Operating Room Technician/Student

Tell me about your first clinical rotation. What did you learn that surprised you?

What they are checking: Whether they reflect on experience and are learning from it, which predicts growth.

How do you handle being told you did something wrong in front of the team?

What they are checking: Ability to take correction calmly, which every student will face in the OR.

How will you balance this job with your Surgical Technologist program?

What they are checking: Realistic time management and reliability while still in school.

Why did you choose surgical technology?

What they are checking: Motivation and fit for a job that is often stressful and physically demanding.

You are not sure whether something touched a non-sterile surface. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they speak up and treat it as contaminated, which is the safe choice.

This role works under the direction of RNs and OR techs. How do you know when to ask before acting?

What they are checking: Understanding of their scope as a student and respect for supervision.

What would you do if you felt faint or sick during a long case?

What they are checking: Whether they know to step away safely and tell someone rather than risk the field.

What does sterile technique mean to you, in your own words?

What they are checking: Whether they understand the reasons behind the rules, not just the rules.

What instruments are you comfortable naming and passing right now?

What they are checking: An honest picture of where their skills are, so training can be planned.

Walk me through how you would help prepare a room before a case starts.

What they are checking: Basic understanding of room setup, which the role does every day.