Operating Room Surgical Technologist
Charleston, South Carolina
Medical University of South Carolina - University Hospital

Job Opportunity: Certified OR Tech / Surgical Tech (CST)

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

Position Details

• Specialty: Surgical Services (Operating Room)
• Shift: 4 shifts per week, 10 hours each (6:30 AM – 5:00 PM), day shift
• Weekend Requirement: One working weekend shift every month
• On-Call Requirement: Up to 4 call shifts every 4 weeks
• Floating: Yes, may need to float within scope to like units or sister facilities
• First-timers Accepted: Yes

Experience & Case Mix

• Required Years of Experience: Minimum 2 years
• Highly Preferred Experience: Neuro (spines/crani), ENT (flaps), Robotics (Da Vinci Xi) cases
• Common Cases: Orthopedics (total joints, spine, trauma), Neuro (crani, spine), ENT (flaps), Robotics, Transplants/Procurements, Trauma/Burns, GU/GYN

Required Certifications & Licenses

• Certification: NBSTSA (National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting) required

  • Note: NCCT certification is NOT accepted
• Basic Life Support (BLS): Required (AHA or ARC accepted)
• Radiation Badge: Required and must be provided by the agency
• Trauma Level: Level 1 trauma center experience preferred

Facility & Work Environment

• Level I Trauma Center, Teaching Facility, Magnet designated hospital
• Main OR has 21 suites covering all surgical specialties including Trauma, Transplant, Ortho, Neuro, ENT, GU-GYN, and Robotics
• Busy, dynamic, nurse-driven environment with cutting-edge technology
• Charting system: EPIC
• Scrub color provided
• Local radius for travel: 60 miles
• Locals may be considered on a case-by-case basis

Schedule & Hours

• Facility may call off 1 shift per 2 weeks; called off hours can be broken down to add up to 1 shift
• Open to block scheduling with manager approval, depending on unit needs

Health & Safety Requirements

• Fit test for N95 mask (O&M Halyard FLUIDSHIELD or 3M Aura 1870+) within 90 days prior to start, renewed annually
• Physical exam required, updated annually, attesting ability to meet physical demands
• Immunizations and titers required or proof of immunity for:

  • Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap (within 10 years or declination form)
  • Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, Rubella (positive titer or vaccines)
  • Varicella (positive titer or vaccines)
  • Hepatitis B (titer, vaccine series, or declination)
• Negative TB test (T-spot or Q-Gold) within 90 days of start; annual TB questionnaire required
• Seasonal flu vaccination or medical/religious exemption required during flu season (Aug 1 – Apr 30)
• 10-panel drug screen within 90 days of start (no instant tests)

Compliance & Documentation

• Background checks including 7 years of history, criminal, sex offender registry, FACIS, EPLS/GSA/SAM, HHS/OIG
• Education verification and diploma/transcripts preferred
• Work history verification of last 3 clinical employers
• Color blindness test required prior to start
• Medication/pharmacology competency exam required
• Competency exam for OR required
• Clear, passport-style photo for badge required before start
• Radiation exposure attestation required if radiation badge is needed
• Facility-specific orientation modules must be completed prior to start
• COVID-19 vaccination is highly preferred; if declined, a vaccination declination form must be completed

Additional Notes

• During hurricane season (June-November), all staff may be assigned to emergency response teams
• Parking permit required with a registration fee; additional parking fees may apply outside designated garage
• Candidates cannot start without their radiation badge; badges may take 5-7 days to process and ship

Summary

This is a travel contract opportunity for a Certified OR Tech / Surgical Tech with at least 2 years of experience, preferably with advanced surgical cases including neuro, ENT, and robotics. The position requires NBSTSA certification, BLS, and a radiation badge. The role involves working in a busy Level I trauma academic medical center with a variety of surgical specialties. Candidates must meet comprehensive health, safety, and compliance requirements and be prepared for a dynamic work environment with occasional on-call and weekend shifts.

Requirements / Qualifications

• Surgical Technologist with a minimum of 2 years of experience
• Surgical Technologist experience within the last year
• Certification by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification
• At least 2 years of experience as an Operating Room Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)