The Certified Surgical Technician assists the surgical team by preparing the operating room, managing sterile fields, and passing instruments during procedures. They also ensure patient safety by following established protocols for counts, specimen handling, and equipment maintenance.
Requirements summary
Candidates must be graduates of an accredited surgical technologist program and hold current NBSTSA or NCCT certification. Additionally, a current AHA Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider certification is required.
(Part-time, Variable) 20hrs/week with required call Pay range
$39.95 - $59.94 ST.
CHARLES
HEALTH
SYSTEM
JOB
Description
TITLE:
Certified
Surgical
Technician
REPORTS
TO
Position:
Operating
Room
Manager
Department:
Operating
Room
DATE
LAST
Reviewed:
March 2025
OUR
VISION:
Creating
America’s healthiest community, together
OUR
MISSION: In the spirit of love and compassion, better health, better care, better value
OUR
VALUES:
Accountability,
Caring and
Teamwork
Department
SUMMARY: The Operating Room departments provide specialized care to patients throughout their perioperative experience.
Position
OVERVIEW: The Certified Surgical Tech (CST) functions as a member of the Surgical Services Perioperative Team. The CST performs delegated duties consistent with their scope of practice and functions within the philosophy and overall plan of care delivery. The CST may perform the duties of Scrub Technologist and/or Second Assisting Technologist in accordance with Oregon Law (ORS 676.870). The CST maintains a safe and sterile environment by implementing technical and aseptic practices according to AORN Standards and St. Charles Health System (SCHS) policies and procedures. Practices as a CST while observing the recommendations of AST and their governing organizations. This position does not directly manage other caregivers.
Essential
Functions
AND
DUTIES: Functions as a member of the Surgical Services Perioperative team to assure patient care is accomplished in a safe, efficient and cost-effective manner. Ensures the perioperative regime for each patient is implemented as prescribed by the physician. Prepares the operating room and obtains necessary equipment. Drapes and covers operating and instrument tables; lays out supplies and equipment in appropriate fashion for scheduled or emergency cases. Assists and procures appropriate equipment that will be used during surgery, checks for any malfunctions, and makes any needed adjustments. Conducts all duties utilizing the safety zone to minimize risk of exposure, as outlined in SCHS policies and procedures. Follows established policies and procedures for counts of sponges, sharps, and instruments. Participates in the Pre-Brief, Time-out, and Debrief of the surgical procedure. Assists, when necessary, with positioning of the patient correctly on operating table. Gowns and gloves surgeon(s) and assistants in preparation for procedure. Assists in preparing and draping sterile field. Passes instruments and other supplies to the surgeon during procedure. Prepares sterile dressings and maintains highest standard of sterile technique during procedure. Anticipates needs of the surgical team and promotes efficient flow of the operative procedure. Works in a manner that minimizes distractions and maintains patient care focus. Assists and follows established procedures and SCHS policies for counts of sponges, sharps and instruments. Follows established procedures for the care of specimens and tissue. Participates in the cleaning of the operating room. Breaks down cases at the end of the procedure, gathers contaminated instruments and places them for decontamination and sterile processing. Performs these tasks in a way that protects equipment to avoid damage and safety of other caregivers, per SCHC policies and procedures. Performs the following tasks when functioning as a
Second
Assist
Technologist: holds retractors or instrument as directed by the surgeon, sponges or suctions operative site. Delivers customer service and/or patient care in a manner that promotes goodwill, is timely, efficient and accurate. Participates with team members in facilitating patient’s and family’s learning regarding the surgical experience. Practices creating a healing environment for patients, families and other caregivers. Performs stand by call as assigned. Varies by department. Supports the vision, mission and values of the organization in all respects. Supports Lean principles of continuous improvement with energy and enthusiasm, functioning as a champion of change. Provides and maintains a safe environment for caregivers, patients and guests. Conducts all activities with the highest standards of professionalism and confidentiality. Complies with all applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures, supporting the organization’s corporate integrity efforts by acting in an ethical and appropriate manner, reporting known or suspected violation of applicable rules, and cooperating fully with all organizational investigations and proceedings. Delivers customer service and/or patient care in a manner that promotes goodwill, is timely, efficient and accurate. May perform additional duties of similar complexity within the organization, as required or assigned.
Education:
Required: Graduate of a CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs) accredited program, ABHES (Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools) accredited program or military surgical technologist program or a combination of education and experience.
Preferred
N/A
Licensure/Certification/Registration:
Required: Current NBSTSA (National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting) Surgical Technologist Certification, or current NCCT (National Center for Competency Testing) Surgical Technologist Certification. AHA Basic Life Support for Healthcare Provider certification.
Preferred
Current NBSTSA (National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting) Surgical First Assistant Certification (CSFA).
Experience:
Required:
N/A
Preferred: One (1) year experience in a high volume, multiple specialties operating room.
Personal
Protective
EQUIPMENT: Must be able to wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required to perform the job safely.
Additional
Position
INFORMATION: Excellent communication and customer service skills, particularly in dealing with stressful interactions. Excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills. Strong team working and collaborative skills. Basic experience in computer applications necessary to record time, obtain work directions, and complete assigned
CBL’s
Position
Specific: Experienced in all aspects of aseptic technique. Knowledgeable regarding instrumentation, equipment and supply needs for all types of surgical procedures.
Physical
REQUIREMENTS: Continually (75% or more): Standing and walking, keyboard operation, use of clear and audible speaking voice and the ability to hear normal speech level. Frequently (50%): Sitting, lifting/carrying/pushing or pulling 1-25 pounds. The use and operation of a motor vehicle for Home Health and Wound Caregivers. Occasionally (25%): Bending, stooping/kneeling/crouching, climbing ladder/step-stool (varies by area), reaching overhead, lifting/carrying/pushing or pulling 25-50 pounds, grasping/squeezing, ability to hear whispered speech level. Rarely (10%): Climbing stairs. Never (0%): Climbing ladder/step-stool (varies by area), operation of a motor vehicle. Exposure to Elemental Factors Rarely (10%): Wet/slippery area, chemical solution. Never (0%): Heat, cold, noise, dust, vibration, uneven surface. Blood-Borne Pathogen (BBP)
Exposure
Category
Risk for
Exposure to
BBP
Schedule
Weekly
Hours: 20
Caregiver
Type:
Regular
Shift: Variable (United States of America) Is Exempt Position?
No
Job
Family:
Technician
Clinical
Scheduled
Days of the
Week:
Variable
Shift
Start &
End
Time: Variable St. Charles Health System is a private, nonprofit organization, dedicated to providing high-quality care and the latest in health care technology to the communities it serves. Headquartered in Bend, Ore., St. Charles is an integrated delivery system, with a strong focus on population health, that provides a full range of evidence-based health care services within a 32,000-square-mile area in Central and Eastern Oregon. The health system owns and operates a trauma level II, tertiary referral center in Bend, a trauma level III, type B rural hospital in Redmond, and trauma level IV critical access hospitals in both Prineville and Madras. As the largest employer in Central Oregon, St. Charles Health System and St. Charles Medical Group care for our communities in more than two dozen outpatient clinics and in more than 20 specialty areas of medicine. For additional information, such as Career FAQ's, benefits, and why your dream job awaits, please visit our Careers site. With a variety of nursing positions available, you can choose a career path that fits both your interests AND your lifestyle. Please click on the link for additional help on navigating the candidate site and features of the candidate home page. Candidate Home User Guide
