View all jobs
Operating Room Surgical Technologist
Columbia, SC · Government/MilitaryOperating Room Surgical Technologist
Reef Systems is seeking experienced operating room surgical technologists to support the Columbia VA Health Care System, WJB Dorn VA Medical Center, 6439 Gamers Ferry Rd, Columbia, SC 29209.
Mandatory Minimum Qualifications:
TUBERCULOSIS (TB) TESTING:
Contractor shall provide proof of a negative Tuberculosis Skin Test (TST) or interferon-gamma release assays (IGRA) for all Contractor’s Staff(s) upon hire in accordance with CDC guidance. (This is applicable to all health care workers). A negative chest radiographic report for active tuberculosis shall be provided in cases of positive TST or IGRA results.
MEASLES, MUMPS, & RUBELLA TESTING:
Contractors shall provide proof of immunity for all Contractor Nurses {This is applicable to all health care workers}.
VARICELLA:
Contractors shall provide proof of immunity for all Contractor Staff {This is applicable to all health care workers}
CELLULAR PERTUSSIS:
Contractors shall provide proof of 1 dose of Tdap vaccination for all Contractor Nurses {This is applicable to all health care workers}.
INFLUENZA:
Contractors shall provide proof that all Contractor Staff have received the annual Influenza vaccine unless it is contraindicated. If the Contractor Staff has a medical contraindication to the vaccine they shall be required to wear a mask during the Influenza season. {This is applicable to all health care workers}.
COVID-19:
Contractors shall comply with VHA Supplemental Contract Requirements for Combatting COVID-19 {This is applicable to all health care workers}
Place of Performance:
Columbia VA Health Care System, WJB Dorn VA Medical Center, 6439 Garners Ferry Rd, Columbia SC 29209
Hours of Operation:
VA Business Hours: For Nursing/Surgical Technologist Services typically include:
8 Hour Tours of Duty 10 Hour Tours of Duty
6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Federal National Holidays are currently as follows:
Standards of Care:
KNOWLEDGE OF HOSPITAL POLICY AND PROCEDURES
The contractor surgical technologist must possess knowledge of highly technical medical instruments, human anatomy, physiology, and aseptic technique to prepare and protect the sterile field during surgery. Knowledge of sterile technique must include sterilizer operations and tests to determine the effectiveness of sterilization, packaging storage, and shelf life. Also includes the proper cleaning techniques and the types of detergents to use on various items, as well as the proper handling and rotation of sterile supplies, handling of contaminated items, quality control policies and procedures. The contractor must possess knowledge of a wide variety of complex surgical procedures and possible complications to prepare for the procedure, to anticipate the needs of the surgical team, to respond with speed and accuracy, and to report observations and immediate procedural needs to the RN circulator. The contractor must have a thorough knowledge of all appropriate names, uses, physical characteristics, function, and processing procedures for the full range of surgical supplies and equipment. The contractor must be familiar with dosages and proper use of all medications administered from the sterile field. To prepare for the surgical procedure, the contractor surgical technologist must have sufficient knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and protocol to select the correct instruments for a procedure, anticipate the needs of the surgeon during the procedure, and on a regular and recurring basis recognize and respond to a variety of critical situations, including emergency and life threatening conditions. The contractor must have a technical knowledge on the use and effects of anesthesia to recognize the hazards of anesthetic agents and to recognize and respond to adverse conditions during the procedure. Knowledge of pathology care; and handling of specimens correctly are essential for the prevention of damage to or loss of specimens and eventual diagnosis. During procedures in which implantable devices are used, incumbent must display knowledge and skill necessary for proper handling of prosthesis such as intra-ocular lenses, total joint prostheses, vascular grafts, pacemakers, and heart valves. The contractor must possess knowledge of operation and function of all surgical instruments and equipment, testing procedures to assure all equipment works, and proper postoperative decontamination procedures. The contractor must know appropriate instruments to be sterilized, including extremely costly endoscope instruments, and proper storage of instruments and supplies to maintain sterility.
ROTATES THROUGH ALL SURGICAL SPECIALTIES
To include but not limited to: General, Laparoscopic, Thoracic, Ophthalmology, Urology, Robotic, Podiatry, Orthopedic, Dental, ENT and GI.
