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Certified Surgical Tech CDH OR Ortho Full-time Rotating

Northwestern Medicine · Winfield, IL · Full time · Health Care Provider

Posted Sep 17, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

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Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

Full time rotating shifts. How does that fit your life?

What they are checking: Honest fit with the schedule the posting states.

How do you work with a surgeon whose manner is difficult under pressure?

What they are checking: A real part of the job, and whether they can stay effective through it.

What would you do

Something in the room breaks sterility. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they call it, which takes nerve in front of a surgical team.

About the work

Tell me about the orthopedic cases you have scrubbed.

What they are checking: This is an ortho room, and ortho instrumentation is its own world.

Walk me through setting up a room for a case, from opening to the patient arriving.

What they are checking: The posting names preparing the suite with drapes, instruments, implants and supplies.

Talk me through a count and what you do if it does not reconcile.

What they are checking: The posting says they continually account for instruments, which is the most serious safeguard in the room.

How do you keep implants and the equipment for them straight in an orthopedic case?

What they are checking: The posting names implants, and in ortho the tray count is large and the vendor sets vary.

How do you anticipate what a surgeon needs next?

What they are checking: The difference between passing instruments and being good at it.

Walk me through receiving and handling a specimen.

What they are checking: The posting names specimen handling, and a mislabeled specimen changes a diagnosis.

How do you prepare for a case you have not done before?

What they are checking: Whether they prepare deliberately rather than turning up.

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The full job description

As published by Northwestern Medicine.

The Certified Sugical Tech reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards. The Certified Sugical Tech facilitates the safe and efficient performance of surgical procedures. See what our staff have to say about working at Central Dupage Hospital! https://youtu.be/0QbhDLfTW4I Responsibilities: • Prepares surgical operating suite with drapes, medications, solutions, instruments, equipment, implants, and supplies. Ensures availability and functionality of equipment and instruments. • Assists with preparing, transporting, positioning and draping patients. • Passes instruments to physician during surgery. Continually accounts for number and location of instruments and supplies during surgery. • Receives and processes specimens, if required, for delivery to the laboratory. Required: • Graduate of an accredited Surgical Technologist program • Certification as a Surgical Technologist (CST) within twelve months of hire • CPR – Basic Life Support Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status. Background Check Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check. Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act. Artificial Intelligence Disclosure Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person. Benefits We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more. Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position): Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.

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