UnityPoint Health
Location
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
The Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) provides professional knowledge and skills in the management of care for patients undergoing invasive cardiac procedures, functioning collaboratively with RN staff and under physician direction. Responsibilities include assisting with patient assessments, developing care plans, maintaining sterile fields, and operating specialized EP lab equipment.
Candidates must be graduates of an accredited surgical technology program and hold current national certification as a Surgical Technologist. Required certifications include current BLS, and hospital CORE certification must be obtained within six months of hire, alongside fluent English communication skills.
Clinical Excellence/Patient Care Assesses the needs of patients and families undergoing invasive cardiac procedures, providing appropriate teaching and making the necessary referrals to provide continuity of care. Assists the physician with the development of an individual plan of care using a collaborative approach with the patient/family and health care team. Promptly completes documentation to assure an accurate legal record of patient’s care. Delivers high quality care while demonstrating knowledge and clinical skills of the specialty required in the Electrophysiology Lab in accordance with established policies, procedures and standards of care under the direct supervision of the physician. Utilizes holistic approach (considering biopsychosocial, spiritual, educational, safety, and related criteria) appropriate to the age of the patients and families served in the assigned service area. Utilizes critical thinking in making judgments, and maintains responsibility and accountability for the knowledge of conditions of the patient. Demonstrates and maintains proficiency in the manual skills and techniques required in the administration of emergency medications used in the Electrophysiology Lab including under the direct supervision of the physician. Demonstrates and maintains proficiency in the manual skills and techniques required to operate specialized equipment in the Electrophysiology Lab including, but not limited to the following: Point of care testing: activated clotting times (ACT), oxygen analysis Ablation equipment: recording and mapping systems Cardiac Rhythm Management (CRM): programmers Advanced hemodynamic monitoring systems Demonstrates and maintains proficiency in the manual skills and techniques required to prepare and maintain sterile fields and to maintain a clean procedure environment. Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of radiation safety and practice including, but not limited to the following: Use of advanced imaging systems used in the Electrophysiology Lab setting Use of radiation protection devices and exposure levels for both the associate and patient. Development & Patient Education Continues professional development and involvement in professional activities that enhance CST practice by sharing knowledge through networking and research. Assess and chooses teaching strategies appropriate to the patient’s and their families’ age specific needs, culture, gender, readiness to learn and level of comprehension. Consults appropriate resources within the hospital to provide specialized education. Demonstrates knowledge that patient and workplace safety is a priority by preventing errors, accidents and infections and reporting potential or actual concerns immediately.
Graduate of an accredited surgical technology program Current certification and in good standing as a surgical technologist through a nationally certifying body such as NBSTASA or NCCT. Must possess and maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or obtain certification within 3 months from hire date. Must possess and maintain hospital CORE (Chain of Response in an Emergency) certification with 6 months from hire date. Writes, reads, comprehends and speaks fluent English. Multicultural sensitivity. Microsoft Office – basic computer skills. Customer/patient focused. Critical thinking skills using independent judgment in making decisions. Use of usual and customary equipment used to perform essential functions of the position.