RECOGNIZES DANGEROUS SURGICAL SITUATIONS
The contractor surgical technologist may be assigned to scrub for cases ranging from simple procedures to extremely complex and life-threatening procedures which require extensive advance preparation and review. Technical ability is critical with the use of complicated and expensive equipment and instrumentation. The contractor utilizes initiative in recognizing and resolving unfamiliar situations, problems, and deviations from standard procedures1 and emergencies in accordance with hospital policies and procedures, previous education, training, and experience. The contractor may be assigned to scrub cases for many different surgical specialties, all complicated by surgical resident and attending rotation through the surgical specialties which requires the ability to adjust to differences in technique and preferences among the various surgeons. The contractor must be alert for adverse patient reactions to procedures and be fully cognizant as to proper treatment and procedures.
INDEPENDENTLY SCRUBS COMPLEX SURGICAL PROCEDURES
The contractor surgical technologist regular duties involve an extremely large number of steps and patterns of action that are performed in a variety of sequences during surgery, and that differ from one type of surgery to another, from one surgeon to another, from one type of tissue to another, and from one surgical specialty to another. These requirements involve literally hundreds of instruments, supplies, and pieces of equipment which incumbent must know by name and appropriate function, and be able to correctly.
CONTRIBUTES TO THERAPEUTIC ENVIRONMENT
The surgical technologist may be assigned to an operating room used for multiple procedures for the same service of various services or may be assigned to another room when the original procedure in completed. The contractor performs scrub duties for all inpatient and outpatient surgical procedures as assigned. The regular and recurring duties of the incumbent are directly related to the performance of the surgical procedure, in that each item or instrument is handed by the scrub technologist to the surgeon as it is needed. The ability of the surgical technologist is to have all necessary materials readily available, properly prepared, and to avoid delay that affect the duration of the surgical procedure, as well as avoiding untoward surgical outcomes due to faulty or misused items. The work has a direct impact on the treatment, healing, and well-being of patients
PREPARES CASE CARTS FOR UPCOMING SURGERIES
Depending on the surgeon and procedure, the incumbent must understand in what order various items are needed and used. Anticipation of the surgeon's needs demands analysis of the differences encountered in each surgical procedure and correct interpretation of all available information. Incumbent must be able to ascertain appropriate amounts and types of supplies required in order to avoid wastage of costly items while ensuring that necessary instrumentation and other supplies and material are available when required.
DIRECT PATIENT CARE:
Estimated 100% of the time involved in direct patient care.
Scope of Care:
Contractor’s Staff(s) (as appropriate and within scope of practice/privileging) shall be responsible for providing care in the VA Medical Center, including, but not limited to:
Operating Room Surgical Technologist
U.S. Citizenship:
Employee must be a U.S. citizen. For the purpose of base and network access, possession of a permanent resident card (“Green Card”) does not equate to U.S. citizenship.
SECURITY:
All contractor personnel require a minimum of a Tier 1 background check (T1)/SF85 for any position that requires access to the internet, use of automated information systems to cover standalone computers or unescorted entry into restricted or controlled areas prior to reporting for duty in support of any requirement. The investigation is not for a security clearance; it is for a position of trust. This is a mandatory requirement set forth in DoDM 5200.02_AFMAN 16-1405, Air Force Personnel Security Program. All documentation required for security certification shall be the responsibility of the contractor.
Point of Contact for Immediate Consideration:
Art Mata
amata@reef-sys.com
Reef Systems is seeking experienced operating room surgical technologists to support the Columbia VA Health Care System, WJB Dorn VA Medical Center, 6439 Gamers Ferry Rd, Columbia, SC 29209.
Mandatory Minimum Qualifications:
- Technologist must be a graduate of an accredited Surgical Technologist Program recognized and accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).
- Candidates shall possess at least five years clinical experience in an Operating Room.
- The minimum requirement for all Surgical Technologists to support this effort shall include completion of a current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)/Basic Life Support (BLS) certificate accredited by the American Heart Association.
TUBERCULOSIS (TB) TESTING:
Contractor shall provide proof of a negative Tuberculosis Skin Test (TST) or interferon-gamma release assays (IGRA) for all Contractor’s Staff(s) upon hire in accordance with CDC guidance. (This is applicable to all health care workers). A negative chest radiographic report for active tuberculosis shall be provided in cases of positive TST or IGRA results.
MEASLES, MUMPS, & RUBELLA TESTING:
Contractors shall provide proof of immunity for all Contractor Nurses {This is applicable to all health care workers}.
VARICELLA:
Contractors shall provide proof of immunity for all Contractor Staff {This is applicable to all health care workers}
CELLULAR PERTUSSIS:
Contractors shall provide proof of 1 dose of Tdap vaccination for all Contractor Nurses {This is applicable to all health care workers}.
