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Surgical Technician

Job ID: 6483887393
Status: Full-Time
Regular/Temporary: Regular
Shift: Evening Job
Facility: UPMC Altoona
Department: Operating Room
Location: 620 Howard Avenue, Altoona, PA
Union Position: Yes
Salary Range: $ 0.0-0.0 USD

Surgical Technician

Full-time, Evening shift, 2:45 PM – 11:15 PM, with call and rotation

AFSCME – Union

Posted: November 7, 2024

Purpose:
Functions as a member of the operating room or surgery center nursing team providing direct care to the surgical patient and performing other related duties under the direction of the registered nurse.

Responsibilities:

  • Utilizes hospital policy to meet JCAHO requirements.
  • Assists surgeon as scrub technician according to prescribed standards. Scrubs and dones gown and gloves by performance standards.
  • Maintains proper traffic control in the Operating Room Suite. Maintains use and cleanliness of autoclaves by following directions for use and cleaning.
  • Maintains correct count of sponges, instruments, and needles with the circulating nurse and reports correctness or discrepancies according to department policy. Maintains aseptic technique at all times.
  • Observes patients and is ready for emergencies.
  • Knows where all supplies are kept and can get or put them away accordingly.
  • Assists in handling specimens as directed. Assists in the application of dressing, casts, and in moving of patient as directed. Assists in cleaning the room, furniture, supplies, and equipment after a procedure.
  • Assists in the workroom cleaning, storage, packing, and autoclaving of instruments.
  • Employee complies with established occupation exposure policy.
  • Set up tables, instruments, and supplies according to the type of operation. Assists in preparation and draping of patient and operative area according to need. Anticipates the need for instruments, sutures, sponges, etc.

Qualifications:

PA legislature House Bill 81 was enacted on 10/29/2020 and became effective on 12/27/2020. Must have completed a program sponsored by nationally recognized institutional or programmatic accreditation and maintains certification or Has completed an appropriate military training program or Maintains certification from an accredited program or Was employed as a surg tech in a health care facility on or before the effective date of the act (12/27/2020) or Employed as a surg tech at another health care facility two years before the effective date (12/27/2020). Exception: A healthcare facility may employ individuals who do not meet the certification requirements if after a diligent and thorough effort has been made they are unable to employ a sufficient number of qualified surg techs who meet the requirements (i.e. certification) and a written record of efforts is made and retained at the health care facility. 1. All of our recruitment efforts are documented and can be supplied for this record. 2. The supply of certified or eligible to be certified surg techs does not meet our needs. Continuing education requirements: Compliance with continuing education requirements specified by the credentialing organization for certification. For individuals not certified – must complete 30 hours of continuing ed every two years. Specialty experience: Surgical specialties include but are not limited to general, orthopedic, vascular, plastic and reconstructive, obstetrics and gynecology, thoracic, ophthalmic, neurosurgery, organ procurement, and endoscopic surgical settings. Access to medications is limited to the distribution of the medication to the nurse.

Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:
CPR is required based on AHA standards that include both a didactic and skills demonstration component within 30 days of hire. Certification Details – Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) or Technologist Surgery Certified (TSC) within 6 months of program completion: Note: Staff employed to practice surgical technology by the health care facility on or before the effective date of the law (12/27/2020) or who were employed as a surg tech at another health care facility two years before the effective date of the law are grandfathered and therefore not required to have certification. New graduates of a program sponsored by nationally recognized institutional or programmatic accreditation can work for six months before certification but must be certified within six months of program completion. Exception: A healthcare facility may employ individuals who do not meet the certification requirements if after a diligent and thorough effort has been made they are unable to employ a sufficient number of qualified surg techs who meet the requirements (i.e. certification) and a written record of efforts is made and retained at the health care facility. (1. Recruitment efforts are documented and can be supplied for this record. 2. The supply of certified or eligible to be certified surg techs does not meet the needs of the organization.).

