Travel CVOR Technologist
Lancaster, CA
Encompass Healthcare Staffing
4x10 hrs, Days
Referral Bonus

TITLE: Cardiovascular Operating Room (CVOR) Scrub Technician

DEPARTMENT: Surgical Services – Cardiac OR
REPORTS TO: CVOR Manager or Director of Surgical Services
POSITION LEVEL: Contractor / Non-Exempt
JOB CODE: C4059-CV

Job Objective

The CVOR Scrub Technician provides expert-level assistance to the surgical team during complex cardiac, vascular, and thoracic procedures. This role is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the sterile field, managing specialized cardiovascular instrumentation, and anticipating the needs of the surgeon in high-pressure, life-saving environments. The CVOR Tech functions under the direct supervision of the Registered Nurse.

Specialized CVOR Duties and Responsibilities

1. Cardiac Readiness: Ensures the CVOR suite is prepared with specialized cardiac packs, cannulas, and bypass equipment prior to patient arrival.
2. Specialty Instrumentation: Demonstrates advanced knowledge of cardiovascular instruments (e.g., sternal saws, vascular clamps, fine sutures) and ensures all are in perfect working order.
3. Procedure Proficiency: Competently scrubs for procedures including, but not limited to: CABG, Valve Replacement/Repair, Aortic Aneurysm Repair, Carotid Endarterectomy, and Pacemaker/ICD insertions.
4. Device Management: Assists in the preparation and handling of implants and specialized devices such as heart valves, grafts, and Intra-Aortic Balloon Pumps (IABP).
5. Aseptic Mastery: Maintains a rigorous sterile field, specifically monitoring for breaks during long-duration cardiac cases.
6. Rapid Response: Anticipates surgeon needs during critical phases of surgery (e.g., going on/off bypass) to ensure seamless instrumentation transitions.
7. Medication/Solution Safety: Accurately labels and handles heparinized saline, cardioplegia solutions, and topical hemostatic agents on the sterile field.
8. Specimen Integrity: Properly handles and labels vascular and tissue specimens, ensuring clear differentiation between arterial and venous samples.
9. Emergency Protocol: Maintains readiness for emergency "re-do" sternotomies or conversions from minimally invasive to open procedures.
10. Technical Safety: Safely operates specialized equipment including C-Arms, Cell Savers, and thermal regulation units.

Standard Responsibilities

1. Counts: Performs meticulous counts of needles, sponges, and micro-instruments per department policy.
2. Time-Out: Strictly adheres to "Time Out" protocols before passing any instruments to begin a procedure.
3. Room Turnover: Actively participates in efficient room turnover and cleans/preps specialized cardiac equipment for sterilization.
4. Communication: Immediately reports any breaks in sterility or equipment malfunctions to the circulating nurse.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Expertise in vascular and cardiac anatomy and surgical sequences.
• Ability to maintain composure and precision in high-stress, high-acuity situations.
• Physical ability to stand for extended periods (8–12+ hours) and assist in patient positioning.

Education, Experience, and Licensure

• Education: Completion of an accredited Surgical Technician program is required.
• Experience: Minimum 2 years of CVOR-specific experience in an acute care setting is required.
• Certification: CST (Certified Surgical Technologist) is highly desirable.
• Licensure: Current BLS certification is required.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Call Requirement: Mandatory participation in the Cardiovascular Call Rotation, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Exposure: Potential exposure to bloodborne pathogens, radiation (fluoroscopy), and hazardous chemicals used in cardiac surgery.