Surgical Tech FT 1.0

JACKSON COUNTY REGIONAL HEALTH CENTER; Maquoketa (IA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Jackson County Regional Health Center is seeking a Surgical Technician to support intraoperative care as a scrub in collaboration with the surgical team. The role emphasizes meticulous preparation, instrument handling, and real-time assistance during procedures, ensuring sterile technique and patient safety.

The ideal candidate has completion of an accredited surgical technology program with CST certification and 2 years of experience across surgical specialties, plus knowledge of sterile

Qualifications

• Completion of an accredited surgical technology program (diploma, certificate, or associate degree).
• Two years of experience as a surgical technologist in various surgical specialties.
• CST certification is required, with ongoing commitment to maintaining accreditation.
• Knowledge of surgical instruments, equipment, sterile techniques, and operating room protocols.
• Ability to anticipate the needs of surgeons and effectively assist in surgical tasks.
• BLS or ACLS certification may be required.
• Strong communication and teamwork in a sterile environment.
• Meticulous attention to detail for preparing instruments and aseptic techniques.

Responsibilities

• Assisting with transferring the patient to the operating room table.
• Monitoring the comfort of the patient and providing reassurance.
• Assisting in maintaining normothermia and aiding the anesthesia provider.
• Assisting with patient positioning using appropriate equipment to prevent injury.
• Applying the electrosurgical grounding pad and tourniquets as needed.
• Preparing and passing instruments and supplies during procedures.

Skills

Sterile technique

Infection control

Surgical assisting

Communication

Education

Accredited surgical technology program

Job description

Purpose

The Surgical Technician functions in the scrub roles during intraoperative patient care, acting as a delegated technical function under the direct supervision of the preoperative Registered Nurse. Their responsibilities include handling instruments, supplies, and equipment necessary during surgical procedures, ensuring a successful operation through meticulous preparation and real‑time assistance. The Surgical Technician works closely with surgeons, registered nurses, anesthesiologists, and other healthcare personnel to provide the highest level of patient care during surgeries.

Essential Job Functions

• Donning OR attire and personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Gathering, checking, and opening supplies and equipment needed for the surgical procedure.
• Performing the surgical scrub, and donning gown and gloves.
• Setting up the sterile back table and Mayo stand with instruments, supplies, equipment, and medications/solutions needed for the procedure.
• Performing initial instrument, sharps and sponge counts with the circulator.
• Assisting team members with gowning and gloving.
• Assisting with draping the patient and establishing the sterile field.
• Participating in the surgical site and patient verification during the time‑out procedure.
• Securing tubing, cords and other sterile accessories.
• Preparing and anticipating additional instrumentation, equipment and supplies for usage during the procedure.
• Anticipating the needs of the surgeon by passing instruments and supplies during the procedure.
• Measuring and passing medications, hemostatic agents and irrigation solutions used during the surgical procedure.
• Holding retractors or instruments as directed by the surgeon.
• Sponging or suctions the operative site.
• Applying electrocautery to clamps on bleeders.
• Cutting suture material as directed by the surgeon.
• Coordinating the camera or changing out robotic arms/instruments during endoscopic surgery as directed by the surgeon.
• Maintaining the highest standard of sterile technique during the procedure.
• Performing additional counts as necessary.
• Preparing sterile dressings and/or immobilization devices.
• Preparing and passing off specimens as appropriate.
• Cleansing and preparing instruments for terminal sterilization.
• Assisting other team members with terminal cleaning of the room.
• Assisting in prepping the OR for the next patient.
• Participating in debriefing and quality improvement practices to ensure quality patient care.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Assisting with transferring the patient to the operating room table.
• Monitoring the comfort of the patient and providing verbal and tactile reassurance.
• Assisting in maintaining normothermia.
• Assisting the anesthesia provider.
• Assisting with positioning the patient, using appropriate equipment and anatomical principles to prevent injury.
• Applying the electrosurgical grounding pad.
• Assisting with applying tourniquets and monitoring before the procedure begins.
• Completing the patient skin prep prior to draping by the sterile surgical team.
• Performing instrument, sharps, and sponge counts with the surgical technologist in the first scrub role before incision closure.
• Anticipating additional supplies needed during the procedure.
• Properly caring for specimens.
• Securing dressings after incision closure.
• Helping transport the patient to the post‑anesthesia care unit.

Requirements

• Completion of an accredited surgical technology program (diploma, certificate, or associate degree).
• Two years of experience as a surgical technologist, with experience in various surgical specialties.
• Certification as a Surgical Technologist (CST) is required, with ongoing commitment to maintaining accreditation through continuing education.
• Knowledge of surgical instruments, equipment, sterile techniques, and operating room protocols.
• Ability to anticipate the needs of surgeons and effectively assist in surgical tasks.
• Strong knowledge of infection control practices and commitment to maintaining a sterile surgical environment.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) or Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification (may be required).
• Meticulous attention to detail for preparing instruments and ensuring aseptic techniques.
• Effective communication skills to coordinate with the surgical team and provide updates during procedures.
• Proficiency in using surgical instruments, equipment, and technology across multiple specialties.
• Strong organizational skills for preparing the operating room and managing surgical supplies.
• Adaptability to different surgical procedures, teams, and changes in the operating room environment.
• Ability to think critically and make rapid decisions during emergencies or unexpected challenges.
• Endurance and physical stamina to stand, lift, and assist in physically demanding aspects of surgical procedures.

Working Conditions

Routine exposure to highly adverse environmental conditions, including physical hazards, health and safety risks, and otherwise undesirable characteristics. The operating room can be warm when wearing sterile gowns and gloves; surgical technologists must be able to stand for long periods. Exposure to blood‑borne pathogens, sharp injuries, latex allergy, laser plumes, hazardous chemicals, anesthetic gases, equipment hazards, and static postures are potential risks.

Service Excellence Expectations

Adheres to Jackson County Regional Health Center's Values and Behavior Statement, HIPAA, confidentiality of patient and medical information, and safety programs. Works in a safe manner at all times and adheres to service expectations and safety protocols.