What are the responsibilities and job description for the Certified Surgical Tech position at St. Francis-Emory Healthcare?
Description
Join St. Francis–Emory Healthcare, a 376-bed community-connected hospital in Columbus, GA, that blends cutting-edge care with hometown purpose. As part of the ScionHealth network, St. Francis has been recognized and awarded multiple high-performing honors by U.S. News & World Report, and received multiple disease-specific certifications from the Joint Commission, and was a rated Top Large Hospital in Georgia. St. Francis also delivers advanced heart, orthopedic, and women’s care services. At St. Francis, you will experience a culture of excellence where your work directly shapes the health of our community.
Job Summary
The Certified Surgical Technician (CST) works under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse to assist in surgical operations. The CST is responsible for ensuring the surgical suite is prepared, maintaining a sterile environment, passing instruments to surgeons during procedures, and assisting in room turnover. The CST plays a vital role in patient safety, infection control, and operational efficiency in the surgical setting.
Essential Functions
- Prepare the operating room with sterile instruments, equipment, supplies, and solutions required for surgical procedures
- Maintain aseptic technique and sterile field throughout the procedure
- Pass instruments and supplies to the surgeon and surgical team during procedures
- Accurately track sponges, needles, and instruments before, during, and after surgical procedures to ensure nothing is retained
- Assist with room turnover before and after procedures, including waste disposal and equipment reprocessing
- Operate and monitor sterilization equipment in accordance with AAMI, AORN, TJC, and OSHA standards
- Assist in processing specimens for laboratory analysis
- Ensure proper documentation of instrument counts, procedures, and sterilization indicators
- Comply with infection control, personal protective equipment, and safety protocols
- Support performance improvement and risk management initiatives
- Maintain readiness and functionality of surgical instruments and equipment
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities/Expectations
- Must read, write, and communicate effectively in English
- Demonstrated knowledge of surgical procedures, instrumentation, and sterile techniques
- Strong attention to detail and ability to work accurately under pressure
- Effective interpersonal and team collaboration skills
- Must demonstrate regular and reliable attendance
Qualifications
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Successful completion of a program in surgical technology accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) required
Licenses/Certifications
- Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential required within time frame required by facility policy
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required
- De-escalation training required within time frame required by facility policy
Experience
- 12 to 18 months of acute care operating room experience preferred