuracy in communication both oral and written.
• Uses the knowledge of anatomy and physiology for the sterilization process, aseptic technique and knowledge of surgical procedures.
• Performs simple mathematical functions correctly.
• Willingly adapts hours of availability to variable changing needs of the hospital; and h) Effectively functions as a member of a collaborative team.

Performs scrubbing and second assisting function for surgical intervention.

• Assists surgeons according to prescribed standards on surgical procedures from simple to complex.
• Scrubs, gowns and gloves in accordance with performance standards.
• Uses Standard Precautions applicable to all areas of responsibility.
• Sets up the table, instruments and supplies according to procedure.
• Assists in draping the patient according to the type of procedure and the needs of the surgeon.
• Assists and anticipates the needs of the surgeon in instruments, sutures, sponges and supplies according to technique, procedure and special requirements.
• Maintains correct count of sponges, needles and instruments with the circulating nurse according to policy.
• Maintains aseptic technique at all times and reports breaks when they occur.
• Assists in the maintenance and care of specimens according to policy.
• Maintains the correct preparation of graft products for and during surgery.
• Provides for the patient comfort by removing excess betadine prior to applying dressings.

Aware of signs of complications during the surgical intervention, reporting routine and life-threatening observations to the Registered Nurse and is ready to act in an emergency or unplanned change in the surgical procedure.

• Increased blood loss
• Changes in urinary output or color
• Pressure areas in positioning of patients
• Break in sterile technique by any member of the surgical team

Assists in the maintenance, care and cleanliness of supplies using supplies judiciously.

Handles equipment and items correctly to insure ever present usability and safety of supplies and equipment.

Assists in inventory of supplies and equipment to assure availability and par levels.

Assists in evaluation of new supplies, equipment and/or instrumentation.

Follows procedures to maintain a safe environment for the patient.

Maintains traffic control through the use of proper areas and corridors.

Wears masks in designated areas, i.e. core.

Assists in the maintenance of instruments and supplies by proper cleaning, care, sterilization and storage.

Maintains awareness of safety hazards and the use of equipment to prevent damage or

harm to patients and staff.

Knows the functioning of the autoclave and Steris insuring the sterility of items by

positioning the items correctly for the sterilization processing

Cleans rooms, furniture, equipment and room according to established procedures prior to the start of a procedure.

Uses proper techniques to contain case contamination from tissue, fluids, instruments, supplies, linen and trash. h. Decontaminates all equipment and cleans the room following the surgical procedure. i. Assures correct and safe functioning and application of patient position devices and assists in positioning patients.

Assists the circulating nurse as directed in providing special equipment before, during and after the procedure according to need.

Assists in moving the patient and transferring to PACU/ICU as directed.

Assists in maintaining a clean and safe work environment throughout the department.

Reports unsafe equipment, mechanical malfunctions and/or unsafe practices immediately to appropriate personnel.

Assumes on-call responsibilities for surgical emergencies as assigned and is promptly available by beeper/phone.

Works under the direct supervision and direction of the surgeon during the surgical procedure in the second assistant role.

May hold camera.

May hold retractors.

Follows procedures in preparing items for sterilization, making sure each item is cleaned, assembled and wrapped properly.

Anticipates supplies and equipment needs not on picklist based on specialty and instrumentation.

Assures the Environment of Care is maintained according to regulatory guidelines.

Demonstrates self-directed learning behaviors to maintain and improve clinical competence.

Serves as a clinical resource for less experienced team members. Acts as preceptor for new orientees if requested. Participates in training students.

Participates in the unit/hospital quality improvement efforts.

Provides care in compliance with age-specific guidelines as outlined in departmental structural standards.