Certified Surgical Technician

ST. CHARLES HEALTH SYSTEM

JOB DESCRIPTION

TITLE:                                      Certified Surgical Technician

REPORTS TO POSITION:         Operating Room Manager

DEPARTMENT:                         Operating Room

DATE LAST REVIEWED:          August 2026

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: N/A

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/stepstool (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/stepstool (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

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