Operating Room Surgical Technologist

Mercyhealth Wisconsin and Illinois•Rockford, IL

2d•$23 - $35

About The Position

The Operating Room Surgical Technologist handles the instruments, supplies, and equipment needed during surgical procedures. The technologist understands the procedure being performed, anticipates the surgeon’s needs, helps ensure quality patient care, and maintains the sterile field. The role supports the surgical team before, during, and after surgery, including preparing for procedures, assisting with patient positioning and sterile draping, maintaining sterile technique, and helping clean and prepare the operating room between cases. The position may also include mentoring or precepting up to one surgical technician student.

Requirements

Graduate of a CAAHEP-accredited Surgical Technology program, or a program currently participating in the accreditation process.
Less than one year of experience as a Surgical Scrub Technologist.
Approved CPR or BLS certification required within 90 days; other certifications may be required according to unit requirements.
Certified Surgical Technologist certification through NBSTSA is required if the program is not accredited but is currently participating in the accreditation process.

Nice To Haves

High school diploma or GED preferred.
Certified Surgical Technologist certification through NBSTSA preferred.
Additional certifications such as ACLS, PALS, PEARS, or NRP may apply according to unit requirements.

Responsibilities

Check instruments, supplies, and equipment needed for surgical procedures.
Scrub, gown, glove, and set up the sterile table with the instruments, supplies, equipment, medications, and solutions needed for each procedure.
Assist with patient placement and positioning on the operating table.
Assist with draping the sterile field according to the procedure and physician preference.
Perform sponge, needle, and instrument counts with the circulator according to policy before the operation and before incision closure.
Gown and glove the surgeon and assistants.
Create and maintain the sterile field and maintain the highest standards of sterile technique during procedures.
Pass instruments to the surgeon during procedures.
As directed by the surgeon, sponge the operative site, hold retractors, cut suture, and cauterize previously clamped vessels.
Prepare sterile dressings and, when applicable and directed by the surgeon, apply and secure dressings.
Assist team members with cleaning the operating room after each procedure and prepare the room for the next patient.
Participate in department performance improvement activities.
May directly supervise or mentor up to one surgical technician student; when acting as a preceptor, support the student’s learning by sharing knowledge, providing instruction and feedback, and serving as a resource and role model.