Hackensack Meridian Health·Neptune Township, New Jersey
The Surgical Technologist provides surgeons with sterile instruments and supplies while maintaining a sterile field during procedures. They are responsible for the setup and cleanup of the operating room and ensuring the proper handling of surgical equipment.
Overview Our team members are the heart of what makes us better.
At Hackensack Meridian Health we help our patients live better, healthier lives — and we help one another to succeed.
With a culture rooted in connection and collaboration, our employees are team members.
Here, competitive benefits are just the beginning.
It’s also about how we support one another and how we show up for our community.
Together, we keep getting better - advancing our mission to transform healthcare and serve as a leader of positive change.
The Surgical Technologist I (ST) at Hackensack Meridian Health (HMH) performs assigned duties under the direction of the Registered Nurse (RN). Demonstrates positive behavior and the ability to implement a plan of care. Duties require detailed knowledge of surgical instruments and prescribed procedures to provide surgeons with the appropriate sterile instruments and supplies throughout the course of surgery. Follows policy in standardization of set-ups and utilization of surgeon preference and assumes responsibility for the care and proper handling of instruments by neatly organizing all instrumentation before returning to the decontamination room and returning all clean supplies to designated areas. Adheres to environment of care procedures related to safety, security, and emergency preparedness. Observe standards regarding infection control, proper PPE and Operating Room (OR) attire, Universal Precautions, and hazardous materials. (i.e. Right to Know guidelines, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards, and all state and federal regulations). Completes annual mandatory training and attends staff meetings. Supports all policies and procedures of the hospital as they pertain to their area of function. Maintains confidentiality of information, including all patient information, financial and business records, and personal information. Demonstrates competence in assisting the surgical team by following Association of periOperative Registered Nurses (AORN) recommendations for scrubbing, gowning, gloving, prepping, draping, and observing for contamination and/or breaks in techniques. Has a very good knowledge of aseptic techniques and maintaining a sterile field. Helps with the setup of the operating room before surgery and clean up when the procedure is completed. Remains alert during the procedures and demonstrates an ability to handle unexpected situations. Appropriately handles emergencies and knows responsibilities. Maintains count of sponges, needles, and instruments and administrates and labels medications all according to established policy. Actively participates in briefing, timeout, and de-briefing. Handles specimens according to OR Policy and Procedures. Controls contamination and provides for decontamination, disinfection, sterilization, and sanitation of instruments and equipment. Removes used equipment and properly disposes of contaminated needles and syringes at the end of procedures. Participates in team conferences to plan care and evaluate the effectiveness of patient care and assists the circulator in revising the plan of care. Maintains ST skills proficiency checklist up to date by checking off equipment and cases when rotated through specialty areas. Can be available to respond to the hospital within 30 minutes when taking on-call responsibilities as assigned. Identifies the needs of the patient population served and modifies and delivers care that is specific to those needs (i.e., age, culture, language, hearing and/or visually impaired, etc.). This process includes communicating with the patient, parent, and/or primary caregiver(s) at their level (developmental/age, educational, literacy, etc.). Other duties and/or projects as assigned. Adheres to HMH Organizational competencies and standards of behavior. Lifts a minimum of 50 lbs., pushes and pulls a minimum of 400 lbs. and stands a minimum of length of shift.
Qualifications: Education,
Required: High School diploma, general equivalency diploma (GED), and/or GED equivalent programs. Graduate of an accredited Surgical Technologist Program or appropriate training program. Minimum 0-2 years experience as a surgical technologist. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Proficient computer skills that include but are not limited to Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite platforms. Licenses and Certifications Required: Professional certification by the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) unless exempt per the New Jersey Surgical Technology Certification Law in effect since 12/21/2011 as follows: Holds and maintains a certified surgical technologist credential administered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting or its successor, or other nationally recognized credentialing organization; OR has completed an appropriate training program for surgical technology in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard of the United States or in the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps; OR provides evidence that the person was employed to practice surgical technology in a healthcare facility on the effective date of this act December 2011. BLS Certification at hire or to obtain within three (3) months of hire. Starting Minimum Rate Minimum rate of $29.38 Hourly Job Posting Disclosure HMH is committed to pay equity and transparency for our team members. The posted rate of pay in this job posting is a reasonable good faith estimate of the minimum base pay for this role at the time of posting in accordance with the New Jersey Pay Transparency Act and does not reflect the full value of our market-competitive total rewards package. The starting rate of pay is provided for informational purposes only and is not a guarantee of a specific offer. Posted hourly rates may be stated as an annual salary in the offer and posted annual salaries may be stated as an hourly rate in the offer, depending on the level and nature of the job duties and credentials of the candidate. The base compensation determined at the time of the offer may be different than the posted rate of pay based on a number of non-discriminatory factors, including but not limited to: Labor Market Data: Compensation is benchmarked against market data to ensure competitiveness.
Requires a high school diploma and graduation from an accredited Surgical Technologist program. Candidates must hold professional certification from the AST or an equivalent recognized body and BLS certification.
Market context
Per diem operating room surgical technician roles in New Jersey are often in demand because hospitals need flexible coverage for evening shifts and surgical schedules. Competition is usually strongest for candidates with accredited surgical technologist training, AST or equivalent certification, and current BLS, plus familiarity with fast-paced OR teamwork. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this page to save research time, then confirm your certification status and evening availability before applying.