The Principal Surgical Technician is an advanced Subject Matter Expert in Cardiothoracic Surgery and the specific instruments, equipment, lasers, hardware and disposables used in this complex surgical specialty. This employee is recognized within the department as “a person to ask” when difficult questions arise regarding this service.
The PST must function at the “advanced level” in a large variety of urgent and emergent procedures and must be able to make complex decisions, often with little time and incomplete information. The Principal Technician has an integrated knowledge of anatomy and physiology, Cardiothoracic surgical procedures, and physician practices and advances in technology relating to Cardiothoracic surgery. The technician must demonstrate an understanding of the steps needed to provide the necessary optimal intervention for each patient and assists to provide the necessary resources in a manner that minimizes and/or eliminates delays.
The experienced PST in this advanced position understands the steps taken to provide the necessary intervention for each patient staying ahead of the needs of the surgeon and providing necessary resources in a manner that minimizes and/or eliminates errors and delays. As an expert across all parts of the Surgical Technician scope of responsibility, the Principal Surgical Technician acts as an educator across specialties and professions in their area of expertise, including training less advanced technicians and Nurses.
Minimum Qualifications
• At least 2 years scrubbing complex cardiothoracic cases
• Principal Surgical Technologists must possess and maintain ongoing current CST or TS-C certification: Certified Surgical Technician (CST) by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), or Certification as a Tech in Surgery, (TS-C) by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT).
• Demonstrates all competencies required for the Level II surgical technologists.
• Demonstrates superior knowledge and practice of patient care techniques.
• Demonstrates superior knowledge of aseptic and surgical technique.
• Demonstrates superior knowledge and practice in the role of the first scrub or in the defined management position.
• Demonstrates superior knowledge and practice of circulating skills and tasks.
• Demonstrates superior knowledge related to OR emergency situations
• Demonstrates advanced knowledge in three or more surgical specialty areas
• Demonstrates superior knowledge in one or two surgical specialty areas and is regarded widely by staff to be a subject matter expert in these areas.
• Demonstrates a professional attitude
• Demonstrates leadership abilities
Preferred Qualifications
• Basic Life Support (BLS) within 3 months of hire
• Surgical Technologist Education. The preferred entry-level education for the surgical technologist is the associate degree, but it is not required. All educational programs are expected to meet the minimal curriculum requirements defined in the Core Curriculum for Surgical Technology®. Only accredited programs will be considered to meet the criteria.
Special Requirements
• This position is a critical position and subject to a background check and drug screen. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of background investigation including criminal history, identity checks and drug screen.
• As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.
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