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Certified Surgical Technologist

HSHS · Springfield, IL · $28.14–$42.21 an hour · Full time

Posted Jul 7, 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

Tell me about a time a case went differently than planned and you had to adjust fast.

What they are checking: Whether they stay calm and anticipate needs when a case changes direction.

What specialties have you scrubbed in, and which ones would you need more time in?

What they are checking: Whether they're honest about their range, since St. John's runs a broad surgical service.

Tell me about a tense moment with a surgeon. How did you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they can stay professional and focused when a surgeon is frustrated.

What would you do

You notice a break in sterile technique by a resident or surgeon. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they speak up immediately regardless of rank, which protects the patient from infection.

How do you prepare for a surgeon you've never worked with?

What they are checking: Whether they use preference cards and ask questions ahead rather than learning on the patient.

About the work

Walk me through how you set up your back table and Mayo stand for a case you know well.

What they are checking: Whether they have an organized, consistent setup that lets them anticipate the surgeon.

How do you handle counts, and what happens if your count is off at closing?

What they are checking: Whether they own count accuracy and follow the process instead of assuming it'll turn up.

A tray comes up with a wet pack or a broken indicator. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they understand sterilization indicators and refuse to use questionable instruments.

How do you help with patient positioning and transfer, and what risks are you watching for?

What they are checking: Whether they think about pressure injuries, nerve damage and safe handling, not just the sterile field.

How do you handle specimens from the sterile field to make sure they're labeled right?

What they are checking: Whether they know a specimen mix-up is a serious error and follow the handoff process carefully.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by HSHS.

Pay Range: $28.14 - $42.21 A successful candidate's actual pay rate will be based on several factors including relevant experience, skills, training, certifications and education. Assists surgical team members in providing intraoperative care to the perioperative patient by preparing and monitoring equipment, passing instruments, maintaining the sterile field, assisting with patient transfer/positioning and performing a variety of surgical skills and procedures. Position Specifics: o Department: Surgery o Core Function: Surgical Tech o Schedule: Full-time/Day Shift o Facility: St. John's Hospital o Clinic Location: Springfield, IL o Sign On Bonus: $20,000 o Compensation that aligns with your experience For more questions contact Debbie Suttles at debbie.suttles@hshs.org Education Qualifications • High School Diploma or GED is required. • Associates degree in surgical technology is preferred. • Graduate from a recognized surgical technology program or has successfully completed military training in surgical technology is required. • Military documentation to establish education includes a DD214 demonstrating graduation from a military training program. • Illinois: High School Diploma or GED PLUS 3 years working as a Surgical Technologist working in healthcare setting may be considered in lieu of education. Experience Qualifications • 1 year surgery experience is preferred. Certifications, Licenses and Registrations • One of the following certifications is required: Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) issued by National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) OR Tech in Surgery (TS-C) issued by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT). • Basic Life Support (BLS) is required. Job Description Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40 Throughout communities in Illinois and Wisconsin, 13 hospitals, numerous community-based health centers and clinics, our 13,000+ colleagues have built a culture based on our solid core values of respect, care, competence, and joy. These are the ideals we believe in, work by, and live each day. Built upon more than 145 years of service to the communities we serve, we now look to the future and our place in it as a health care system that strives to continually improve processes, procedures, and outcomes with the latest and most advanced technologies and treatments. Regardless of how far our passion for excellence carries us, our focus will always remain on the most important person in our entire organization: The patient. Benefits: HSHS provides a benefits package designed to support the overall well-being of our colleagues including their physical, emotional, financial, spiritual, and work health. Colleagues budgeted to work at least 32 hours per pay period are eligible for HSHS benefits. • Comprehensive and affordable health coverage includes medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage for full-time and part-time colleagues. • Paid Time Off (PTO) combines vacation, sick, and personal days into one balance to allow you the flexibility to use your time off as you need. • Retirement benefits including HSHS contributions. • Education Assistance benefits include up to $5,250 of educational assistance each calendar year and tuition discounts to select colleges with no waiting period. • Adoption Assistance provides financial support up to $7,500 for colleagues growing their families through adoption to reimburse application and legal fees, transportation, and more! • Other benefits include: Wellness program with incentives, employer-paid life insurance and short-term and long-term disability coverage, flexible spending accounts, employee assistance program, ID theft coverage, colleague rewards and recognition program, discount program, and more! Benefits HSHS and affiliates is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). HSHS is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace dedicated to pursuing and hiring a diverse workforce. Notice Regarding Potential Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Hiring Process Hospital Sisters may use automated tools, including artificial intelligence or machine-learning technologies, to assist with certain administrative aspects of the recruitment process. These tools may help our recruiting team organize applications, search for resumes, identify qualifications reflected in application materials, and facilitate communications or scheduling with applicants. Information used by these tools may include materials you provide during the application process, such as your resume, work history, education, qualifications, and responses to application questions. These tools are used only to support our recruiting process. Hiring decisions are made by HSHS personnel, and automated tools do not make employment decisions on behalf of HSHS. Applicants who have questions about this notice or who require a reasonable accommodation or alternative evaluation method may contact HSHS Human Resources at Contact@hshs.org

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