Lead OR Surgical Technologist – Sterile Field Expert

Rochester Regional Health; City of Rochester (NY); On-site; USD 38,572 - 46,838; Full time

Job summary

Rochester Regional Health is seeking a Surgical Technologist III at Unity Hospital in the Peri-Operative department. The role supports the surgical team as the primary scrub tech, ensuring sterilization and instrument readiness throughout procedures.

Minimum qualifications include NBSTSA certification, CAAHEP/ABHES-accredited education, and licensure pathways; CME requirements apply for ongoing professional development within a dynamic OR setting.

Qualifications

• Must maintain at least 15 hours of Continuing Medical Education (CME) per year.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a sterile field and assist the surgeon and team during procedures.
• Check supplies, instrumentation, and equipment required for surgeries and ensure proper operation.

Education

Military surgical tech program

Grandfathering clause documentation

CAAHEP/ABHES accredited program with Surgical Technology major

NBSTSA certification within 12 months of graduation

Hard to Fill clause alternative pathway

Graduate from an accredited school of practical nursing

Job description

Job Title: Surgical Technologist III
Department: Peri-Operative
Location: Unity Hospital
Hours Per Week: Full-Time, 40 Hours/Week
Schedule: Day/Evening

SUMMARY

As an OR Surgical Tech, you are crucial in the efficiency and overall success of operations. You will assist the surgical team by acting as the primary scrub tech who handles the instruments, supplies and equipment during surgical procedures, ensuring sterilization at every point of the process.

Key Responsibilities:

• Must maintain at least 15 hours of Continuing Medical Education (CME) per year.

• Checks supplies, instrumentation, and equipment needed for surgical procedures and ensures proper operation.

• Opens sterile supplies and sets up the table for surgical procedures.

• Provide a sterile field for surgical procedures. Ensures that the members of the surgical team are properly attired and assists the surgeon with draping the patient to isolate the operative site.

• Assists in the maintenance of the sterile field by applying principles of aseptic techniques and informing the surgeon/surgical team of infractions.

• Passes instruments and supplies to the surgeon.

• Counts sponges and sharps with the RN prior to the surgery and before the incision is closed.

• Cleans and prepares the instruments for sterilization.

• Assists in the maintenance of specialty surgical services.

• Prepares the sterile dressing for the patient’s incision.

• Orients medical/nursing students and technicians to the unit.

• Assists in the development of unit goals and objectives.

• Stocks rooms, may handle meds, sharps and syringes on the OR field.

Minimum Qualifications:

Completed a military surgical technology program
-OR-
Grand-Fathering Clause: Provides evidence he or she was employed as a surgical technologist in a healthcare facility for a cumulative period of one year, occurring between 12/31/10 – 12/31/14.
-OR-
Graduated from a Commission of Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP)- or Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES)- accredited program with a Surgical Technology major AND holds and maintains Certified Surgical Technologist certification from National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)within 12 months of graduation.
-OR-
Hard to Fill Clause: A health care facility may employ or otherwise contract with a person who does not meet the requirements of the function of a surgical technologist if they are unable to employ or contract a sufficient number of qualified surgical technologists. Certification through National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) and degree from accredited program required within 24 months after employment required.
-OR-
Graduate from an accredited school of practical nursing.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Heavy - Clinical - Heavy clinical roles require continual lifting of more than 50 lbs., pushing and pulling patients or equipment, and working in physically awkward or restrictive positions. Staff must maintain balance and coordination in confined, uneven, or emergent care settings while performing both fine and gross motor tasks. High sensory acuity is needed to recognize patient cues and environmental alerts. Emotional and cognitive demands are significant due to urgent decision-making, managing distressed patients, and functioning effectively in high-pressure clinical situations. Environmental exposures commonly include infectious agents, biohazards, noise, and chemicals. Employees may be required to complete mask-fit testing, TB screening, and participate in extended or on-call shifts.

PAY RANGE: $28.05 - $34.17