Certified Surgical Technician

Eye Specialty Group; Memphis (TN); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Eye Specialty Group in Memphis seeks a Certified Surgical Technician (CST) to support surgeons during procedures and ensure the operating room is prepared and sterile. The CST will assist in patient positioning, draping, and instrument handling while maintaining a safe, efficient environment.

Responsibilities include instrument sterilization, documentation, and interdepartmental collaboration to optimize performance and patient safety. Occasional travel to other clinics may be required.

Qualifications

• Completion of an accredited surgical technology program and CST certification required.
• High school diploma or GED or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Six months related experience and/or training or equivalent mix.

Responsibilities

• Interacts professionally with patient and family.
• Provides explanations and verbal reassurance as necessary.
• Prepares room with anticipated instruments, sutures and supplies.
• Maintains sterile technique and orderly instrument table.
• Assists in positioning, prepping and draping patients.
• Completes accurate OR counts and reports discrepancies.
• Cares for instruments/equipment during intra/postoperative phase.
• Travels to other clinics as needed.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Customer service

Time management

Critical thinking

Attention to detail

Team player

Punctual

Initiative

Self-motivation

Education

Surgical technology program

CST certification

High school diploma or GED

Related experience (6 months)

Job description

Description

Certified Surgical Technician

E/O/E

Position Summary:

The Certified Surgical Technician (CST) assists surgeon during operative and invasive procedures, assures operating suite is adequately prepared for procedure, monitors PAR level of all surgical instruments and supplies, and cleans and sterilizes all surgical instruments. This position participates in departmental staff meetings and performance improvement activities.

Essential Skills/Responsibilities:

• Interacts professionally with patient and family.
• Provides patient with explanations and verbal reassurance, as necessary.
• Adapts procedures to meet individual needs of all patients regardless of age, gender, culture, race, or social background.
• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
• Prepares room in a timely manner with all anticipated instruments, sutures, supplies and equipment for each individual surgical procedure.
• Demonstrates competence in care of specimens and accurately handles specimens at all times.
• Assists in the positioning, prepping and draping of patients for surgical procedures.
• Completes accurate operating room counts (instruments, sponges, needles); follows proper procedure in case of incorrect count; reports all discrepancies to circulating nurse and surgeon and/or corrects immediately.
• Carries out proper sterile technique during treatments/procedures and maintains an orderly and sterile instrument table.
• Maintains safe environment for patient, co-workers and self, per facility policies and procedures.
• Checks all equipment/instruments needed, prior to each procedure, to ensure proper functioning.
• Notifies appropriate licensed personnel when patient complains of pain.
• Sets up, scrubs and prepares for procedures in a timely manner prior to scheduled time, unless otherwise directed by Circulating Nurse or Nurse Manager.
• Anticipates needs of surgeon during intraoperative phase.
• Cleans and prepares rooms between procedures and after last case; restocks supplies, when necessary, and organizes effectively for end-of-case clean up.
• Cares and is responsible for instruments/equipment during intra/postoperative phase, including cleaning and processing of instruments.
• Serves as the femto-laser technician assisting the surgeon with premium cataract procedures, and documenting the patient chart as required.
• Follows written procedures for steam sterilization; knows responsibilities and the necessity for chemical and biological monitoring.
• Consults with other staff members when in question or unfamiliar with equipment or procedure.
• Collaborates regularly with other members of the nursing team, in order to maintain equipment and supplies for surgical procedures.
• Completes sterilization documentation within shift and meets current standards, policies and procedures.
• Establishes and maintains effective communication and good working relationship with coworkers for the patient’s benefit.
• Makes decisions reflecting knowledge of facts and good judgment within the CSTs’ scope of practice.
• Makes decisions reflecting knowledge of the assigned case and instruments and/or trays to be readied for the procedure.
• Utilizes initiative; strives to maintain steady level of productivity; self‑motivated.
• Completes annual education requirements and educational in‑services. Maintains current licensure and certifications needed.
• Maintains regulatory requirements.
• Reports to work on time and as scheduled, completes work within designated time.
• Completes compliance trainings as requested and required by law.
• Adheres to HIPAA compliance plan and maintains patient confidentiality at all times.
• Communicates internally with all Physicians, Staff, and Patients.
• Travels to other clinics as needed.
• All other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Job Specifications/Competencies:

Education/Experience:

Completion of an accredited surgical technology program and CST certification required. High school diploma or general education degree (GED); OR six months related experience and/or training; OR equivalent combination of education and experience.

Skills:

• Demonstrated excellence in verbal communication, as well as, written communication.
• Exemplary customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Time Management.
• Basic math aptitude.
• Critical thinking skills for identifying problems and resolutions in a fast‑paced environment.

Attributes:

• Polished and professional demeanor.
• Punctual.
• Initiative/self‑motivation; strong work ethic.
• Team player; willingness to help other staff.
• Attention to detail while multi‑tasking.
• Diplomacy and confidentiality with patients and staff.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit/stand/walk and talk/hear as the job requires for long periods of time, as well as, stoop/crouch, lift and climb/balance as needed.
• Corrected or uncorrected visual acuity in at least one eye of 20/40 or better.
• Ability to operate office equipment requiring the use of one hand.
• Ability to push and pull patients in stretchers and wheelchairs.
• Corrected or uncorrected hearing capacity to enable suitable communication skills.
• Ability to work in clinical environment with a moderate noise level.