Surgical Tech- Honickman Center

Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals, Inc.; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals, Inc. is seeking a Certified Surgical Technician responsible for creating and maintaining the sterile field during surgical procedures. You will work closely with the surgical team to ensure a safe and efficient environment, supporting patient needs throughout the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases.

The ideal candidate must hold a High School Diploma, complete a surgical technician training program, and be certified as a CST. The position demands strong collaboration and communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to lift and transport patients as needed.

Qualifications

• Graduate of a surgical technician training program.
• Knowledge of industry standards, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to communicate accurately and engage patients.

Responsibilities

• Prepare the sterile field and assist the surgical team during procedures.
• Communicate with the interprofessional team and provide patient support.
• Ensure cleanliness and readiness of the operating room.

Skills

Attention to detail

Collaboration with patients

Communication skills

Knowledge of surgical assistance techniques

Education

High School Diploma or GED; surgical technician training

Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)

Tools

Basic Life Support (BLS)

Job description

Job Overview

Certified Surgical Technician (CST) responsible for creating and maintaining the sterile field, anticipating the surgeon’s needs, and working closely with perioperative team members during preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases. Supports decontamination, maintains professional interactions, and may perform precepting duties.

Responsibilities

• Recognize patients, their families, and designated care partners to provide safe, compassionate, and coordinated care based on respect for personal preferences, priorities, needs, and cultural beliefs.
• Communicate with and support the interprofessional team, patients, families, and designated care partners.
• Inspect the operating room (OR) for cleanliness and secure, set up, and prepare OR equipment, instruments, and supplies required for surgical procedures.
• Participate in team time out and act as an advocate for patient safety and high‑quality care.
• Assist with gowning and gloving of the surgical team, including the surgeon.
• Assist in preparing the sterile field, including patient draping and maintaining sterile field integrity.
• Provide a thorough report to relief personnel regarding the status of the procedure, instruments, materials, and any other pertinent information to ensure a smooth transition during the surgical procedure.
• Count all sharps, sponges, and instruments with the circulating nurse prior to, during, and after the surgical procedure; follow policy on counts and initiate corrective action when necessary.
• Cleans and prepares instruments for terminal sterilization.
• Assist in maintaining supplies and equipment to ensure efficient unit operations.
• Help maintain a safe, neat, and clean environment to facilitate safe and effective patient care in the OR.
• Act as primary preceptor to other surgical team members as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED; graduate of a surgical technician training program.
• Knowledge of conveying respect and collaborating with patients, families, and care partners.
• Understanding of people from diverse backgrounds and ability to connect effectively.
• Ability to communicate accurately and interpret information through appropriate behaviors.
• Uses a partnership language with patients and families, engaging them in their health care.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in processing information.
• Knowledge of industry standards, policies, and procedures relevant to the function and organization.
• Knowledge of the physical environment and full spectrum of activities in maintaining and developing physical facilities.
• Knowledge of risks faced by patients in a healthcare environment and steps to reduce them.
• Knowledge of common types of equipment or devices used in the healthcare industry and ability to use them in patient care.
• Knowledge of surgical assistance techniques and ability to comply with health and safety standards.
• Knowledge of applying appropriate policies, procedures, and management methods to maximize OR efficiency and productivity.
• BLS – Basic Life Support (certified).
• AHA – American Heart Association certification.
• CST – Certified Surgical Technologist (National Board).
• TS‑C – Certified Tech in Surgery (National Center for Competency Testing).

Additional Qualifications

Physical demands: Lift and carry 40–50 lbs.; push/pull patients on bed or stretcher (requires 29 lbs. push force); lateral transfers up to 50 lbs. of patient weight; frequent to continuous standing/walking; may walk 8–10 miles per shift; perform kneeling, bending, squatting, and CPR as required.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Jefferson is committed to providing equal educational and employment opportunities for all persons without regard to age, race, color, religion, creed, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy, nationality, ancestry, citizenship, military status, veteran status, handicap, disability, or any other protected group or status.