Surgical Technologist

To become a Certified Surgical Technologist at Shriners Children’s in Chicago, you need to hold a High School Diploma or GED and be certified as a Surgical Technologist. Additionally, a minimum of one year of experience in scrub skills and familiarity with sterile techniques, infection control, sterilization, and disinfection procedures are required to ensure patient safety during surgical procedures.

As a Surgical Technologist at Shriners Children’s, your primary responsibility will be to assist in the operating room as a scrub person. Working under the supervision of registered nurses and surgeons, you'll play a crucial role in ensuring that the environment is safe and prepared for surgical procedures, effectively managing equipment and maintaining sterile techniques throughout surgeries.

At Shriners Children's Chicago, Surgical Technologists enjoy a variety of benefits right from their first day, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Additional perks include a 403(b) retirement saving plan with matching contributions, paid time off, life insurance, tuition reimbursement, and more, creating a supportive work environment conducive to both professional and personal growth.

The role of a Surgical Technologist at Shriners Children's is vital for patient care. By ensuring that the operating room is sterile and that surgical instruments are ready and functioning, you help optimize the surgical experience for children undergoing procedures. Your involvement guarantees that each surgical intervention is conducted safely, contributing directly to better health outcomes for kids facing challenging medical situations.

Surgical Technologists at Shriners Children's in Chicago enjoy a good work-life balance due to our commitment to minimal weekend and holiday call responsibilities. This scheduling flexibility allows you to focus on your career while also making time for your personal interests and family commitments, making it a rewarding workplace environment.

When answering, highlight any specific surgical instruments you are familiar with. Discuss your experience in handling and maintaining these instruments, as well as how you ensure they are sterile and ready for use during surgeries to uphold patient safety.

Discuss your knowledge of infection control protocols and your experience applying sterile techniques. Mention specific practices you follow to maintain sterility, such as proper gowning, glove use, and cleaning procedures, to ensure patient safety.

Talk about your preparation process, which may include reviewing the procedure with the surgical team, organizing instruments, and ensuring all necessary equipment is functional. Emphasize your communication skills and teamwork as you collaborate with other healthcare professionals.

Share specific strategies you use to remain calm and focused, such as prioritizing tasks, staying organized, and relying on your training. Provide examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed high-pressure situations.

Reflect on a specific incident where you encountered a challenge, such as an equipment malfunction or an unexpected complication during surgery. Explain how you addressed the issue quickly and efficiently, highlighting your problem-solving skills and ability to remain composed under pressure.

Discuss your passion for healthcare, particularly in the pediatric field. Mention your desire to improve children's lives and your commitment to working as part of a compassionate team that prioritizes patient care and safety.

Provide insights into your knowledge of pediatric surgery procedures you have assisted with. Discuss specific types of surgeries you are familiar with and express your eagerness to learn more about the unique challenges of pediatric surgical cases as a part of your role.

Emphasize the importance of clear, concise communication within the team. Talk about your approach, such as using non-verbal cues during procedures and maintaining a supportive atmosphere to facilitate collaboration and safety.

Share your conflict-resolution strategies, focusing on open dialogue and mutual respect. Give examples of how you’ve effectively addressed disagreements with colleagues in a way that prioritizes patient care and fosters a cohesive team environment.

Discuss essential qualities such as attention to detail, teamwork, strong communication skills, and the ability to adapt to rapidly changing environments. Explain why you believe these traits are crucial for success in the Surgical Technologist role.