  • Basic Life Support (BLS) OR Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
  • Act 31 Child Abuse Reporting with renewal
  • Act 33 with renewal
  • Act 34 with renewal
  • Act 73 FBI Clearance with Renewal

UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran

CAREER GROWTH

Grow Your Nursing Career

Spanning over 20 clinical specialties and more than 50 unique nursing roles, every nurse at UPMC can achieve and advance their goals with the My Nursing Career Ladder. Whether you’re looking to progress to an elevated role or continue your education, UPMC equips nurses with the resources, feedback, leadership, and benefits to help you succeed and achieve your career goals. Here’s how a few nurses have grown their careers through the years at UPMC:

Clyde C.

As a Professional Staff Nurse, Expert at UPMC Muncy, Clyde is a great example of someone who has taken advantage of UPMC’s My Nursing Career Ladder to grow his career while remaining in the same hospital location.

Clyde’s Career Journey:

⦁ 2017: Professional Staff Nurse – UPMC Muncy
⦁ 2021: Sr. Professional Staff Nurse – UPMC Muncy
⦁ 2022: Sr. Professional Staff Nurse II – UPMC Muncy
⦁ 2022-present: Professional Staff Nurse, Expert – UPMC Muncy

Male nurse stands in front of hospital, smiling at the camera.

Michelle B.

In her current role as a Professional Staff Nurse, Expert at UPMC Presbyterian, Michelle cares for patients with chronic and ongoing health issues as part of a Medical-Surgical unit. Michelle enjoys the daily change that Med-Surg nursing brings, and has found a career path that is interesting, meaningful, and full of opportunity.

Michelle’s Career Journey:

⦁ 2019: Staff Nurse – UPMC Presbyterian
⦁ 2020: Professional Staff Nurse – UPMC Presbyterian
⦁ 2021: Professional Staff Nurse, BSN – UPMC Presbyterian
⦁ 2021: Sr. Professional Staff Nurse, BSN – UPMC Presbyterian
⦁ 2022: Sr. Professional Staff Nurse II, BSN – UPMC Presbyterian
⦁ 2023: Professional Staff Nurse, BSN, Expert – UPMC Presbyterian

Michelle, a blonde nurse, smiles at the camera outside of a hospital setting.

Jouli H.

Born in Syria, Jouli H. had a childhood dream of becoming a nurse. After moving to the United States and initially pursuing a different career, Jouli decided to return to school when she turned 30, returning to the hope and dream she had as a little girl. After attending UPMC Mercy School of Nursing, Jouli has continued her UPMC career journey, even becoming a mother along the way.

Jouli’s Career Journey:

⦁ 2020: Staff Nurse – UPMC Mercy
⦁ 2020: Professional Staff Nurse – UPMC Mercy
⦁ 2021: Professional Staff Nurse, BSN – UPMC Mercy
⦁ 2022: Professional Staff Nurse, BSN, Casual – UPMC Mercy
⦁ 2023: Sr. Professional Staff Nurse, BSN, Casual – UPMC Mercy

Jouli wears blue scrubs in a hospital room, looks at camera with a soft smile on her face.

INSURANCE SERVICES DIVISION OF UPMC

Advance Your Future

A career with UPMC means more than just caring for patients – when you’re a part of UPMC Insurance Services Division, it means caring for more than four million insurance members, too. UPMC Insurance Services Division offers a full range of health insurance products and services to our network across the country, providing peace of mind, better health, and financial security to our members, along with limitless career opportunities and a rewarding mission to those on our team.

About UPMC Insurance Services Division

As an integrated health care provider-insurer, UPMC goes beyond patient care to provide insurance products and services to millions of members. Our team partners with UPMC and community network providers to deliver knowledge and expertise that provides the highest quality care at the most affordable price, supporting our members through service, communication, and more.

