Certified Surgical Technician

St. Charles Health System•Redmond, OR

About The Position

The Certified Surgical Technician (CST) is a member of the Surgical Services Perioperative Team and performs delegated duties within the CST scope of practice and the overall plan of care. The CST may work as a Scrub Technologist and/or Second Assisting Technologist in accordance with Oregon law. The role maintains a safe and sterile environment by following AORN standards, organizational policies and procedures, and AST recommendations. This position does not directly manage other caregivers. The CST prepares the operating room, gathers and checks equipment, helps establish and maintain the sterile field, supports the surgical team during procedures, and participates in patient care activities before, during, and after surgery. The position also involves case breakdown, instrument handling for decontamination and sterile processing, and operating room cleaning. The CST provides attentive, timely patient and customer service, supports patient and family learning, and contributes to a safe, healing environment. The role is part-time, with 30 scheduled hours per week, a first shift schedule, variable days, and shift times of 0645–1715. Standby call may be assigned, varying by department.

Requirements

Graduate of a CAAHEP-accredited program, an ABHES-accredited program, a military surgical technologist program, or a combination of education and experience.
Current NBSTSA Surgical Technologist Certification or current NCCT Surgical Technologist Certification.
AHA Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider certification.
Excellent communication and customer service skills, particularly when handling stressful interactions.
Excellent organizational and multitasking skills.
Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.
Basic experience with computer applications to record time, obtain work directions, and complete assigned CBLs.
Experience in all aspects of aseptic technique.
Knowledge of instrumentation, equipment, and supply needs for surgical procedures.
Ability to wear the personal protective equipment required to perform the job safely.

Nice To Haves

One year of experience in a high-volume, multiple-specialty operating room.

Responsibilities

Function as a member of the perioperative team to support safe, efficient, and cost-effective patient care.
Ensure the physician-prescribed perioperative regime is implemented for each patient.
Prepare the operating room and obtain, arrange, and check equipment and supplies for scheduled or emergency cases; make needed adjustments to equipment.
Use the safety zone and follow organizational policies and procedures to minimize exposure risks.
Perform and participate in established counts of sponges, sharps, and instruments.
Participate in the surgical Pre-Brief, Time-out, and Debrief.
Assist with correct patient positioning on the operating table when needed.
Gown and glove surgeons and assistants, prepare and drape the sterile field, and maintain sterile technique.
Pass instruments and supplies to the surgeon and anticipate the surgical team’s needs during procedures.
Prepare sterile dressings and maintain focus on patient care while minimizing distractions.
Follow procedures for care of specimens and tissue.
Clean the operating room, break down cases, and gather contaminated instruments for decontamination and sterile processing while protecting equipment and caregiver safety.
When functioning as a Second Assist Technologist, hold retractors or instruments as directed by the surgeon and sponge or suction the operative site.
Provide timely, efficient, accurate customer service and patient care that promotes goodwill.
Work with team members to facilitate patient and family learning about the surgical experience and help create a healing environment.
Perform standby call as assigned; frequency varies by department.
Support the organization’s vision, mission, values, and Lean continuous-improvement principles.
Maintain a safe environment for caregivers, patients, and guests; uphold professionalism and confidentiality; comply with applicable laws and policies and support organizational integrity efforts.
Perform other duties of similar complexity as required or assigned.