Surgical Tech - Certified - Open Heart Team

Advocate Health; Libertyville (IL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville, IL seeks a Certified Surgical Technologist for its Open Heart Team. The CST will support complex cardiovascular procedures, maintain sterile technique, and collaborate with surgeons, nurses, and anesthesia providers in a high‑acuity OR.

The role emphasizes open heart/cardiovascular experience and rapid response in a fast-paced surgical setting, with full‑time day shifts and approximately 12 call shifts monthly.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited Surgical Technologist program or equivalent.
• Minimum two years of surgical scrub experience is required.
• Current CPR/BLS certification is required.
• Must obtain CST certification within three months of employment.
• Ability to function effectively in a high-acuity OR environment.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and critical thinking skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform duties in the scrub role during assigned surgical procedures.
• Establish and maintain the sterile field throughout cases.
• Prepare instruments and supplies for operative procedures.
• Anticipate surgeon needs and pass instruments accordingly.
• Assist with gowning, gloving, and setup; monitor supplies.
• Maintain accountability for instruments, sponges, and sharps.
• Support a safe, patient-centered operating room environment.
• Collaborate with surgeons, nurses, anesthesia providers, and team members.
• Comply with hospital policies and regulatory standards.
• Pursue ongoing professional growth and education.

Education

Graduate of an accredited Surgical Technologist program

Minimum two years of surgical scrub experience

CPR/BLS certification

Must obtain CST certification within 3 months

Ability to function in high-acuity surgical environment

Strong communication and teamwork

Emergency response capability

Job description

Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) – Open Heart Team

Advocate Condell Medical Center | Libertyville, Illinois

Location: Advocate Condell Medical Center, 801 S. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville, IL 60048

Schedule: Full Time | Day Shift | Rotating Call (approximately 12 call shifts per month)

Join the Open Heart Team at Advocate Condell Medical Center

At Advocate Condell Medical Center, the only Level I Trauma Center in Lake County, Illinois, you'll be part of a nationally recognized team committed to delivering exceptional surgical and cardiovascular care. Our cardiovascular specialists perform advanced heart procedures while providing compassionate, patient-centered care close to home.

We are seeking an experienced Certified Surgical Technologist to join our highly specialized Open Heart Surgery Team. This role is ideal for a surgical technologist who thrives in a fast-paced operating room environment and is passionate about supporting complex cardiovascular procedures.

Open Heart/Cardiovascular Surgery experience is strongly preferred.

Job Summary

The Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) assists in providing quality patient care in a manner that is patient-focused, technically appropriate, and cost-effective. Working under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse, the CST establishes and maintains a sterile field, prepares surgical instruments and supplies, and assists the surgical team throughout operative procedures.

As a key member of the perioperative team, the CST helps ensure a safe surgical environment while delivering care with dignity, respect, and compassion.

Required Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited Surgical Technologist program OR
  • Minimum two (2) years of surgical scrub experience
• Current CPR/BLS certification
• Must obtain Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) certification by sitting for the certification examination within three (3) months of employment
• Ability to function effectively in a high-acuity surgical environment
• Strong communication, teamwork, and critical thinking skills
• Ability to respond quickly and effectively during emergencies

Preferred Qualifications

• Current Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential
• Previous Open Heart or Cardiovascular Surgery experience
• Recent operating room experience in a hospital-based surgical setting

Key Responsibilities

• Perform duties in the scrub role during assigned surgical procedures
• Establish and maintain the sterile field throughout surgical cases
• Prepare instruments, equipment, and supplies required for operative procedures
• Anticipate surgeon needs and accurately pass instruments and supplies during procedures
• Assist with gowning, gloving, and surgical setup
• Maintain accountability for instruments, sponges, sharps, and sterile supplies
• Support a safe, efficient, and patient-centered operating room environment
• Collaborate effectively with surgeons, nurses, anesthesia providers, and other surgical team members
• Maintain compliance with hospital policies, procedures, and regulatory standards
• Participate in ongoing professional growth and education

Schedule & Call Requirements

• Full-time Day Shift position
• Rotating call schedule averaging approximately 12 call shifts per month
• On‑call availability required for nights, weekends, and holidays
• Flexibility to work rotating shifts as operational needs require

Working Conditions

This position requires the ability to:

• Stand for extended periods during surgical procedures
• Move equipment and assist with patient positioning
• Work effectively in stressful and changing environments
• Respond rapidly to urgent and emergent situations
• Work with exposure to:
  • Body fluids and medical waste
  • Hazardous chemicals and materials
  • Radiation
  • Anesthesia gases
  • Communicable and life‑threatening diseases

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance
• Utilize patient handling equipment and team lifting procedures when appropriate
• Ability to bend, reach, push, pull, and stand for prolonged periods

Why Advocate Condell?

As part of Advocate Health, you will enjoy a comprehensive Total Rewards package designed to support your well‑being and career growth. Benefits begin on day one for eligible teammates and include medical, dental, vision, paid time off, retirement savings programs, educational assistance, and more.

At Advocate Condell Medical Center, you'll have the opportunity to work alongside exceptional clinicians in a collaborative surgical environment while helping deliver life‑changing care to patients throughout Lake County and beyond.