NI-Technologist, Surgical

J  o  b    D  e  s  c  r  i  p  t  i  o  n

JOB INFORMATION

Effective Date:

8/7/2025

Entity:

Illinois

Job Code:

NI-3150AC

Job Title:

NI-Technologist, Surgical

Exemption Status:

Non-Exempt

JOB SUMMARY

As a scrubbed member of the operating room team, plans for surgical cases, and prepares the surgical field with sterile instruments and supplies specific to each type of case.  Directly assists the surgeon within the sterile field during surgery while anticipating the surgeon's needs throughout.  Manages specimens, monitors medications on field.   Continually familiarizes self and other team members with newly developed surgical devices/equipment.  Subject matter expert on surgical sterility; directly advocates for patient safety and infection prevention.  Takes on-call shifts as required.  Participates in continuous quality improvement activities and educational experiences in support of departmental and divisional nursing philosophy and objectives, as well as, Health System initiatives.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

•

Plans for, obtains and opens necessary equipment and supplies for assigned procedures, consulting surgeon’s preference card and other available resources.

•

Performs surgical scrub process, gowns and gloves and prepares the sterile field for procedure according to hospital policy. Maintains and monitors aseptic technique, reporting all observed breaks. When not scrubbed, functions as an assisting member of the operating team.

•

In conjunction with the circulating nurse, counts instruments, blades, needles and sponges and other surgical items according to established policy and procedures.

•

Passes instruments and supplies to the surgeon during procedure, anticipating his/her needs; holds retractors, provides visualization using surgical scopes, cuts suture.

•

Assists in the education process of new employees, students and co-workers.

•

Performs all aspects of care in an environment that optimizes patient and environmental safety and in accordance with applicable laws, regulations and compliance efforts.

ALL DUTIES AND REQUIREMENTS MUST BE PERFORMED CONSISTENT WITH THE UW HEALTH PERFORMANCE STANDARDS.

X

Clinical

Provides age and culturally appropriate assessment/screening, interpretation of clinical and laboratory data and develops and implements age appropriate interventional and plans of care including education within the parameters of his/her position responsibilities and licensure.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Graduate of an accredited surgical technology program, a recognized military surgical technologist training program, or possess two years of related clinical experience in a military setting.

Required

Certification as a Surgical Technologist preferred at time of hire; required within 1 year of assuming position.  In lieu of certification, will consider five years of surgical technologist experience and successful completion of surgical technologist education program or other education program which includes aseptic techniques and operative procedures. 

Required

CPR certification.

Required

•

Successful completion of annual clinical, age and job specific competencies and skill verification tools required.

•

Demonstrated knowledge of aseptic technique.

•

Familiarity with medical terminology, microbiology, and human anatomy/physiology.

•

Familiarity with procedural steps of each type of surgery and the specific anatomy involved.

•

Detail oriented; good organizational and critical thinking skills.

•

Ability to communicate in English both verbally and in writing.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS

Standing

X

Walking

X

Climbing

X

Bending

X

Crouching

X

Pushing / Pulling

X

Carry

X

Fine Hand / Eye Coordination

X

Color Discrimination

X

Hearing Ability

X

Lifting / Lowering 1 -15 lbs.

X

15 - 30 lbs.

X

30 - 50 lbs.

X

Over 50 lbs.

UW Health does not require, nor does it expect that its employees lift more than 50 lbs unassisted. Objects in excess of 50 lbs should be lifted or moved with mechanical means or through a team lift. Employees in patient care areas are expected to utilize mechanical lifts and adhere to the "Use of Mechanical Lifts (Liko)" policy in the Patient Services Policy and Procedure Manual.

Concentration on Detail

X

Attention Span of 1 + Hours on a Task

X

Ability to Remember Multiple Tasks

X

Oral Communication

X

Written Communication

X

Exposure to Blood and Body Fluids

X

Exposure to Toxins, Cytotoxins, Poisons

X

Exposure to Extreme Heat, Cold, Temp Fluctuations

X

Exposure to Hazardous Chemicals

X

Exposure to Radiation

X

Other - takes calls as assigned

X

Note: The purpose of this document is to describe the general nature and level of work performed by personnel so classified; it is not intended to serve as an inclusive list of all responsibilities associated with this position.