Operating Room Technician (Temporary)

About the Role:

The Operating Room/Surgical Technician in Hoboken plays a critical role in supporting surgical teams by preparing and maintaining a sterile environment to ensure patient safety and procedural efficiency. This position involves the meticulous setup of surgical instruments, equipment, and supplies prior to operations, as well as assisting surgeons and nurses during procedures by anticipating their needs and handling instruments appropriately. The technician is responsible for maintaining strict adherence to infection control protocols and ensuring all surgical tools are properly sterilized and accounted for before, during, and after surgery. Additionally, this role requires effective communication and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to facilitate smooth surgical workflows and respond promptly to any intraoperative needs. Ultimately, the Operating Room/Surgical Technician contributes significantly to positive surgical outcomes and patient care quality through their technical expertise and attention to detail.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Completion of an accredited surgical technology program.
• Certification as a Surgical Technologist (CST).
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Prior experience working in an operating room or surgical environment is preferred but not mandatory.
• Exceptional customer service, communication, attention to detail, excellent hand-eye coordination, self-motivated and work in an efficient and effective manner. 
• The ability to learn quickly and adapt to changing patient needs, a strong sense of accountability for improving patient experience and patient satisfaction with exceptional focus on teamwork.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced certifications such as Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) or other specialty surgical certifications.
• Experience with electronic medical records (EMR) systems.
• Familiarity with a wide range of surgical specialties including orthopedics, cardiovascular, and general surgery.
• Strong knowledge of sterilization techniques and infection control standards beyond basic requirements.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in high-pressure, fast-paced surgical settings.

Responsibilities:

• Prepare operating rooms by setting up surgical instruments, equipment, and sterile drapes according to the specific requirements of each procedure.
• Assist surgical teams during operations by passing instruments, sponges, and other sterile supplies as needed, anticipating the needs of surgeons and nurses.
• Maintain strict aseptic technique and infection control standards throughout all phases of surgical procedures.
• Inspect and ensure the proper functioning of surgical instruments and equipment before and after use, reporting any malfunctions or deficiencies.
• Manage inventory of surgical supplies and ensure timely restocking to prevent delays in surgical schedules.
• Assist in the cleaning, sterilization, and proper storage of surgical instruments and equipment post-procedure.
• Document surgical procedures and maintain accurate records of instrument counts and usage to ensure patient safety.
• Collaborate with healthcare professionals to support efficient operating room turnover and maintain a safe working environment.
• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Skills:

The Operating Room/Surgical Technician utilizes technical skills daily to prepare and maintain sterile fields, ensuring all surgical instruments and equipment are ready and functioning properly. Attention to detail is critical when managing instrument counts and adhering to infection control protocols to prevent contamination and ensure patient safety. Effective communication skills are essential for coordinating with surgeons, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to anticipate needs and respond promptly during procedures. Problem-solving abilities help the technician address unexpected challenges such as equipment malfunctions or supply shortages efficiently. Additionally, organizational skills support the management of surgical supplies and documentation, contributing to smooth operating room workflows and positive patient outcomes.