Certified OR Tech / Surgical Tech (CST)

Certified Surgical Technologist Position

Steele Memorial Medical Center is looking for a talented CST to join our amazing team in Rural Salmon, Idaho!

The Certified Surgical Technologist supports safe, efficient, and high-quality surgical care by preparing operating rooms, maintaining sterile technique, and assisting surgeons and perioperative teams throughout surgical procedures. The CST ensures instruments, equipment, and supplies are available and functioning, anticipating the needs of the surgical team, and contributes to positive patient outcomes through technical expertise and strong teamwork.

Essential duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned:

• Prepare operating rooms with appropriate instruments, equipment, supplies, and sterile setup according to surgeon preferences and procedure-specific requirements.
• Verify functionality and sterility of instruments and equipment prior to procedure. Operate and troubleshoot surgical equipment within scope of practice.
• Assist with patient positioning, prepping and draping patients for surgical procedures under RN direction. Always maintain strict sterile techniques and aseptic practices. Monitor sterile field integrity and collaborate with the team to prevent breaks in sterility.
• Anticipate surgeon and procedural needs, passing instruments, sutures, and supplies efficiently.
• Handle specimens appropriately, ensuring accurate labeling and transport
• Assist with counts of instruments, sponges, and sharps according to policy.
• Clean, decontaminate, and prepare instruments for reprocessing.
• Restock rooms and ensure readiness for subsequent procedures.
• Document equipment issues and support quality and safety initiatives.
• Follows written procedures for steam sterilization; knows responsibilities and the necessity for chemical and biological monitoring
• Collaborate with surgeons, RNs, anesthesia providers, and support staff to ensure smooth surgical flow.
• Communicate clearly and respectfully in high-acuity environment.
• Participate in ongoing education, competencies, and performance improvement activities.
• Demonstrate reliability, accountability and adherence to hospital policies and regulatory standards.
• Make decisions reflecting knowledge of facts and good judgment (assigned case and instruments and/or trays to be pulled for the procedure) within the Operating Room Technician's scope of practice.
• Attends at least 75% of staff meetings annually, reads and returns all monthly staff meeting minutes.

Qualifications:

• Must have a current Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential. (NBSTSA or NCCT)
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required upon hire.
• Previous operating room experience preferred.
• Strong knowledge of sterile technique, surgical instruments, and OR safety practices
• Must be available to work two to three nights/days a week on call for emergency surgery services on a routine basis.

Why Join Us in Salmon, Idaho?

Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including dental, vision, life & disability coverage and 457 Retirement with a match every pay period. We work hard at maintaining a healthy work-life balance through flexible employee work scheduling. Fun wellness program with potential health deduction savings of up to $1,200 annually and generous Paid Time Off!

Also, because we are surrounded by mountains and rivers and unmatched outdoor recreation. Our hospital is a vital resource for the region, and our OR team plays a critical role in delivering high-quality surgical care. We're not just filling positions- we're building a team that makes a difference every single day.