Operating Room Surgical Technologist
Plattsburgh, New York
The University of Vermont Health Network Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital

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

Location

• City: Plattsburgh, New York
• Specialty: Surgical Services
• Unit: Operating Room (OR)
• Facility Size: 341 beds total; 8 OR beds/suites on main campus plus 4 ORs at ASC
• Trauma Level: 3
• Teaching Facility: No

Employment Details

• Type: Travel/Contract
• Contract Length: 4 weeks
• Shift: Day shift, 7:00 AM – 7:30 PM (3 shifts of 12 hours per week, total 36 hours/week)
• Schedule: Rotating days off with other staff; no block schedules; weekend call required approximately 1 night per week and 1 weekend day per 4-week period
• Call: Required (max 1 call post-shift per week)
• Orientation: 2 days
• Floating: Required to ASC (Ambulatory Surgery Center)
• Charge Nurse: Required

Patient Population & Procedures

• Patient Age Range: 6 months to 100+ years
• Surgeries: All types except cardiac, transplants, neuro, and gastric bypass
• Patient Care Modality: Operating Room
• Nurse-to-Patient Ratio: 1:1
• Circulate role required; scrub experience preferred
• Ancillary staff support includes CNA/PCT, OR aides, scrub techs, surgical assists, and RNs
• Respiratory and anesthesia support available 24/7
• Unit-specific procedures include starting IVs and patient transports if central transport is backed up
• Special equipment: Respiratory and anesthesia support available; standard OR equipment

Required Qualifications

• Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) through NBSTSA with a minimum of 2 years of experience
• Recent Certified Surgical Technologist experience within the last year
• BLS certification (AHA standards)
• Strong vascular surgical skills
• Solid knowledge base in robotics and plastics surgical procedures
• Certification: CST or NBSTSA recognized certification

Orientation & Training

• 2 days of orientation provided
• Specialty testing required for unit/facility
• Documentation and medication systems: EPIC
• Dress code: Scrubs provided; closed-toe, non-skid shoes required; no jewelry while scrubbed in; hair/beard coverings required; nail polish must not be chipped and no fake nails allowed

Additional Requirements & Information

• Employment gaps over 90 days must be explained
• Complete work history including bed count, EMR, and facility type required for submission
• Reliable personal transportation strongly recommended (public transportation not accessible)
• Vehicles should have all-season or snow tires November through April
• No block scheduling; work Monday through Sunday with rotating days off
• On-call once every 3rd to 4th weekend; one holiday call per year if not assigned

Compliance & Documentation

• Background check within 30 days of start, covering all locations lived/worked/schooled in past 7 years
• Education verification as required
• Certifications verification including BLS, ACLS, PALS as applicable
• State license primary source verification within 30 days of start and upon expiration
• Drug testing within 12 months prior to start (required for NY facilities)
• Immunizations and health documents required:

  • Physical exam (within 12 months)
  • N95 fit test (updated annually)
  • Tdap vaccination within 10 years or titer
  • Negative TB test or chest X-ray if positive TB test
  • MMR (2 vaccines or positive titer)
  • Hepatitis B series and titer or signed declination
  • Varicella (2 vaccines or positive titer)
  • Seasonal flu vaccination or declination (required during flu season)
  • COVID vaccination or declination
  • Pneumonia vaccination or declination (for NY facilities)
• Facility-specific forms and consents including abuse registry consent, emergency contact, and COVID questionnaire must be completed timely
• Photo for badge required (passport style, plain background, no logos or hats)
• Completion of EPIC and Cornerstone training modules prior to start (approx. 8 hours, non-billable)

References & Verification

• Two professional references from assignments within the last 3 years required
• Employment application and skills checklist within 12 months required
• Verification of 2 years of most recent clinical work history required

This position offers a fast-paced surgical environment requiring strong technical skills, vascular experience, and the ability to work flexible schedules including call and weekends. Candidates must be prepared for thorough credentialing and compliance processes.