OR Surgical Technologist
Columbia, SC
GHR Healthcare - PH Division
5x8 hrs

Job Opportunity: OR CST - Surgical Services

Location: Columbia, South Carolina
Employment Type: Travel/Contract
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Position Details

• Specialty: OR CST (Operating Room Certified Surgical Technologist)
• Shift: 4 shifts per week, 10 hours each (6:30 AM – 5:00 PM)
• On-call Requirement:

  • 1 weekday call shift per week
  • 2-3 weekend call shifts in a 6-week rotation
• Weekend Requirement: 2-3 weekends in a 6-week schedule
• Number of ORs: 9
• Floating: Yes, between service lines (but not to sister facilities)

Experience & Certification Requirements

• Years of Experience: Minimum 1+ years OR CST experience with extensive general surgery experience
• Additional Experience: Experience with Orthopedic, Neurosurgery, Ophthalmology, and Robotic surgeries required
• First-time Travelers: Accepted
• Certifications Required:

  • BLS (Basic Life Support) - AHA certification only
  • NBSTSA certification (MUSC does NOT accept NCCT)
• Radiation Badge: Required and must be provided by the agency (facility does NOT provide)

Facility & Work Environment

• Facility Type: Acute Care Hospital
• Total Staffed Beds: 304
• Scrub Color: Hospital-issued OR scrubs
• Charting System: Epic
• Parking: Free parking available with a pass distributed at badge pickup; garages and lots available (garage clearance for average SUV/truck)

Scheduling & Other Requirements

• Block Scheduling: Possible with manager approval, dependent on unit needs
• Local Radius: 60 miles
• Locals Accepted: Yes, on a case-by-case basis
• Guaranteed Hours: Facility may call off 1 shift every 2 weeks; called off hours can be combined to equal 1 shift

Important Seasonal Note

• Hurricane Season: June through November (peak in August and September)
• Travelers may be assigned to emergency response teams during this time; new or extension assignments during hurricane season should be carefully considered

Required Documentation & Compliance

• Work Eligibility: Completed and accurate I-9 form required
• Identification: Copy of Driver’s License/State ID and Social Security Card required
• Background Checks:

  • Annual background check covering last 7 years of residence/employment
  • Must include SSN trace, state and national criminal checks, sex offender registry, FACIS 3, and international searches if applicable
  • Background check must be run within 90 days of start
• Education Verification: Required; diploma or transcripts accepted as placeholder if verification pending
• References: Proof of 2 clinical references required, including at least one from the unit of assignment
• Employment History: Verification of last 3 clinical employers required
• Radiation Badge Process: Must be initiated prior to start; candidates cannot begin work without badge
• Photo for Badge: Passport-style color photo with solid light background, frontal view, cropped from shoulders up

Certifications & Licenses

• ACLS: Required for all RNs (AHA only, RQI acceptable)
• BLS: Required for all clinical staff (AHA only)
• PALS: Required for MS and ER units (AHA only)
• NRP: Must be through AHA/AAP, full eCard with QR code required
• TNCC: Required as applicable; not required for ER RNs
• EFM: AWHONN or NCC accepted
• State License: South Carolina RN license required (primary source verification)

  • Temporary "walk-through" license process available for eligible candidates without SC license
  • All license hits must be approved by facility
• NURSYS Verification: Required for all RNs and LPNs/LVNs
• IV Certification: Required for select LPNs as applicable
• NIH Stroke Certification: Required for ER and as applicable for other units
• Tech Cert Verification: Required for allied professionals (e.g., RRT, Cath Lab Techs)
• Orientation Safety Manual Acknowledgement: Required prior to start

Health & Immunization Requirements

• Physical Exam: Initial and updated annually; must clear candidate to work without restrictions
• Fit Mask: Fit test done onsite during orientation; no need to provide prior fit test
• Tdap: Required within 10 years of start or declination form completed
• TB Testing: Negative T-spot or Q-Gold within 90 days of start; follow-up chest x-ray if positive history
• Annual TB Questionnaire: Required for all candidates
• Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella: Positive titer or 2 vaccines required; boosters if low titer
• Hepatitis B: Titer, vaccine series, or declination required
• Drug Testing: 10-panel drug screen within 90 days of start; no instant tests accepted
• Flu Vaccine: Required during flu season (Aug 1 - Apr 30); medical/religious exemptions accepted but no declinations
• COVID Vaccines: Not required but highly preferred; vaccination records must be uploaded or declination form completed
• Respirator Clearance: Annual medical clearance required via RespSafety questionnaire

Facility Specific Requirements

• Orientation Modules: Must be completed prior to orientation (approx. 2 hours) on a computer, not a phone
• First Day Instructions: Provided after client clearance; modules and login info included
• MUSC Employee Forms: Confidentiality, contractor forms, ID badge request, physical assessment (for sterile processors) must be completed prior to start
• Photo for Badge: Must meet specified requirements for approval

Additional Notes

• Prior Travel Experience: Not explicitly required; first-time travelers accepted
• References: At least one reference must be from the unit where the traveler will work
• Floating: Traveler will float between service lines but not to sister facilities

This position offers a dynamic acute care environment with a focus on surgical services requiring specialized experience in multiple surgical areas and certifications. Candidates should be prepared for on-call and weekend shifts and must comply with comprehensive credentialing and health requirements.