INFLUENZA:
Contractors shall provide proof that all Contractor Staff have received the annual Influenza vaccine unless it is contraindicated. If the Contractor Staff has a medical contraindication to the vaccine they shall be required to wear a mask during the Influenza season. {This is applicable to all health care workers}.
COVID-19:
Contractors shall comply with VHA Supplemental Contract Requirements for Combatting COVID-19 {This is applicable to all health care workers}
Place of Performance:
Columbia VA Health Care System, WJB Dorn VA Medical Center, 6439 Garners Ferry Rd, Columbia SC 29209
Hours of Operation:
VA Business Hours: For Nursing/Surgical Technologist Services typically include:
8 Hour Tours of Duty 10 Hour Tours of Duty
6:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. 8:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Federal National Holidays are currently as follows:
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King's Birthday
- President’s Day
- Memorial Day
- Juneteenth Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Columbus Day
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- or any other day specifically declared by the President of the United States to be a national holiday.
Standards of Care:
KNOWLEDGE OF HOSPITAL POLICY AND PROCEDURES
The contractor surgical technologist must possess knowledge of highly technical medical instruments, human anatomy, physiology, and aseptic technique to prepare and protect the sterile field during surgery. Knowledge of sterile technique must include sterilizer operations and tests to determine the effectiveness of sterilization, packaging storage, and shelf life. Also includes the proper cleaning techniques and the types of detergents to use on various items, as well as the proper handling and rotation of sterile supplies, handling of contaminated items, quality control policies and procedures. The contractor must possess knowledge of a wide variety of complex surgical procedures and possible complications to prepare for the procedure, to anticipate the needs of the surgical team, to respond with speed and accuracy, and to report observations and immediate procedural needs to the RN circulator. The contractor must have a thorough knowledge of all appropriate names, uses, physical characteristics, function, and processing procedures for the full range of surgical supplies and equipment. The contractor must be familiar with dosages and proper use of all medications administered from the sterile field. To prepare for the surgical procedure, the contractor surgical technologist must have sufficient knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and protocol to select the correct instruments for a procedure, anticipate the needs of the surgeon during the procedure, and on a regular and recurring basis recognize and respond to a variety of critical situations, including emergency and life threatening conditions. The contractor must have a technical knowledge on the use and effects of anesthesia to recognize the hazards of anesthetic agents and to recognize and respond to adverse conditions during the procedure. Knowledge of pathology care; and handling of specimens correctly are essential for the prevention of damage to or loss of specimens and eventual diagnosis. During procedures in which implantable devices are used, incumbent must display knowledge and skill necessary for proper handling of prosthesis such as intra-ocular lenses, total joint prostheses, vascular grafts, pacemakers, and heart valves. The contractor must possess knowledge of operation and function of all surgical instruments and equipment, testing procedures to assure all equipment works, and proper postoperative decontamination procedures. The contractor must know appropriate instruments to be sterilized, including extremely costly endoscope instruments, and proper storage of instruments and supplies to maintain sterility.
ROTATES THROUGH ALL SURGICAL SPECIALTIES
To include but not limited to: General, Laparoscopic, Thoracic, Ophthalmology, Urology, Robotic, Podiatry, Orthopedic, Dental, ENT and GI.
RECOGNIZES DANGEROUS SURGICAL SITUATIONS
The contractor surgical technologist may be assigned to scrub for cases ranging from simple procedures to extremely complex and life-threatening procedures which require extensive advance preparation and review. Technical ability is critical with the use of complicated and expensive equipment and instrumentation. The contractor utilizes initiative in recognizing and resolving unfamiliar situations, problems, and deviations from standard procedures1 and emergencies in accordance with hospital policies and procedures, previous education, training, and experience. The contractor may be assigned to scrub cases for many different surgical specialties, all complicated by surgical resident and attending rotation through the surgical specialties which requires the ability to adjust to differences in technique and preferences among the various surgeons. The contractor must be alert for adverse patient reactions to procedures and be fully cognizant as to proper treatment and procedures.
INDEPENDENTLY SCRUBS COMPLEX SURGICAL PROCEDURES
The contractor surgical technologist regular duties involve an extremely large number of steps and patterns of action that are performed in a variety of sequences during surgery, and that differ from one type of surgery to another, from one surgeon to another, from one type of tissue to another, and from one surgical specialty to another. These requirements involve literally hundreds of instruments, supplies, and pieces of equipment which incumbent must know by name and appropriate function, and be able to correctly.
