Surgical / OR Tech II

RWJBarnabas Health, New Jersey's largest integrated healthcare system, is seeking a skilled Surgical/OR Tech II to support our perioperative team. In this role, you will prepare operating rooms, ensure proper sterilization of instruments, and assist surgeons and nurses during procedures to promote safe, efficient, patient-centered care. You will collaborate closely with an expert clinical team, contribute to quality and safety initiatives, and support best practices. RWJBarnabas Health offers a compassionate, inclusive culture with access to continuing education, professional development, and opportunities to advance your career in surgical services.

Responsibilities

• Prepare the operating room for mid-shift surgical cases by ensuring all required instruments, equipment, and supplies are available, sterile, and functioning properly.
• Perform accurate, timely surgical counts of instruments, sponges, and sharps in collaboration with nursing staff to maintain patient safety and prevent retained items.
• Anticipate the needs of the surgeon and operative team by passing instruments, supplies, and equipment efficiently and maintaining sterile technique throughout procedures.
• Assist with patient positioning, prepping, and draping under the direction of the RN and surgeon while ensuring comfort, safety, and adherence to protocols.
• Operate, troubleshoot, and care for OR equipment and surgical instruments, reporting any malfunctions and supporting timely room turnover between cases.
• Support a culture of patient-centered, compassionate care by communicating respectfully with patients and families when appropriate and maintaining patient dignity and privacy.
• Follow infection prevention and control standards rigorously, including proper handling of specimens and utilization of personal protective equipment.
• Collaborate closely with surgeons, anesthesia providers, nurses, and other team members to promote efficient workflow and high-quality clinical outcomes.
• Participate in orientation, mentoring, and informal guidance of newer surgical techs and students as a level II tech, modeling best practices and teamwork.
• Document required information accurately in alignment with hospital and departmental policies, contributing to quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.
• Engage in continuing education, skills development, and in-service training to remain current with evolving surgical techniques, equipment, and standards of care.
• Demonstrate flexibility in supporting mid-shift coverage needs, including variable case loads, emergent procedures, and cross-coverage for different surgical specialties.

Required Skills

• Sterile technique and aseptic practices
• Surgical instrumentation identification and handling
• Operating room equipment setup and operation
• Case preparation and room turnover
• Surgical counts (sponges, needles, instruments)
• Assisting with draping and patient positioning under direction
• Knowledge of surgical procedures across multiple specialties
• Infection prevention and control
• Specimen handling and labeling
• Electronic health record (EHR) and documentation basics
• Effective communication with surgeons, nurses, and anesthesia staff
• Time management and prioritization in a fast-paced ORPatient safety and quality standards
• Emergency response support in the ORAdherence to regulatory and hospital policies