Lead Surgical Technologist - Cardiac, Vascular and Thoracic

The Lead Cardiac, Vascular and Thoracic Surgical Technologist demonstrates advanced knowledge, technical skill and understanding of the unique requirements of cardiac, vascular and thoracic procedures, including specialty instrumentation, implants, grafts, equipment and emergency readiness. The Lead demonstrates advanced competency scrubbing and assisting with procedures across the service line and may rotate to other specialties for duties in which competency has been demonstrated.

The Lead assumes responsibility and accountability for service-line room readiness, case preparation and coordination of instrumentation, supplies, implants and equipment. The Lead maintains knowledge of service-line equipment, ensures availability and proper working order, tracks repairs, supports product evaluation and participates in capital and new-purchase requests.

The Lead Cardiac, Vascular and Thoracic Surgical Technologist serves as the primary technical resource for the service line and collaborates with surgeons, anesthesia, perfusion, nursing, sterile processing, imaging and vendor partners to support safe, efficient care. The Lead assists with direct and indirect operating room activities; supports staff orientation, competency validation and ongoing education; standardizes clinical practices and preference cards; and helps identify opportunities to improve quality, safety, efficiency and cost stewardship.

The Lead performs to standards of care defined by the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) and maintains knowledge of applicable AST, AORN and AAMI standards. The Lead works independently, prioritizes rapidly changing case needs and supports emergency response for patients undergoing cardiac, vascular and thoracic surgery at Billings Clinic.

Essential Job Functions

• Coordinates Daily Staffing and Operational Coverage: Coordinates daily staffing assignments and prepares monthly schedules to ensure appropriate staffing levels and call coverage for the Operating Room. Participates in assigned call responsibilities and supports operational needs to maintain continuity of surgical services, including urgent and emergent procedures.
• Provides Perioperative Clinical Expertise and Specialty Support: Demonstrates proficiency in cardiac, vascular, and thoracic surgical procedures, including urgent and emergent cases, and maintains competency to support other surgical specialties as assigned. Serves as a role model for professional perioperative practice and demonstrates the knowledge, technical skills, and judgment necessary to support safe, efficient, and effective surgical care.
• Prepares and Manages Surgical Cases, Instruments, and Supplies: Reviews and updates surgeon preference cards and prepares for assigned procedures. Streamlines instrument trays and dry goods, performs surgical case setup and breakdown, supports stocking of carts and completion of case carts, and ensures instruments, equipment, and supplies are available and appropriately prepared for procedures. Uses equipment and supplies cost-effectively while supporting efficient surgical workflows.
• Maintains Sterile Technique and Infection Prevention Standards: Establishes, maintains, and monitors the sterile field throughout surgical procedures and performs sterile draping according to surgeon preference. Follows standard precautions, uses required personal protective equipment, and complies with Surgical Services policies and procedures related to aseptic technique, infection prevention, and patient safety. Cleans and prepares instruments in the Operating Room for reprocessing and sterilization in accordance with established standards.
• Supports Safe and Effective Intraoperative Patient Care: Collaborates with the surgical team to implement each patient's plan of care and anticipates the needs of the surgeon and other team members before, during, and after procedures. Demonstrates knowledge of instruments, equipment, and supplies used in basic and specialty procedures; correctly identifies and handles specimens for processing; and performs and verifies counts of instruments, sharps, and sponges before, during, and after procedures according to established protocols. Identifies and reports conditions that may compromise patient safety and protects patient information and confidentiality.
• Operates and Maintains Surgical Equipment and Ensures Radiation Safety: Demonstrates proficiency in operating and troubleshooting a variety of equipment used in the surgical suite to support safe and uninterrupted surgical procedures. Ensures radiation safety practices are followed in accordance with applicable standards, including the appropriate use of required protective measures and equipment.
• Leads Process Improvement and Operational Efficiency Initiatives: Facilitates and leads process improvement activities related to surgical case turnovers, instrument sets, tray composition, workflow, and other perioperative operations. Identifies opportunities to improve efficiency, safety, quality, and resource utilization; collaborates with team members to implement improvements; and supports the standardization and streamlining of surgical processes.
• Participates in Program Development and Procedure Implementation: Partners with departmental leadership in strategic planning and operational implementation to support departmental goals and objectives. Participates in and leads the development of new programs and implementation of new procedures, workflows, and practices, helping ensure changes are effectively integrated into daily operations and align with established clinical and organizational standards.
• Supports Staff Education, Orientation, and Competency Development: Identifies individual learning needs and collaborates with the perioperative educator to pursue appropriate professional development opportunities. Serves as a preceptor and role model for new staff and students learning the scrub role; collaborates with the appropriate team members to identify orientee learning needs; and assists with teaching and learning opportunities, orientation activities, and competency-based practice to promote clinical proficiency and professional growth.
• Promotes Professional Practice, Teamwork, and Compliance: Demonstrates professional accountability and supports a collaborative, respectful, and safety-focused perioperative environment. Maintains competency in assigned clinical responsibilities, follows Surgical Services policies and procedures, communicates effectively with the surgical team, and supports adherence to established standards for patient care, confidentiality, infection prevention, radiation safety, and operational performance.