Surgical Technologist, Operating Room

Location: Salem Hospital, 890 Oak Street SE, Salem, Oregon 97301
Department: Operating Room
Position Type: Full Time, 40 hours/week, Non-Exempt
Shift: 7:00 am, 9:00 am, or 11:00am start time, four 10-hour shifts or three 12-hour shifts, variable days

Your role with us

As an integral part of the surgical team, you will ensure that the operating room environment is safe and sterile, that equipment functions properly, and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize positive patient outcomes. Your passion for patient care and safety will drive your preparation of sterile solutions and medications used in surgery as you assemble and operate instruments, equipment and supplies while demonstrating empathy and utilizing strong communication skills.

What's our Operating Room like?

• State-of-the-art equipment including two Da Vinci XI robots, CT, and Image Navigated Surgery!
• Surgeries include cardiac, open heart, endovascular surgery, urologic and general surgeries including bariatric (Center of Excellence) services, orthopedic, neuro spine and brain, and trauma surgery. All surgical specialty services and trauma are provided except burns and organ transplant procedures.
• Population includes pediatric, adolescent, adult, and geriatric patients.
• Number of beds and number of patient treatment areas: 18 beds.
  
• Average about 250 cases Monday - Friday.
• Level II trauma center. One of the busiest ERs on the West Coast!

What you'll do

• Prepare and maintain a sterile surgical field by organizing instruments, equipment, and supplies in accordance with aseptic technique and hospital protocols.
• Conduct safety checks and ensure that surgical instruments and equipment are functioning properly before procedures begin.
• Actively support the surgical team by anticipating the needs of the surgeon and providing the correct instruments and supplies throughout the procedure.
• Participate in key patient safety protocols, including time-outs, medication labeling, hand hygiene, and post-procedure debriefs.
• Assist in patient positioning using safe body mechanics, and support dressing application, medication preparation on the sterile field, and proper specimen management.
• Take initiative during unassigned time to support unit needs such as stocking supplies, updating preference cards, and preparing rooms for upcoming cases.
• Foster a collaborative team environment by mentoring new staff, communicating clearly with team members and patients, and participating in process improvement efforts using Lean methodologies.
• Manage the storage and transport of surgical specimens and assist in ordering and stocking non-controlled medications and supplies for the unit.

Required qualifications

• Basic Life Support (BLS).

And will follow any one of three paths:

Path I: Completion of an Accredited Educational Program

• Completion of a surgical technology educational program accredited by a national accreditation organization that is approved by the Oregon Health Authority; and
• Holds a current surgical technologist certification issued through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA); or obtains surgical technologist certification through the NBSTSA within twelve months of program completion.

Path II: Completion of a US Military Surgical Technologist Training Program

• Provides documentation showing completion of a training program for surgical technologists in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, or Coast Guard of the United States or in the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps; and
  
• Demonstrates that sixteen hours of approved continuing education was completed every two years.

Path III: Experience

• Provides documentation demonstrating practice of surgical technology during at least two of the years between January 1, 2014, and January 1, 2017; and
• If experienced in the state of Oregon, must also demonstrate that sixteen hours of continuing education was completed every two years since 1/1/2017.

Total rewards package

Salem Health's comprehensive benefits package prioritizes your mental and physical health, financial stability, family obligations, and professional growth.

Why Salem Health?

Salem Health is a Top Workplace in Oregon, known for fostering a supportive culture where your contributions truly matter. As an award-winning, independent health care system, we serve our region through Salem Hospital, multiple community clinics and West Valley Hospital, ensuring broad access to high-quality care.

We believe in empowering our teams. Through Lean principles, staff help drive innovation and solve real problems. We also invest in your growth with professional development, tuition assistance, and clear career pathways. At Salem Health, you’ll find more than a job,you’ll find purpose, connection, and room to thrive.