Certified Surgical Technologist

Tennova Healthcare- Turkey Creek Medical Center; Knoxville (TN); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare facility in Knoxville is seeking a Certified Surgical Technician to support the surgical team and maintain high standards of patient care. The role involves preparing the operating room, managing surgical instruments, and ensuring a sterile environment. Candidates should have a Technical School graduation or an Associate Degree in Surgical Technology, along with CST certification and effective communication skills. A commitment to patient safety and teamwork is essential for success in this dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Graduate of a Surgical Technology or Practical Nursing program required.
• 0-2 years of operating room experience preferred.
• CST certification is mandatory.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and maintain the sterile field during surgeries.
• Anticipate and support the needs of the surgical team.
• Perform instrument counts with the circulating nurse.
• Handles instruments and equipment per policy, including cleaning and sterilization.
• Performs sponge, needle, and instrument counts to support patient safety.
• Assists with patient positioning, draping, and transfer under RN direction.
• Maintains documentation and physician preference cards; supports OR efficiency.
• Restocks supplies and prepares rooms for subsequent cases.

Skills

Surgical techniques

Instrumentation expertise

Sterile processing

Organizational skills

Effective communication

Education

Technical School graduate of Surgical Technology

Associate Degree in Surgical Technology

Tools

Surgical instruments

Sterilization equipment

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