Surgical Services Support Technician

About the role

The Surgical Services Support Technician is responsible for safely transporting patients to and from the operating room (OR) or Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), organizing and restocking equipment, cleaning surgical suites, assisting with room turnover, maintaining sterile technique, supporting OR and anesthesia caregiver requests, and transporting specimens and blood following safe verification policies. The role prioritizes prompt case turnovers to ensure a clean and organized OR, SDS, PACU, or patient environment. Essential duties include close collaboration with the surgical team and adapting to dynamic situations, with possible response to code situations. Promoting the health organization’s mission, vision, and values is also expected. Expanded duties may include scrubbing into procedures and assisting by holding extremities, retractors, cameras, suction, or organs. Caregivers in this role are trained in Basic Aseptic Technique.

Responsibilities

• Safely transport patients to and from the OR holding area, PACU, or patient rooms using proper patient handling techniques; assist with lifting, positioning, and transferring patients as needed.
• Consult with the anesthesiologist and registered nurse (RN) to determine equipment, setup, and supply needs prior to procedures; anticipate procedural requirements and proactively prepare the room.
• Process post-surgical case carts by safely discarding sharps, emptying suction canisters, redistributing unused supplies, and sending carts to the Sterile Processing Department for reprocessing.
• Set up fluid warmers, invasive lines, and sterile supplies for anesthesia procedures when assigned.
• Ensure timely turnover of operating rooms by cleaning all surfaces, removing trash and soiled linen, mopping beneath the OR bed, and preparing the room for the next surgical case.
• Transport blood products and specimens to and from the blood bank, OR, SDS, PACU, and laboratory/pathology departments, adhering to strict verification and safety protocols.
• Stock supplies such as masks and surgical attire in the OR, as well as dietary and storeroom supplies in SDS and PACU, or other supplies as directed.
• Maintain proper traffic patterns and adhere to sanitation protocols for surgical and anesthesia instruments and equipment.
• Perform additional duties as assigned, which may include verifying warmer temperatures, checking eyewash stations, maintaining the utility room, and other support tasks.
• Expanded duties may include completing training in Basic Aseptic Technique, learning to scrub, gown, and glove independently, and supporting the surgeon as directed within the scope of practice for support personnel.

Requirements

• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification for Healthcare Providers, or completion within three (3) months of employment.
• Pass Basic Aseptic Technique class within 90 days of hire or transfer into role.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to fulfill on-call and weekend shift requirements and provide emergency staffing support as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

• High School Diploma or Equivalent.
• Prior experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).
• Prior experience or education in a health-related field or public service setting.

Physical Requirements

• Ongoing need to see and read information, labels, assess patient needs, operate monitors, and identify equipment and supplies.
• Frequent verbal communication and hearing to interact with patient care providers, patients, and visitors, especially during emergency situations.
• Manual dexterity of hands and fingers to manipulate complex and delicate equipment with precision, including frequent computer use and typing.
• Expected to lift and utilize full range of movement to transfer patients; bend to retrieve, lift, and carry supplies and equipment of varying weights, including heavy items.
• Must walk and assist with transporting/ambulating patients and obtaining/distributing supplies and equipment, including pushing/pulling gurneys and portable equipment.
• May be required to stand in a stationary position for an extended period of time.

Schedule

Full-time, 36 hours/week. Schedule determined after orientation completion. Monday–Friday with variable start times and/or days, including on-call requirements.

Pay

The hourly range for this position is $17.86 – $23.21, dependent upon experience.