Cardiovascular Surgical Technologist

Hours: Monday through Friday 6:30am to 2:30pm and required call.  Candidate must live within 30 minutes of the hospital for call purposes. Weekday call is 1430-0600 the following morning - Weekend call is 24 hours Saturday and Sunday

$15,000 Sign on Bonus available for qualified candidates.

Department Overview:

We are made up of two operating rooms and one hybrid OR.  The Surgical Tech will work with a multi-disciplinary team of Cardio-thoracic Surgeons, Anesthesiologists, Cardiovascular Technologists, and Physician Assistants and Registered Nurses.  The Cardiothoracic Operating Room (CTOR) is part of the larger Surgical Services department at Sentara RMH in Harrisonburg, Virginia. Overall, there are 14 ORs, 2 minor surgery rooms, 6 procedure rooms, and 2 C-section suites. There are 2 dedicated CTORs, one Hybrid OR, and one Robotic OR where CTS cases are performed.

The Cardiovascular Surgical Technologist plays a critical role in assisting cardiovascular surgeons during open-heart, vascular, and thoracic surgical procedures. This highly specialized surgical technologist is responsible for preparing the operating room, organizing surgical instruments and supplies, and ensuring a sterile environment. The technologist anticipates the surgeon’s needs and provides intraoperative support to optimize surgical outcomes, patient safety, and procedural efficiency. 

As the primary scrub technician during all cardiovascular and thoracic surgeries, the role involves assisting the surgical team by passing instruments, sutures, grafts, and other sterile supplies as needed. All surgical instruments are properly sterilized and confirmed to be functioning prior to procedures, while maintaining sterile technique and infection control standards throughout the operation. Close collaboration with surgeons, anesthesiologists, perfusionists, and nursing staff ensures delivery of high-quality patient care. Responsibilities include handling specimens appropriately, documenting as required, and performing accurate counts with the circulator before the operation and at appropriate times during each body plane closure. Surgeons and assistants are gowned and gloved as needed, with active participation in preoperative briefings and postoperative debriefings to support ongoing surgical quality improvement. 

Education 

• High school diploma or equivalent required

• Trade School Graduate preferred

Certification/Licensure 

• National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) certification and Surgical Technologist Licensure required IF license is required in the state of practice; otherwise must have NBSTSA certification.   

• Certified Surgical Technologist

• BLS

Experience 

• 1 year of experience in cardio or thoracic surgery required 

• In-depth knowledge of cardiovascular anatomy, instrumentation, and procedures. 

•  In depth knowledge of anatomy and physiology related to cardiac surgery achieved with independence on all CVOR cases, including TAVRS and combined Vascular cases. 

•  In depth learning or knowledge of cardiac anatomy and physiology, tissue exposure, surgical flow and advanced techniques in cardiac surgery specialty  

• Ability to take call independently with advanced cardiac surgery skills required to perform in the scrub role for all cardiac surgery procedures 

• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.  

• Utilizes chain of command, practices open communication, promotes an inclusive team environment and supports all initiatives in the cardiac operating room. 

• Assists with room turnover between cases and participates in cleaning and organization of the department.  

• Ability to remain calm and focused under pressure.  

• Must have a strong attention to detail and physical stamina to handle long, intense, and high-risk cases 

• Strong attention to detail and adherence to safety protocols.  

• Performs a thorough review of the surgeons’ preferences prior to each surgical procedure. 

• Checks supplies and equipment needed for surgical procedure, assists with selection and opening of sterile supplies.  

• Maintains a safe environment throughout procedure in regard to patient physical safety, fire prevention, infection control, and maintains highest of sterile field organization throughout procedure 

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Keywords: CST, NBSTSA, Surgical Tech, Technologist, Surg Tech, Scrub Tech, Cardiothoracic, CTOR, CVOR, Operating Room, OR