Surgical Assistant - Full Time
Posted Sep 18, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026
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
Walk me through a complex case where you served as first assist. What was your role during the actual procedure, and how did you anticipate what the surgeon needed next?
What they are checking: whether the candidate has genuine hands-on first-assist experience versus mostly scrub tech work
Tell me about a time a surgeon's preference or technique surprised you mid-procedure. How did you adjust?
What they are checking: adaptability and ability to read individual surgeon preferences in real time
Tell me about a time you had to step in and function as the surgical technologist during a case. How did you juggle both roles?
What they are checking: flexibility to cover scrub duties without compromising the first-assist role, and judgment about when that dual role is appropriate
Tell me about a new surgical tech or surgical assistant you trained or mentored. What did you focus on teaching them first?
What they are checking: willingness and ability to serve as a resource, since the job explicitly requires training others
Describe a moment when a patient started to deteriorate or something went wrong during a procedure. What did you do, and what was the outcome?
What they are checking: composure and clinical judgment under high-stress, life-threatening situations
What would you do
You're on call and get a response-time page at 2 a.m. for an emergency case. Walk me through what you do from the moment your phone rings to scrubbing in.
What they are checking: understanding of the 30-minute call response expectation and readiness for off-hours emergencies
A fire alarm goes off mid-procedure and the code requires evacuation. What are you doing in that room in the first sixty seconds?
What they are checking: knowledge of emergency evacuation protocol and ability to stay calm while patient is under anesthesia
This role involves regular exposure to blood, radiation, anesthesia gases, and other hazards. What do you personally do to protect yourself and manage that risk day to day?
What they are checking: realistic acceptance of occupational hazards rather than a rehearsed answer
Tell me about a case that ran long or a schedule that got disrupted by an add-on emergency. How did you handle the shift in plans?
What they are checking: flexibility with changing OR schedules and ability to reprioritize without losing focus
About the work
How do you approach retracting, suturing, or providing hemostasis differently for a pediatric patient versus a geriatric patient?
What they are checking: whether the candidate actually adjusts technique for the full age spectrum this hospital treats, not just says the right words
Describe your experience maintaining a sterile field. Tell me about a time you noticed a break in sterility and what you did about it.
What they are checking: vigilance around aseptic technique and willingness to speak up even if it slows the room down
What's your process for gathering and checking supplies before a case, especially one you haven't assisted on before?
What they are checking: preparation habits and whether they proactively research unfamiliar procedures rather than winging it
How do you approach positioning and transferring a patient who can't assist with the move, especially given lifting limits and equipment expectations?
What they are checking: knowledge of safe patient handling policy and willingness to use equipment and ask for help rather than risk injury
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Practice this out loudThe full job description
As published by Advocate Health.