Certified Surgical Technician

Hopedale Medical Complex•Hopedale, IL

25d•$27 - $34•Onsite

About The Position

Hopedale Medical Complex has provided exceptional, patient-centered healthcare close to home for over 70 years. As an independent, nonprofit Critical Access Hospital, HMC offers the capabilities of a larger health system with the personal connection of community healthcare. The Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) is a vital member of the surgical team, supporting surgeons, nurses, and other healthcare professionals in delivering safe and efficient patient care before, during, and after surgical and invasive procedures. This role involves preparing the operating room, equipment, instruments, supplies, and sterile field, assisting with patient preparation and positioning, anticipating the needs of the surgical team, and maintaining strict aseptic technique. The CST must possess strong knowledge of surgical procedures, instruments, equipment, supplies, infection prevention, and operating room protocols, along with excellent attention to detail, communication, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm and responsive in various situations.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited Surgical Technology program.
Current certification/credential as a Certified Surgical Technologist in accordance with Hopedale Medical Complex requirements and applicable standards.
Current CPR/BLS certification or ability to obtain certification as required.
Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accuracy in a fast-paced surgical environment.
Demonstrated knowledge of surgical instruments, equipment, supplies, sterile technique, and infection prevention practices.
Ability to anticipate the needs of the surgeon and surgical team.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team.
Ability and willingness to learn new procedures, equipment, and techniques.
Ability to remain calm, focused, and professional during emergency and high-stress situations.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience working in an operating room or surgical services department.
Experience with multiple surgical specialties and procedures.
Experience with surgical preference cards, inventory management, and sterile processing practices.
Experience in a hospital or critical access hospital setting.

Responsibilities

Prepare the operating room, equipment, instruments, supplies, and sterile field for scheduled surgical and invasive procedures.
Review the procedure and surgeon preference card to ensure all necessary instruments, equipment, supplies, and implants are available and properly prepared.
Verify the proper functioning and readiness of equipment and instruments prior to each procedure.
Maintain familiarity with surgeons' preferences, techniques, and procedural requirements and prepare the operating room accordingly.
Update preference cards and communicate changes or supply needs to the appropriate surgical services personnel.
Maintain appropriate inventory and PAR levels of instruments, supplies, and equipment and submit requisitions for replenishment as needed.
Establish and maintain an orderly, organized, and sterile instrument table and operative field.
Demonstrate proficiency in aseptic technique, infection prevention practices, and applicable exposure control procedures.
Assist the surgeon and other members of the surgical team during operative and invasive procedures.
Anticipate the needs of the surgeon and surgical team and provide appropriate instruments, supplies, and equipment in a timely manner.
Maintain awareness of the sterile field throughout the procedure and immediately address or report any break in sterile technique.
Perform surgical counts of sponges, needles, instruments, sharps, dissectors, tapes, and other applicable supplies in accordance with established policies and procedures.
Communicate count discrepancies immediately and participate in appropriate resolution procedures.
Assist with the safe and efficient flow of surgical procedures while maintaining patient safety and infection prevention standards.
Assist with transporting, transferring, and positioning patients for surgical procedures as directed, using appropriate patient identification and safety procedures.
Assist with patient preparation for surgical and invasive procedures within the scope of training and assigned responsibilities.
Maintain patient privacy, dignity, safety, and confidentiality throughout the perioperative experience.
Follow established patient identification, surgical site verification, specimen handling, and safety procedures.
Remain alert to changes in the patient's condition and promptly communicate concerns to the appropriate nurse or surgical team member.
Respond appropriately to emergency situations and emergency surgical procedures as directed.
Identify, handle, label, and prepare surgical specimens, cultures, and other materials for laboratory submission in accordance with established procedures.
Verify specimen information with the appropriate members of the surgical team and promptly report discrepancies.
Clean, decontaminate, sterilize, organize, and replenish instruments and supplies in accordance with established procedures and manufacturer recommendations.
Maintain appropriate inventory levels of instruments and supplies and notify the Director of Surgical Services of shortages or equipment concerns.
Assist with maintaining equipment and instruments in proper working condition.
Report damaged, missing, malfunctioning, or unsafe equipment and instruments promptly.
Complete required documentation related to surgical procedures, counts, specimens, equipment, and other assigned responsibilities.
Record treatments, observations, comments, and other pertinent information in the appropriate patient record or departmental documentation system.
Promptly communicate physician orders, patient care concerns, equipment issues, count discrepancies, and other pertinent information to the appropriate personnel.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with surgeons, nurses, anesthesia personnel, coworkers, supervisors, and other members of the healthcare team.
Protect patient rights and confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA, Hopedale Medical Complex policies, and applicable laws and regulations.
Follow infection prevention, exposure control, patient safety, and workplace safety policies and procedures.
Participate in departmental in-service training, competency assessments, quality assurance activities, continuing education, and required staff meetings.
Maintain current knowledge and competency in surgical technology practices, equipment, instruments, procedures, and safety standards.
Demonstrate flexibility and willingness to learn new procedures, techniques, equipment, and technology.
Perform other related duties as assigned or requested.