Surgical Technologist Certified

Carlsbad Medical Center; Carlsbad (NM); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Carlsbad Medical Center in Carlsbad, NM seeks a Surgical Technician - Certified to join the operating room team. The role supports the surge team by preparing the sterile field, anticipating needs, and managing instruments and supplies to ensure safe, efficient procedures.

You will maintain sterile technique, assist with positioning and draping under RN guidance, and help with instrument counts and documentation while upholding infection control standards and quality care.

Qualifications

• 0-2 years of operating room surgical technician experience required.
• Surgical Technology education as specified in qualifications.
• CST and BLS certifications required.

Responsibilities

• Prepares the operating room by ensuring instruments, equipment, and supplies are ready for the procedure.
• Maintains a sterile field and aseptic technique during procedures.
• Anticipates surgeon needs and passes instruments efficiently.
• Handles instruments per manufacturer instructions and hospital policy, including sterilization.
• Performs sponge, needle, and instrument counts for patient safety.
• Assists with patient positioning, draping, and transfers under RN direction.
• Maintains physician preference cards and procedural documentation.
• Restocks supplies and prepares rooms for subsequent cases to ensure OR efficiency.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Skills

Surgical techniques

Sterile processing

Time management

Regulatory standards

Infection control

Communication

Teamwork

Patient safety

Education

Technical School in Surgical Technology or Practical Nursing

Associate Degree in Surgical Technology or Applied Sciences

Job description

Job Summary

The Surgical Technician - Certified works collaboratively with the surgical team to facilitate safe, effective, and high-quality patient care in the operating room. This role prepares and maintains the sterile field, anticipates surgical team needs, and ensures proper handling of surgical instruments and supplies. The Surgical Technician - Certified also supports OR efficiency through equipment readiness, inventory management, and adherence to infection prevention protocols.

Essential Functions

• Prepares the operating room by ensuring surgical instruments, equipment, and supplies are properly set up and available based on the procedure and physician preference card.
• Maintains a sterile field throughout the surgical procedure, applying principles of Universal Precautions, asepsis, and sterile technique.
• Anticipates the needs of the surgeon, passing instruments and supplies accurately and efficiently during surgical procedures.
• Handles surgical instruments and equipment according to manufacturer instructions and hospital policy, including inspection, point-of-use cleaning, and sterilization.
• Performs and documents sponge, needle, and instrument counts in collaboration with the circulating nurse to support patient safety.
• Assists with patient positioning, draping, and transfer under the direction of the RN to ensure patient safety and procedural readiness.
• Supports ongoing maintenance and accuracy of physician preference cards and procedural documentation.
• Restocks supplies, cleans and returns equipment to designated storage areas, and prepares rooms for subsequent cases to ensure OR efficiency.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• Technical School graduate of Surgical Technology or Practical Nursing program required or
• Associate Degree in Surgical Technology or Applied Sciences required
• 0-2 years of operating room surgical technician experience required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Expertise in surgical techniques, instrumentation, and sterile processing.
• Ability to anticipate the needs of the surgical team and respond quickly during procedures.
• Strong organizational and time management skills to maintain efficient workflow.
• Knowledge of regulatory and accreditation standards, including safety and infection control protocols.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills to collaborate with the perioperative team.
• Commitment to patient safety and high-quality care.

Licenses and Certifications

• CST - Certified Surgical Technologist required
• BLS - Basic Life Support required