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Surgical Tech First Assist Coordinator, Operating Room - Variable Shift

Mercyhealth · Janesville, WI · $32.47–$48.70 an hour · Full time

Posted Sep 29, 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 you saw a break in sterile technique. How did you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they speak up immediately, even to a surgeon, to protect the patient.

How do you prepare for a surgeon you haven't worked with before?

What they are checking: Whether they study preference cards and ask questions so the case runs smoothly.

Tell me about a time a case didn't go as planned. How did you adapt?

What they are checking: Whether they stay calm and useful when surgery changes unexpectedly.

What would you do

The sponge count is off at the end of a case. What happens next?

What they are checking: Whether they stop closure, search systematically and follow policy without letting pressure rush them.

As a coordinator, how would you schedule and support a team of surgical techs?

What they are checking: Whether they can think about coverage, skill mix and fairness, not just their own cases.

A new tech is struggling to keep up in a fast-paced case. What do you do after the case?

What they are checking: Whether they can coach constructively and support growth as a coordinator.

About the work

Walk me through how you position a patient for a surgery, and what you watch for to prevent injury.

What they are checking: Whether they know pressure points, nerve risks and the surgeon's needs, which the posting stresses for the first assist.

What does a surgical first assist do differently from a scrub tech during a procedure?

What they are checking: Whether they understand first assist tasks like retracting, suturing and hemostasis under the surgeon's direction.

How do you manage fluids and supplies during a long case so nothing runs short?

What they are checking: Whether they anticipate needs ahead of time instead of reacting mid-procedure.

What's the role of a preoperative visit in planning patient positioning?

What they are checking: Whether they understand how assessing the patient early can prevent positioning injuries.

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The full job description

As published by Mercyhealth.

OVERVIEW Provides comprehensive support to the surgical team before, during, and after surgical procedures, ensuring efficient workflow, patient safety, and a high standard of care. Performs assigned duties and responsibilities as needed to support the surgical team and department. Schedule : 40 hours per week Shift : Variable ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES • Places equipment and supplies in operating room and arranges instruments, according to instructions. • Assists team members to place and position patient on table. • Scrubs arms and hands and dons gown and gloves. • Maintains supply of fluids, such as plasma, saline, blood, and glucose for use during operation. • Hands instruments and supplies to surgeon, holds retractors, cuts sutures, and performs other tasks as directed by surgeon during operation. • Puts dressings on patient following surgery. • Counts sponges, needles, and instruments before and after operation. • Washes and sterilizes equipment. • Cleans operating room. • The surgical assistant facilitates the safe positioning of the patient according to the surgeon's preference, patient's anatomical and physiological limits and surgical procedure to be performed. A preoperative introduction visit may be done to assess the surgical site to better aid in positioning. Assists circulator and anesthesia provider in preparation of the patient of the patient. • The surgical assistant performs specific tasks according to individual surgeon preference utilizing appropriate techniques including, but not limited to incision and layered closure of surgical sites, providing exposure, achieving hemostasis by means of injection, manual and topical methods, and application of appropriate energy sources, manipulation and dissection/removal of tissues, aides in implanting, securing and /or removal of devices and drains, and applying appropriate dressing material specific to procedure. • The surgical assistant applies any other specific dressing material such as splints or casts, assess skin integrity, assists in transfer of the patient, and follow the patient to recovery if needed or directly by the surgeon. • The surgical assistant who has appropriate training also performs under surgeon supervision other procedures including but not limited to: vein and graft harvesting, graft and implant preparation, assist in robotic procedures after education has been accomplished in these areas. • The surgical assistant performs additional duties as delegated by the surgeon in cooperation with state and local policy. • The coordinator will assist the director in training and scheduling for other surgical assistants to cover staffing and on call needs. EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE Graduate from Surgical Technology program which has been accredited by CAAHEP Three to Five years experience in role of First Assist CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE NTSBSA, CSFA, or ABSA certification OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. LEVEL OF SUPERVISION Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems; employee adherence to annual education and certification requirements SUPERVISES Directly supervises technicians in the Surgical First Assist. Supervisory responsibilities are conducted in accordance with directives of management, the organization's policies, and applicable laws. PAY RANGE: $32.47 - $48.70 Mercyhealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer . All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. Mercyhealth offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package including: • Medical, Dental, Vision • Life & Disability Insurance • FSA/HSA Options • Generous, accruing paid time off • Paid Parental and caregiver leave • Career advancement and educational opportunities • Tuition and certification reimbursement • Certification Reimbursement • Well-being Programs • Employee Discounts • On-Demand Pay • Financial Education • Annual recognition/awards events • Partner appreciation days • Family entertainment/attractions discount • Community service/improvement opportunities Click here for more details regarding Mercyhealth Careers Benefit Information. At Mercyhealth, we don’t simply hire people, we empower employee-partners who are passionate about making lives better. As an integrated health system, we deliver exceptional, coordinated across seven hospitals, 85 primary and specialty clinics, and a team of over 7,500 professionals serving northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. Mercyhealth has been nationally recognized for our commitment to our people and culture, including: • #1 in the nation on AARP's Best Employers for Workers Over 50 • One of Working Mother magazine's 100 Best Companies for Working Mothers • A Top 50 Company and Top 10 Nonprofit for Executive Women

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