Orthopedic Certified Surgical Assistant
Santa Fe, New Mexico
CHRISTUS Saint Vincent Regional Medical Center

Job Opportunity: Certified Surgical Assistant (CST/ORT)

Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico
Employment Type: Travel Contract
Shift: 6:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Start Date: ASAP
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Position Summary

• Support orthopedic surgeons and surgical staff during operations.
• Prepare, provide, and care for surgical instruments.
• Assist frequently on orthopedic cases and occasionally in other specialties.
• Review surgical schedules to anticipate needs for prosthetics and supplies.
• Participate in quality improvement and orthopedic surgical line activities.
• Demonstrate competency as a 1st Assistant.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent.

Certifications/Licenses

• BLS certification through the American Heart Association (required).
• Surgical Technician National Certification (required).
• Maintain National Certification as 1st Assistant once obtained.

Experience

• Minimum of 3 years as a Surgical Technician.
• Trauma experience is required.

Skills

• Care and handling of surgical instruments and equipment.
• Sterilization and cleansing procedures.
• Knowledge of orthopedic surgery assistance, including prosthetics and related supplies.

Essential Functions

• Anticipate surgeon needs by reviewing surgical schedules and ensuring availability of prosthetics and supplies.
• Coordinate orthopedic surgery and provide technical surgical services.
• Respect patient privacy and dignity.
• Plan patient care in the OR using surgeon preference cards; update cards as needed.
• Understand legal and clinical implications of surgical interventions.
• Respond appropriately to emergencies.
• Adhere to AORN Standards of Care and maintain aseptic technique.
• Provide guidance and teaching to other surgical technicians.
• Maintain accurate counts of sponges, needles, and instruments.
• Assist surgeon within verified competencies, including:

  • Visualization of operative site and retractor placement.
  • Hemostasis techniques (clamping, cauterizing, ligating, applying clips/agents).
  • Assisting with closure of body planes and wound dressing application.
  • Securing drainage systems.
• Participate in department in-services and continuing education.
• Maintain Certified Surgical Technician status.
• Assist in safe patient positioning.

Work Environment & Safety

• Exposure to bloodborne pathogens, communicable diseases, needle punctures, x-ray radiation, and physical stress.
• Use of universal precautions and protective equipment is mandatory.
• Expected to utilize tools and practices to prevent worker injuries.

Additional Responsibilities

• Exhibit behaviors that promote patient satisfaction, respect, and confidentiality.
• Demonstrate effective communication and teamwork skills.
• Support hospital mission, goals, and continuous service improvement.
• Adapt to changes in work environment or schedule with flexibility.
• Maintain positive attitude and professional growth.
• Adhere to all safety, attendance, and hospital policies.

This role is ideal for experienced Certified Surgical Technicians with trauma experience seeking a travel contract in orthopedic surgical assistance.