Certified Surgical Technologist - PRN

Lutheran Downtown Hospital; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 52,000 - 74,000; Full time

Job summary

Lutheran Downtown Hospital is seeking a Surgical Technician - Certified to support the operating room team in delivering safe, high‑quality patient care. The role focuses on preparing sterile fields, anticipating needs, and maintaining instrument readiness to enable efficient procedures.

Responsibilities include passing instruments, maintaining asepsis, assisting with patient positioning, and supporting OR documentation and inventory control.

Qualifications

• CST - Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) required
• BLS - Basic Life Support required
• 0-2 years operating room experience required

Responsibilities

• Prepare operating room and ensure instruments, equipment and supplies are ready.
• Maintain sterile field and apply universal precautions during procedures.
• Anticipate surgeon needs and pass instruments promptly during surgery.
• Handle instruments and equipment per policy, including sterilization.
• Assist with counts of sponges, needles and instruments for patient safety.
• Aid patient positioning, draping and transfer under RN direction.
• Maintain physician preference cards and procedure documentation.
• Restock supplies and prepare rooms for subsequent cases.

Skills

Surgical techniques

Sterile processing

Teamwork

Infection control

Patient safety

Communication

Education

Technical School graduate in Surgical Technology or Practical Nursing

Associate Degree in Surgical Technology or Applied Sciences

Job description

Surgical Technician - Certified

• PRN | As Needed
• Call | One day a month and one weekend every two-months.

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