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Certified Surgical Technologist CVOR Full Time Days Sign-On Bonus Available

Northwestern Medicine · Lake Forest, IL · Full time · Health Care Provider

Posted Sep 15, 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

You would train at other Northwestern Medicine sites first. How does that sit with you?

What they are checking: The posting states candidates would train at a few other locations.

Full time days at Lake Forest. How does that fit your life?

What they are checking: The posting states the shift and the site.

What would you do

Something breaks sterility mid-case. What do you do?

What they are checking: Speaking up in a room where you are not the surgeon is the real test.

This is a new heart program. What would your first six months look like?

What they are checking: The posting names helping launch and shape a new heart program.

How do you help build a room's routines when there is no established practice yet?

What they are checking: A new program has no muscle memory, which is the whole challenge.

About the work

Tell me about your cardiovascular operating room experience.

What they are checking: The posting states the team is seeking candidates with prior CVOR or OR experience.

What is particular about scrubbing an open heart case?

What they are checking: Cardiac cases run on bypass and the scrub role is defined by it.

Walk me through preparing the suite for a cardiac case.

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

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

What they are checking: The count is the operating room's hardest stop and it does not bend.

How do you anticipate what the surgeon needs next?

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

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The full job description

As published by Northwestern Medicine.

We are seeking a Surgical Technologist to help launch and shape a new heart program at Lake Forest Hospital. This is an exciting opportunity to bring your cardiovascular expertise to a team committed to excellence. Join us as we build a program to expand access to advanced cardiovascular services and set a new standard in heart care for our community. You will play a vital role in establishing a strong foundation for a program that will make a lasting impact, one heart at a time. 20K sign on bonus *At this time, our team is seeking candidates with prior CVOR or OR experience. *This is an exciting new program for Lake Forest Hospital! Candidates hired would train at a few other Northwestern Medicine locations. The Certified Surgical 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 Surgical Tech facilitates the safe and efficient performance of surgical procedures. 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 Additional Information 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. Click on or copy and paste URL to your browser to view detailed benefits information NorthwesternMedicine Career Page https://jobs.nm.org/benefits Please refer to the Benefits Eligibility by Employment Classification to determine benefits eligibility for job postings. If sign-on bonus is included in a job posting eligibility is as followed: 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 as a Registered Nurse at NM may be eligible.

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