Surgical Technologist – Cardiothoracic OR

Join Cleveland Clinic’s Main Campus where research and surgery are advanced, technology is leading-edge, patient care is world class and caregivers are family. Here, you will work alongside a passionate and dedicated team, receive endless support and appreciation, and build a rewarding career with one of the most respected healthcare organizations in the world.

Caregivers in the Cardiothoracic OR use their in-depth experience to perform complex operations with the newest surgical techniques, equipment and devices, including minimally invasive, off-pump bypass, robotically assisted and percutaneous procedures. As a Surgical Technologist, you will play a key role in delivering exceptional surgical care by working alongside registered nurses, surgeons, anesthesia providers, and other members of the surgical team. You will perform scrub duties, assist with circulating responsibilities under the direction of a Registered Nurse, maintain a sterile field, prepare supplies and equipment, pass instruments during procedures, and support sterilization processes after surgery. The operating room provides a structured, team-focused environment dedicated to safe, high-quality patient care.

This role offers exposure to complex, high-acuity surgical cases, providing valuable hands-on experience to strengthen your technical skills and clinical knowledge. As you gain experience, you will improve your ability to anticipate surgeons' needs, enhance your sterile technique, and build confidence managing a variety of surgical procedures. It is an excellent opportunity to develop your expertise and advance your career in the surgical field.

A caregiver in this position works nights + on-call requirements from 5:00 p.m. – 6:30 a.m. after orientation.  For on-call requirements, you must be on site within 1 hour. Orientation is 6 months Monday – Friday from 6:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.

A caregiver who excels in this role will:  

• Perform scrub functions and assist in circulating functions under the direction of a Registered Nurse (RN).  

• Set up the sterile table and ensure appropriate supplies, drugs and equipment are available.  

• Assists RN in counting all sponges, instruments, etc. at appropriate times during surgery. 

• Assist in gowning and gloving surgical team members and draping patients. 

• Ensure aseptic condition is maintained by the scrubbed surgical team through the procedure.  

• Participate in the intraoperative “timeout.”  

• Collect, identify and label specimens removed during surgical procedures and gives specimens to circulator for disposition.
• If in an Ambulatory setting the following duties may be assigned:
• Coordinates surgical and clinical schedules.
• Assists with outpatient clinic flow.
• Provides information to patient and family.
• Assists with coordinating outpatient procedure room cases and supplies.
• Assists with marketing and practice development and orientation of new hires.
• Coordinates studies for section.
• Answers patient phone calls, gathers information and relays to provider.
• Performs post-op phone to patient based on provider instruction and relays information to provider.
• Scribes for provider in outpatient clinic.

Minimum qualifications for the ideal future caregiver include:  

• Graduate of a Surgical Technology Program accredited through Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Program (CCAAHEP) or Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES) OR Certification as a Surgical Technologist (TS-C or CST) OR completion of a military Surgical Technology Program OR state license as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) 

• Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification through the American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross

Preferred qualifications for the ideal future caregiver include: 

• Surgical Technologist Certification from an accredited Surgical Technology Program  
• Scrubbing experience

Physical Requirements:

• Full range of body motion for handling and lifting patients, manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination

• Standing and walking for extensive periods of time

• Lifting and carrying items weighing up to 25 pounds

• Pushing, pulling and navigating supply carts weighing less than 75 pounds periodically

• Corrected vision and hearing to normal range

• Working under stressful conditions of working irregular hours

• Some exposure to communicable diseases or bodily fluids

• Medium Work, exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects

• Physical Demand requirements in excess of those for Light Work

Personal Protective Equipment:

• Follow standard precautions using personal protective equipment as required