Surgical Technologist 2

Baylor Scott & White Health; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Baylor Scott & White Health is seeking a Surgical Technologist 2 to support the operating room team in Austin, TX. The role involves scrubbing in, preparing the sterile field, and ensuring instrument readiness under RN supervision.

The ideal candidate will have CST certification, an accredited surgical technology program, and strong infection prevention knowledge. BLS certification is required, with room to obtain CST if not already held.

Qualifications

• Must have completed an accredited surgical technology program.
• BLS certification required or within 30 days of hire.
• CST certification by NBSTSA/NCCT required unless grandfathered under policy.
• Experience in sterile technique and infection prevention is essential.

Responsibilities

• Discuss special needs with the surgeon before surgery and scrub in.
• Prepare operative site by cleaning and clipping as needed.
• Prepare and maintain the instrument table and ensure correct counts.
• Ensure proper functioning of instruments, equipment, and supplies during procedures.
• Assist with draping, positioning, and passing sterile supplies to the team.
• Disassemble instruments after case and prepare for decontamination.
• Follow infection control policies and OSHA guidelines for a safe environment.

Skills

Infection prevention

Sterile technique

Anatomy knowledge

Verbal and written communication

Safety awareness

Education

Graduate of Accredited Surgical Technology program

Less than 1 year of experience

BLS Certification

CST Certification

Job description

Benefits

Our benefits are designed to help you live well no matter where you are on your journey. For full details on coverage and eligibility, visit the Baylor Scott & White Benefits Hub to explore our offerings, which may include:

• Eligibility on day 1 for all benefits
• Dollar‑for‑dollar 401(k) match, up to 5%
• Debt‑free tuition assistance, offering access to many no‑cost and low‑cost degrees, certificates and more
• Immediate access to time off benefits

At Baylor Scott & White Health, your well‑being is our top priority.

Note: Benefits may vary based on position type and/or level

Job Summary

The Surgical Technologist 2 works during surgery to speed up procedures, under a Registered Nurse’s supervision. This position helps the surgical team by using equipment and tools to ensure a safe operating room and that equipment is available and working properly.

Essential Functions of the Role

• Discuss any special needs with the surgeon before surgery. Scrub into surgery in time to prepare instruments before the surgeon scrubs in.
• Prepares the operative site by aseptically cleaning and patient clipping, as needed.
• Prepare and maintain the instrument table in an organized way. This avoids damage and incorrect instrument counts.
• Identify damaged or incomplete trays. Rectify discrepancies immediately or contact those who can help to avoid delays or injury.
• Sets up the operating room based on surgical procedure schedules. Arranges sterile setup of instrument table supplies and equipment for the specific procedure. Carefully selects and opens only needed supplies.
• Ensures the proper functioning of surgical instruments, equipment, and supplies during surgical procedures.
• Performs surgical counts of sponges, sharps, instruments, and miscellaneous items, according to established policies and procedures.
• Anticipates the needs of the surgeon and surgical team staff. Passes sterile supplies and equipment to surgeons and assistants. Holds retractor devices and responds to the surgical team’s needs during surgery.
• Assists the surgical team with draping and positioning the patient.
• Receive surgical specimens following protocol. Pass the specimens off the sterile field to the circulating nurse, verifying the source.
• Assists with placement of surgical dressings to operative site following surgical case completion.
• Disassembles surgical instruments at the end of the procedure. Recycles as needed. Disposes of sharps, fluids, and waste properly.
• Prepares soiled instrumentation for proper transportation to decontamination area.
• Ensures the cleaning, decontamination, sterilization, maintenance, and preparation of surgical instruments, equipment, and supplies for distribution.
• Cleans the operating room following each case, and returns equipment to appropriate storage areas.
• Follows infection control policies, AORN Guidelines, OSHA guidelines, and other regulations to ensure a safe work environment for self, coworkers, and patients.
• Ensures proper orientation and knowledge of all equipment and instrumentation prior to patient use.
• Maintains inventory of clean and sterilized surgical equipment, instruments, and supplies. Follows established policies, procedures, and regulatory standards. Collaborates to control inventory maintenance. Orders supplies, documents equipment use, and maintains records and files.

Key Success Factors

• Knowledge of infection prevention and regulatory sterilization standards.
• Knowledge of the theory and application of sterile and aseptic technique.
• Knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures and implementation tools and technologies to assist surgeons with invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.
• Good verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal skills to interact with surgical and central sterile processing team members.
• Occasional exposure to chemical and radiation hazards.
• Successful completion of:
  • A Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredited or other nationally accredited surgical technologist program. Additionally, holds and maintains certification as a (CST) surgical technologist by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or the National Center for Proficiency Testing or their successor.
  • Complete a formal surgical technology training program in the U.S. military or Public Health Service Commissioner.
  • Was employed to practice surgical technology in a health care facility before September 1, 2009.

Belonging Statement

We believe that all people should feel welcomed, valued and supported, and that our workforce should be reflective of the communities we serve.

Qualifications

• EDUCATION - Graduate of an Accredited Program
• EXPERIENCE - Less than 1 Year of Experience
• CERTIFICATION/LICENSE/REGISTRATION
• Basic Life Support (BLS): BLS or BLS within 30 days of hire or transfer.
• Cert Surgical Technologist (CST): If candidate completed military/Public Health Service ST training or worked as an ST before 9/1/2009 → HS/GED is sufficient. Otherwise, candidate must have both GAP (accredited ST program) and current CST (NBSTSA or NCCT).