Certified Surgical Technologists (CST) are allied health professionals, who are an integral part of the team providing surgical care to patients. Certified Surgical Technologists work under the supervision and delegatory authority of a surgeon to facilitate safe and effective invasive and non-invasive surgical procedures, ensuring that the operating room environment is safe, that equipment functions properly, and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety. Surgical Technologists are experts in the theory and application of the principles of asepsis and sterile technique to combine the knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation and tools and technologies to facilitate a physician’s performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.

The CSTs functioning as a Lead CST are responsible for maintaining surgeon preference cards within the Electronic Medical Record (EMR); maintaining a high level of knowledge within the surgical specialty they are responsible for; and functions as a resource person for department associates within the surgical service they represent.

Additional responsibilities of the Lead CST include inventory of equipment and supplies for the service line represented, reviewing future procedure schedules, identifying supply and equipment needs and concerns, coordinating sales / vendor representative availability, and ensuring specialty equipment not owned by the facility is provided either by the sales representative or acquired from other facilities. The Lead CST may also coordinate and collect pricing for new supply/equipment requests made by surgeons and present to the Operating Room Director and approving committees. The Lead CST participates in onboarding and verification of competencies.

Lead CSTs collaborate with leadership in developing and implementing the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare Systems culture, vision mission, and goals.

CSTs are part of the surgical team and work under the supervision of a registered nurse or operating manager/director. Certified Surgical Technologists in the Operating Room assist surgeons during procedures by anticipating surgeon needs to make sure the procedure is executed as smoothly and efficiently as possible. They prepare and organize the operating room, clean, and sterilize equipment, and maintain a sterile environment.

Education         

Graduate of an accredited Surgical Technology Program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) prior to the year 2022. Graduate of a CAAHEP accredited Surgical Technology, Associate Degree program as of 2022.

Experience        

Minimum of two years of consecutive scrub experience as a CST.

License/Registration/Certifications             

Certification, as a certified surgical technologist (CST), conferred by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgery Assisting (NBSTSA) Certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) obtained through the American Heart Association

Preferred Education     

Certification, as a certified Sterile Processing Department Technician (CSPDT), conferred by the Certification Board for Sterile Processing and Distribution (CBSPD) Certification, as a Certified Registered Central Service Technician (CRCST), conferred by The International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM)

Preferred Experience    

1 year of scrub experience and experience in the specialty service area or representation

License/Registration/Certifications

Active member of the Association of Surgical Technologist (AST) organization