DCH Health System·Tuscaloosa, Alabama
The Surgical Tech assists with nursing care in the procedural suite, focusing on aseptic practice and the management of specialty instruments. Responsibilities include setting up and cleaning up after surgical cases while maintaining a safe environment for patients and staff.
Overview Under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN), the Surgical Tech administers compassionate care by maintaining standards of nursing practice and creating positive therapeutic relationships with patients/families. Encourages team members and supports their contribution.
Assists with the nursing care of patients in the procedural suite performing routine and delegated duties under the supervision of the RN and according to the standards of practice and policies of the hospital and the department. Demonstrates knowledge and applies principles of aseptic practice and recognizes the necessity for following established procedures and adapting to new situations as they arise. Demonstrates knowledge of instruments and equipment used in the procedural suite including specialty equipment as it applies to the specialty services being provided at DCH. Assists with scheduled and unscheduled procedures. Sets up and cleans up after each case. Provides service in a cost-effective manner. Actively participates on committees and teams. Follows safety practices and helps to maintain a safe, clean environment. Participates in the selection of new team members. Maintains continuing education by attending inservices; and attending other educational workshops as appropriate. Performs initial and annual competency per job class. DCH Standards: Maintains performance, patient and employee satisfaction and financial standards as outlined in the performance evaluation. Performs compliance requirements as outlined in the Employee Handbook Must adhere to the DCH Behavioral Standards including creating positive relationships with patients/families, coworkers, colleagues and with self. Performs essential job functions in a manner that ensures the safety of patients, visitors and employees. Identifies and reduces unsafe practices that may result in harm to patients, visitors and employees. Recognizes and takes appropriate action to reduce risks and hazards to promote safety for patients, visitors and employees. Requires use of electronic mail, time and attendance software, learning management software and intranet. Must adhere to all DCH Health System policies and procedures. All other duties as assigned.
High school diploma or equivalent, required and successful completion of College Anatomy and Physiology I course OR is a certified Central Sterile Processing Technician OR has completed Central Sterile Processing certification OR has completed a hospital approved Surgical Tech certificate course, required. Operating Room or equivalent experience preferred. Current American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) Provider training required. Must be able to read, write legibly, speak, and comprehend English. WORKING CONDITIONS: WORK CONTEXT Communicate with different personalities and engage in face to face discussion Dealing with unpleasant or physically aggressive personalities Must be able to deal with conflict Must be able to communicate clearly and accurately Must be able to receive delegation Must be able to work in groups Must be able to perform structured and unstructured work Must be meet time pressure and time lines Must be able to perform in exact and accurate manner Must be able to use electronic mail, telephone and texting Includes possible exposure to human body fluids, disease, infection, lab chemicals and hazardous materials and/or cleaning solutions Requires wearing of common protective and safety equipment such as gloves, safety glasses, mask, gowns, etc. PHYSICAL FACTORS Very heavy work. Exerting in excess of 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or in excess of 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or in excess of 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Must be able to tolerate prolonged periods of standing and walking Must be able to reach reasonable distances in any direction Must be able to stand, walk, kneel, bend, sit, stoop and lift Must be able to run in an emergency Must be able to move fingers in a coordinated manner and must be able to feel and perceive temperature, texture, shape and size with fingertips Must be able to perform the duties with or without reasonable accommodation Hearing and vision must be normal or corrected to within normal range Must possess stamina to work 12-hour shift Physical presence onsite is essential
Requires a high school diploma and either a Surgical Tech certificate, Central Sterile Processing certification, or completion of College Anatomy and Physiology I. Current AHA Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is mandatory.
Market context
Nursing roles in Alabama typically stay active across hospitals, clinics, and other care settings, especially when units need licensed RNs who can start quickly. These positions can be competitive because employers often look for current Alabama or multistate RN licensure, BLS, and education that meets the unit’s needs, with BSN or specialty certifications sometimes preferred. Review the unit-specific certification timeline and compare the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here with the original posting to save research time before applying.