Fast Facts:

  • We provide insurance products and services to over more than four million members.
  • UPMC’s Insurance Services Division offers a full range of health insurance options including UPMC Health Plan, Workpartners, UPMC for Life, UPMC for You, UPMC for Kids, UPMC Community HealthChoices, and Community Care Behavioral Health.
  • UPMC Health Plan is among the nation’s fastest-growing health plans.

Opportunities on Our Team

We’ve got a job that’s just right for you! UPMC Insurance Services Division team offers a vast array of career paths and opportunities, from career areas like customer service, data analytics, and information technology and even patient care roles like social work, nursing, and care management.

Whether in non-clinical or patient-facing roles, our team impacts patients and members by providing quality experiences before, during, and after their care, building relationships in a unique and meaningful way.

Recognized for Excellence

Be a part of an award-winning team! UPMC Insurance Services Division has been recognized for outstanding care and service with awards that include:

  1. U.S. News and World Report named UPMC for Life a “Best Insurance Company for Medicare Advantage” in Pennsylvania for 2024.
  2. The Human Rights Campaign Foundation has named UPMC Health Plan an “Equality 100 Leader in LGBTQ+ Workplace Inclusion” for 2023–2024.
  3. UPMC for Life ranked #1 in Customer Satisfaction* among Medicare Advantage Plans in Pennsylvania by J.D. Power.
  4. The Ethisphere Institute named UPMC as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for the sixth consecutive year.

*Results are based on award-eligible plans in Pennsylvania by J.D. Power. For J.D. Power 2024 award information visit, jdpower.com/awards.

Jump-Start Your Career

Looking to launch a career with longevity and opportunity? With countless entry-level opportunities for recent graduates, along with tools and resources that empower you as you learn and grow, UPMC Insurance Services Division is the perfect place to get a career started.

Interested in taking your career to new heights? Our career paths and advancement opportunities will provide you with chances to achieve your goals at every step.

BENEFITS AND LIFE AT UPMC

Why Work Here

We know that you have many options when choosing where to build your career. So why choose UPMC? We can think of a few reasons.

Work-Life Balance

Finding the ideal balance to manage the important elements in your life.

Development & Opportunities

Enhancing your career through continued learning opportunities and/or advancement.

Compensation

Receiving competitive pay for the work that you do – base pay, merit, and premium pay.

Performance & Recognition

Rewarding performance that supports the goals and mission of UPMC.

Benefits

Providing assistance and security to meet the current and future needs of you and your family.

Work-Life Balance

Finding the ideal balance to manage the important elements in your life.

Development & Opportunities

Enhancing your career through continued learning opportunities and/or advancement.

Compensation

Receiving competitive pay for the work that you do – base pay, merit, and premium pay.

Performance & Recognition

Rewarding performance that supports the goals and mission of UPMC.

Benefits

Providing assistance and security to meet the current and future needs of you and your family.

Benefits that Matter to You

We’re committed to providing benefits that meet your needs and support your well-being in all areas of life.

  • Earn over 5 weeks of paid time off every year
  • Affordable medical, dental & vision coverage
  • Student loan assistance and tuition reimbursement options
  • Earn up to 8% of your eligible pay in retirement contributions from UPMC
  • Employer-paid life insurance

Benefits that Matter to You

We’re committed to providing benefits that meet your needs and support your well-being in all areas of life.

  • Earn over 5 weeks of paid time off every year
  • Affordable medical, dental & vision coverage
  • Student loan assistance and tuition reimbursement options
  • Earn up to 8% of your eligible pay in retirement contributions from UPMC
  • Employer-paid life insurance

Benefits that Matter to You

We’re committed to providing our employees with benefits that meet their needs and support their well-being in all areas of life.

  • Earn over 5 weeks of paid time off every year
  • Affordable medical, dental & vision coverage
  • Student loan assistance and tuition reimbursement options
  • Earn up to 8% of your eligible pay in retirement contributions from UPMC
  • Employer-paid life insurance

Support for You – and Your Family

Your career doesn’t impact just you, but the people you care about, too. We’re making sure your career works for the whole family.