CONTRIBUTES TO THERAPEUTIC ENVIRONMENT
The surgical technologist may be assigned to an operating room used for multiple procedures for the same service of various services or may be assigned to another room when the original procedure in completed. The contractor performs scrub duties for all inpatient and outpatient surgical procedures as assigned. The regular and recurring duties of the incumbent are directly related to the performance of the surgical procedure, in that each item or instrument is handed by the scrub technologist to the surgeon as it is needed. The ability of the surgical technologist is to have all necessary materials readily available, properly prepared, and to avoid delay that affect the duration of the surgical procedure, as well as avoiding untoward surgical outcomes due to faulty or misused items. The work has a direct impact on the treatment, healing, and well-being of patients
PREPARES CASE CARTS FOR UPCOMING SURGERIES
Depending on the surgeon and procedure, the incumbent must understand in what order various items are needed and used. Anticipation of the surgeon's needs demands analysis of the differences encountered in each surgical procedure and correct interpretation of all available information. Incumbent must be able to ascertain appropriate amounts and types of supplies required in order to avoid wastage of costly items while ensuring that necessary instrumentation and other supplies and material are available when required.
DIRECT PATIENT CARE:
Estimated 100% of the time involved in direct patient care.
Scope of Care:
Contractor’s Staff(s) (as appropriate and within scope of practice/privileging) shall be responsible for providing care in the VA Medical Center, including, but not limited to:
Operating Room Surgical Technologist
- Operating Room Unit Surgical Technologists shall be accountable clinically for ensuring that patient care complies with accepted standards of care and clinical practice. Technologists shall possess expertise in theory and application of sterile and aseptic technique and combine knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation tools and technologies to facilitate a surgeon’s performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. Under the supervision of the RN, the surgical technologist can assist in circulating functions such as patient positioning, preparation of equipment, and skin preparation.
- Contractor staff may be utilized as needed to other areas. Contract staff may be required to float on an equitable rotational basis (between scheduled qualified staff within the department) to other units as needed.
- All Surgical Technologist considered for assignment to an OR shall have completed an accredited surgical technology program. In Lieu of OR certification, candidates shall possess at least five years clinical experience in an Operating Room.
- Nurse Managers reserve the right to determine if OR experience is conducive to their needs.
- Contract Staff assigned to the OR can expect to work eight (8) hour shifts including late shifts if needed on weeknights. Contract Staff shall work a minimum of forty (40) hours in a seven (7) day calendar work week. Any hours worked over forty (40) in a seven (7) day calendar day work week shall continue to be compensated at the agreed contracted rate. One 15-minute paid rest period shall be allowed for each four-hour period of employment, and one 30-minute meal period on the contractor’s own time. The Hospital shall comply with all legal requirements with respect to meals and breaks if not otherwise provided in this Agreement, with the understanding that all exceptions to such requirements must be permissible under the law.
- The minimum requirement for all Contracted Staff assigned to any of the OR shall include a current unrestricted designation from any State, District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States, a current Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)/Basic Life Support (BLS) certificate accredited by the American Heart Association or equivalent, and a certificate of completion from an accredited surgical technology program.
- Patient Safety Compliance and Reporting: Contractor’s Surgical Technologists shall follow all established patient safety and infection control standards of care. Contractor’s surgical technologist shall make every effort to prevent adverse events, medication errors, falls, and patient injury caused by acts of commission or omission in the delivery of care. All events related to patient injury, medication errors, and other breeches of patient safety shall be documented in the medical record of those impacted and disclosed to the patient or surrogate. As soon as practicable (but within 24 hours) Contractors shall notify COR of incident and submit an entry in the VA Patient Safety Reporting System, following up with COR as required or requested.
- Customer Service: Contractor’s surgical technologist shall refer all patient/customer service issues to the OR Charge Nurse and/or OR Nurse Manager or designee.
U.S. Citizenship:
Employee must be a U.S. citizen. For the purpose of base and network access, possession of a permanent resident card (“Green Card”) does not equate to U.S. citizenship.
SECURITY:
All contractor personnel require a minimum of a Tier 1 background check (T1)/SF85 for any position that requires access to the internet, use of automated information systems to cover standalone computers or unescorted entry into restricted or controlled areas prior to reporting for duty in support of any requirement. The investigation is not for a security clearance; it is for a position of trust. This is a mandatory requirement set forth in DoDM 5200.02_AFMAN 16-1405, Air Force Personnel Security Program. All documentation required for security certification shall be the responsibility of the contractor.
Point of Contact for Immediate Consideration:
Art Mata
amata@reef-sys.com