Surgical Technician

This position is located in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Veterans Health Administration, at the Atlanta VA Health Care System. The Surgical Technician is a member for the surgical team and provides assistance to the surgeon and other team members before, during, and following surgical procedures. The Surgical Technician participates with the surgical team members in planning and implementing complex procedures under the general supervision of the surgical team.

The Surgical Technician functions as a member of the surgical team and provides assistance to the surgeon and other team members during surgical procedures. The technician participates with the surgical team in planning and implementing complex procedures under the general supervision of the surgical team. The Surgical Technician functions as the primary scrub person responsible for handling instruments, supplies and equipment during all surgical procedures. Duties include but are not limited to: Independently scrubs for complex, extensive, specialized procedures in all surgical specialties. Anticipates needs of the surgeon. Assembles and tests delicate instruments to ensure optimal functioning. Prepares, organizing, maintaining highly complex sterile surgical set-ups. Primary scrub person responsible for handling instruments, supplies, and equipment during all surgical procedures. Provides direct assistance to the surgeon. Shares responsibility with circulating nurse for correct sponge, needle, and instruments counts. Receives tissue specimens and cultures for laboratory analysis and ensures circulating nurse receives correct information for labeling purposes. Independently prepares and applies sterile dressings following procedures. Assists with positioning and draping patients. Positioning and draping patients. Accountable for taking emergency call on a rotating basis. Work Schedule: Friday 7:00am - 3:30pm Work Schedule subject to change based on Agency needs. Position Description Title/PD#: Surgical Technician/PD06720A Physical Requirements: Duties regularly require providing assistance in lifting and positioning patients. There are extensive periods of regular and recurring standing, walking, bending, lifting, pushing, reaching, and prolonged stretching to provide easy accessibility of instruments for the surgeon. Incumbent must be dexterous in "passing" instruments to surgeons without compromising principles of aseptic technique and in a manner requiring little or no effort from the surgeon. Appropriate scrub attire is required, including sterile gown and gloves, surgical caps to cover incumbent's hair, appropriate eye protection, and surgical mask in order to provide an aseptic environment in the operating room. If incumbent is assisting with a total joint replacement, he/she is often required to wear special attire, which may be confining, such as a "space helmet" or hood. Incumbent may need to wears X-Ray protective lead attire (up to 20 pounds in weight) for prolonged periods of time. Conditions of Employment continued: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.