Certified Surgical Technician

Turkey Creek Medical Center; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 33,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Turkey Creek Medical Center is seeking a Certified Surgical Technician to support the operating room team in delivering safe, high-quality patient care. The role focuses on preparing the sterile field, maintaining instrumentation, and collaborating with the perioperative staff.

The technician will ensure aseptic technique, assist with instrument counts, and help position patients while following infection control policies and physician preference cards. CST certification and BLS are required.

Qualifications

• 0–2 years of operating room experience required
• CST certification required
• BLS certification required
• Technical or Associate degree in surgical tech or related field

Responsibilities

• Prepare and maintain sterile field for procedures
• Anticipate surgeon needs and pass instruments
• Maintain instrument counts with circulating nurse
• Restock supplies and prepare rooms for next cases
• Ensure equipment readiness and infection control

Skills

Surgical techniques

Sterile processing

Time management

Infection control

Teamwork

Communication

Patient safety

Education

Technical School Surgical Tech or PN program

Associate Degree in Surgical Technology or Applied Sciences

Job description

Job Summary

The Surgical Technician – Certified works collaboratively with the surgical team to facilitate safe, effective, and high-quality patient care in the operating room. This role prepares and maintains the sterile field, anticipates surgical team needs, and ensures proper handling of surgical instruments and supplies. The Surgical Technician – Certified also supports OR efficiency through equipment readiness, inventory management, and adherence to infection prevention protocols.

Essential Functions

• Prepares the operating room by ensuring surgical instruments, equipment, and supplies are properly set up and available based on the procedure and physician preference card.
• Maintains a sterile field throughout the surgical procedure, applying principles of Universal Precautions, asepsis, and sterile technique.
• Anticipates the needs of the surgeon, passing instruments and supplies accurately and efficiently during surgical procedures.
• Handles surgical instruments and equipment according to manufacturer instructions and hospital policy, including inspection, point-of-use cleaning, and sterilization.
• Performs and documents sponge, needle, and instrument counts in collaboration with the circulating nurse to support patient safety.
• Assists with patient positioning, draping, and transfer under the direction of the RN to ensure patient safety and procedural readiness.
• Supports ongoing maintenance and accuracy of physician preference cards and procedural documentation.
• Restocks supplies, cleans and returns equipment to designated storage areas, and prepares rooms for subsequent cases to ensure OR efficiency.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• Technical School graduate of Surgical Technology or Practical Nursing program required or
• Associate Degree in Surgical Technology or Applied Sciences required
• 0-2 years of operating room surgical technician experience required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Expertise in surgical techniques, instrumentation, and sterile processing.
• Ability to anticipate the needs of the surgical team and respond quickly during procedures.
• Strong organizational and time management skills to maintain efficient workflow.
• Knowledge of regulatory and accreditation standards, including safety and infection control protocols.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills to collaborate with the perioperative team.
• Commitment to patient safety and high-quality care.

Licenses and Certifications

• CST - Certified Surgical Technologist required
• BLS - Basic Life Support required

INDSURGIMG