Surgical Tech

Rochester Regional Health; Town of Potsdam (NY); On-site; USD 33,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

Rochester Regional Health is seeking a Surgical Tech to join the Surgical Services team in Potsdam, NY. The role supports the surgical team as the primary scrub person, handling instruments and sterile field maintenance to ensure safe and efficient procedures.

You will scrub independently across orthopedic, neurosurgery, cardiovascular, and other specialties, assist during operations, and mentor staff while maintaining strict aseptic technique and high standards of patient care.

Qualifications

• Graduated from a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited Surgical Technology program.
• Certification from a nationally accredited credentialing organization within 12 months of graduation.

Responsibilities

• Prepare operating rooms by checking supplies, setting up sterile fields, and ensuring proper functioning of instruments.
• Assist surgeons during procedures by maintaining aseptic technique, passing instruments, counting sponges/sharps, and preparing dressings.
• Demonstrate advanced first-scrub proficiency across multiple surgical specialties and respond effectively in emergencies.
• Mentor and orient new staff, students, and surgical technologists; contribute to unit goals and quality improvement initiatives.
• Maintain Continuing Medical Education (15 hours annually) and apply anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, and surgical practices.

Skills

Surgical scrub

Aseptic technique

Patient safety

Mentorship

Education

CAAHEP/ABHES-accredited Surgical Technology program

Job description

Description Job Title: Surgical Tech Department: Surgical Services Location: SLH - CPH Main50 Leroy Street, Potsdam NY 13676 Hours Per Week: Per Diem Schedule: Day (8 hour shifts)

SUMMARY:

The role assists the surgical team by acting as the primary scrub person who handles the instruments, supplies, and equipment during surgical procedures. Maintains constant vigilance for the maintenance of the sterile field. Demonstrates high-level critical thinking and problem-solving skills to support surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nurses to ensure that surgeries run smoothly and safely. Independently first scrubs surgical procedures in a variety of surgical specialties.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Prepare operating rooms by checking supplies, setting up sterile fields, and ensuring proper functioning of instruments and equipment.
• Assist surgeons during procedures by maintaining aseptic technique, passing instruments, counting sponges/sharps, and preparing dressings.
• Demonstrate advanced first-scrub proficiency across multiple surgical specialties (e.g., Orthopedic, Neurosurgery, Cardiovascular) and respond effectively in emergency situations.
• Mentor and orient new staff, students, and surgical technologists; contribute to unit goals and quality improvement initiatives.
• Maintain required Continuing Medical Education (15 hours annually) and apply strong knowledge of anatomy, physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, and surgical practices.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduated from a CAAHEP- or ABHES-accredited Surgical Technology program and obtain certification through a nationally accredited credentialing organization within 12 months of graduation.
• Graduated from an accredited school of practical nursing.
• Qualify under the "Grandfathering Clause" by providing proof of at least one year of employment as a surgical technologist in a healthcare facility between December 31, 2010, and December 31, 2014.
• Qualify under the "Hard-to-Fill Clause" by having a certification through a nationally accredited surgical technologist credentialing organization required within 24 months after employment and degree from accredited program.
• Completed a military surgical technology program

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:

$23.67 - $33.84 The listed base pay range is a good faith representation of current potential base pay for successful applicants. It may be modified in the future. Pay is determined by factors including experience, clinical licensure date, relevant qualifications, specialty, internal equity, location, and contracts.

Rochester Regional Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, predisposing genetic characteristics, marital or familial status, military or veteran status, citizenship or immigration status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.