Certified Surgical Technologist

Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)

Location: New Bedford, MA

Department: Operating Room / Surgical Services

Job Type: Full-Time, Part-Time, or Per Diem

Job Summary: The Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) assists surgeons, registered nurses, and other members of the surgical team in providing safe and efficient care to patients undergoing surgical procedures. The CST is responsible for preparing the operating room, maintaining a sterile field, organizing surgical instruments and supplies, and assisting during procedures. This role requires strong knowledge of surgical aseptic techniques, instrumentation, infection prevention, and operating room safety standards to support positive patient outcomes.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Prepare operating rooms for scheduled and emergency surgical procedures by gathering equipment, instruments, and supplies.
• Set up sterile surgical fields and maintain aseptic technique throughout procedures.
• Perform surgical scrubbing, gowning, and gloving in accordance with established protocols.
• Assist surgeons and other surgical team members by passing instruments, sutures, and supplies during procedures.
• Anticipate the needs of the surgical team and provide appropriate instruments and equipment throughout each procedure.
• Perform surgical counts of sponges, sharps, instruments, and other items in collaboration with the circulating nurse.
• Assist with patient positioning, skin preparation, and draping as directed by the surgical team and within the scope of practice.
• Handle specimens appropriately, ensuring correct identification, labeling, and transfer according to facility policies.
• Operate and maintain surgical equipment, instruments, and supplies in accordance with manufacturer guidelines and hospital procedures.
• Monitor and maintain the sterile field, recognizing and addressing potential breaks in sterile technique.
• Assist with room turnover, instrument decontamination workflows, and preparation of the operating room for subsequent procedures.
• Follow infection prevention practices, sterilization standards, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Participate in emergency surgical procedures and respond promptly to the needs of the surgical team.
• Maintain accurate documentation and communicate effectively with surgeons, registered nurses, anesthesia providers, and other healthcare professionals.
• Support patient safety initiatives and comply with hospital policies, surgical protocols, and established standards of care.

Qualifications:

• Completion of an accredited Surgical Technology program or equivalent qualification accepted by the employer.
• Current Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), as required by the employer.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification, as required by the facility.
• Previous operating room or surgical services experience preferred; new graduates may be considered.
• Knowledge of surgical instruments, procedures, sterile technique, and infection prevention standards.
• Familiarity with surgical counts, specimen handling, surgical equipment, and operating room protocols.
• Strong attention to detail, communication, teamwork, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced surgical environment and respond to changing procedural needs.
• Ability to stand for extended periods and meet the physical requirements of the position.

Work Environment:

This position is based in the Operating Room or Surgical Services department of a hospital or surgical facility in New Bedford, Massachusetts. The role may require rotating shifts, evenings, weekends, holidays, on-call coverage, and occasional overtime, depending on departmental needs. The Certified Surgical Technologist must be able to work effectively in a sterile surgical environment, assist with multiple types of procedures, and maintain a strong focus on patient safety and infection prevention.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

The employer provides equal employment opportunities to qualified applicants and complies with applicable federal and Massachusetts employment laws.

Compensation and Benefits: Salary, health insurance, retirement benefits, paid time off, and other benefits are determined by the employer, experience, qualifications, and employment status.