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: 3 shifts per week, 12 hours each (6:30 AM – 7:00 PM)
• Weekend: Up to 1 weekend shift per month (Saturday or Sunday)
• On-call: Up to 4 call shifts per month (End of shift to 7 AM)
• Floating: Required to float within scope to meet facility needs, including sister units/facilities
• First-time travelers accepted

Required Experience & Skills

• Minimum 2 years of experience as a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)
• Preferred experience with Neuro (spines/crani), ENT (flaps), and Robotics (Da Vinci Xi) cases
• Common case types include Orthopedics (total joints, spine, trauma), Neuro, ENT, Robotics, Transplants/Procurements, Trauma/Burns, GU/GYN

Required Certifications & Licenses

• NBSTSA certification (NCCT not accepted)
• Basic Life Support (BLS) - American Heart Association (AHA) only
• Radiation badge required (must be provided by agency)
• Must hold an active, unencumbered South Carolina CST license or equivalent primary source verification
• Additional certifications may be required depending on unit (confirm with recruiter)

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, 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

Scheduling & Hours

• Guaranteed hours with allowance for facility to call off 1 shift every 2 weeks
• Called off hours can be broken down but total no more than 1 shift
• Block scheduling possible with manager approval based 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 updated annually, attesting ability to meet physical demands
• Tetanus/Diphtheria/Tdap vaccine within 10 years or declination form required
• Negative TB test (T-spot or Q-Gold) within 90 days or proof of prior positive with chest x-ray
• Required immunizations or titers: Measles (Rubeola), Mumps, Rubella, Varicella (vaccines or positive titers with boosters if low)
• Hepatitis B vaccination series, titer, or declination required
• Seasonal flu vaccination or medical/religious exemption required during flu season (Aug 1 - Mar 31)
• 10-panel drug screen within 90 days of start (no instant tests)
• COVID-19 vaccination highly preferred; declination form required if not vaccinated

Compliance & Documentation

• Background check within 1 year including SSN trace, criminal, sex offender registry, FACIS 3, and international searches if applicable
• Employment verification of last 3 clinical employers
• Education verification required; diploma or transcripts accepted as placeholder if needed
• Two clinical references required
• Competency exams and medication/pharmacology tests as applicable
• Color blindness test required prior to start
• Facility-specific orientation modules must be completed before orientation
• Clear, passport-style photo required for badge (frontal view, business casual attire)
• Radiation exposure attestation required if radiation badge is needed

Additional Notes

• During hurricane season (June-November, peak Aug-Sept), all staff may be assigned to emergency response teams; consider this before accepting assignment
• Parking permit required with a $20 registration fee for garage use; additional fees may apply for other parking locations

Requirements/Qualifications

• Certified Surgical Technologist with a minimum of 2 years of experience
• Surgical Technologist experience within the last year
• NBSTSA certification (NCCT not accepted)
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association (AHA)