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
• Shift: 3 shifts per week, 12 hours each (nights, 6:30 PM – 7:00 AM) with holiday rotation
• Weekend Requirement: Rotating weekends
• On-Call: No call required
• Floating: Yes, may need to float within scope to like units or sister facilities

Required Experience & Skills

• Years of Experience Required: Minimum 2 years in specialty
• Preferred Experience: Neuro (spines/crani), ENT (flaps), Robotics (Da Vinci Xi) cases highly preferred
• Common Cases: Orthopedics (total joints, spine, trauma), Neuro (crani, spine), ENT (flaps), Robotics, Transplants/Procurements, Trauma/Burns, GU/GYN
• First-time Travelers: Accepted

Certifications & Licenses

• Required Certifications:

  • NBSTSA (National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting) – NCCT NOT accepted
  • BLS (Basic Life Support) – 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 Operating Room with 21 OR suites covering all surgical specialties
• Nursing team: 75% Registered Nurses, 25% Certified Surgical Technologists
• Charting system: EPIC
• Scrub color provided
• Parking permit required with a registration fee (details provided upon hire)
• Hurricane season (June-November) may require emergency response team participation

Additional Requirements

• Background Checks:

  • Annual background check covering all locations lived/worked in past 7 years
  • Includes SSN trace, statewide and national criminal checks, sex offender registry, FACIS 3, EPLS/GSA/SAM, HHS/OIG
• Education Verification: Required; diploma or transcripts accepted as placeholder if needed
• References: Proof of 2 clinical references or hospital evaluations
• Employment History: Verification of last 3 clinical employers required
• Competency Exams: Medication test/pharmacology and OR competency exams required
• Color Blind Testing: Required prior to start
• Photo for Badge: Passport-style photo with solid light background, frontal view, business casual attire
• Physical Exam: Initial and annual physical exam attesting ability to meet job demands
• Fit Mask: N95 fit test within 90 days prior to start, renewed annually
• Immunizations & Health:

  • Tdap within 10 years or declination form
  • Negative TB test (T-spot or Q-Gold) within 90 days or chest x-ray if positive history
  • Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Varicella: Positive titer or vaccination series required; boosters may be needed for low titers
  • Hepatitis B: Titer, vaccine series, or declination required
  • Flu vaccine required during flu season or medical/religious exemption (no declinations accepted)
• Drug Testing: 10-panel drug screen within 90 days of start, no instant tests accepted
• Radiation Badge Process: Must be obtained before starting floor work; may take 5-7 days to arrive
• Orientation: Completion of facility-specific modules and first day instructions required before orientation; failure to complete results in being sent home
• COVID-19 Vaccination: Not required but highly preferred; vaccination records must be uploaded or declination form completed

Notes

• Facility may call off 1 shift per 2 weeks; called off hours can be combined to equal 1 shift
• Local candidates accepted on a case-by-case basis
• Block scheduling possible with manager approval depending on unit needs

This position offers a dynamic, fast-paced environment in a top-tier academic trauma center with exposure to a wide variety of complex surgical cases. Ideal candidates will have solid surgical tech experience, relevant certifications, and the flexibility to work nights and rotating weekends.