  • Two weeks of paid parental leave
  • Family planning resources
  • Tuition assistance for dependents
  • Comprehensive health care for dependents
  • Emergency child and elder care options
  • Flexible work arrangements

Support for You – and Your Family

Your career doesn’t impact just you, but the people you care about, too. We’re making sure your career works for the whole family.

  • Two weeks of paid parental leave
  • Family planning resources
  • Tuition assistance for dependents
  • Comprehensive health care for dependents
  • Emergency child and elder care options
  • Flexible work arrangements

Support for You – and Your Family

Your career doesn’t impact just you, but the people you care about, too. We’re making sure your career works for the whole family.

  • Flexibility to choose the shifts and work arrangements work best for your lifestyle
  • Two weeks of paid parental leave
  • Family planning resources
  • Comprehensive health care for dependents
  • Emergency child and elder care options

A Culture That Cares

At UPMC, you can find a home among people who share your passions and care about who you are.

A Culture That Cares

At UPMC, you can find a home among people who share your passions and care about who you are.

A Culture That Cares

UPMC is a place where you can find a home, no matter your gender, race, sexual orientation, age, or culture, and where you can meet people who share your passions and care about you.

Tools to Reach Your Potential

Once you become a member of our team, the journey doesn’t stop there. UPMC is committed to supporting your growth and helping you build the career of your dreams.

  • Up to $6,000 of annual tuition assistance
  • Ongoing learning via LinkedIn Learning
  • Accelerated career pathways for growth
  • Robust instructor-led education and learning pathways

Tools to Reach Your Potential

Once you become a member of our team, the journey doesn’t stop there. UPMC is committed to supporting your growth and helping you build the career of your dreams.

  • Up to $6,000 of annual tuition assistance
  • Ongoing learning via LinkedIn Learning
  • Accelerated career pathways for growth
  • Robust instructor-led education and learning pathways

Tools to Reach Your Potential

Once you become a member of our team, the journey doesn’t stop there. UPMC is committed to supporting your growth and helping you build the career of your dreams.

  • Unlimited educational possibilities, including no-cost BSN and MSN programs
  • Robust career ladders for every nurse – no matter your specialty, location, or career stage
  • Up to $6,000 of annual tuition assistance
  • Ongoing learning opportunities

Expansive Opportunity

Where do you want to go with your career? Wherever it is, UPMC can take you there.

Expansive Opportunity

Where do you want to go with your career? Wherever it is, UPMC can take you there.

Expansive Opportunity

Where do you want to go with your career? Wherever it is, UPMC can take you there.

* Note: Benefits described may not be applicable to all staff.

Read More about Nursing at UPMC

Keshon, a younger male nurse, wears blue scrubs outside a hospital, looks at camera with a soft smile on his face.

Through tuition assistance and mentorship by coworkers, Keshon launched his nursing career in his hometown of McKeesport.

Jouli wears blue scrubs in a hospital room, looks at camera with a soft smile on her face.

Since growing up in Syria, Jouli H.’s story has been one that inspires all of us to remember how empowerment can truly change someone’s life.

Collage of four photos of medical-surgical nurses, all smiling.

We asked our nurses to shed some light on what Med-Surg nursing means to them. Get to know Med-Surg nursing – in four words – from UPMC nurses!

Read More about UPMC Insurance Services Division

Collage of four photos of medical-surgical nurses, all smiling.

In UPMC Insurance Services Division, analysts work to understand, innovate, and improve the products and services UPMC provides.

Young man smiles at camera in a studio setting.

Eddie S. shares how his passion for football, fishing, and friendship shapes his life and his career with UPMC Health Plan.

Veteran outside hiking.

We asked our nurses to shed some light on what Med-Surg nursing means to them. Get to know Med-Surg nursing – in four words – from UPMC nurses!

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