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Surgical Technologist, Cardiac - Days

Mercyhealth · Janesville, WI · $23.65–$35.48 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 anticipated a surgeon's need before they asked.

What they are checking: Whether they truly understand the procedure rather than just reacting to requests.

How do you prepare for call when an emergency heart case could come in overnight?

What they are checking: Whether they are reliable on call and keep their skills ready for urgent cases.

Tell me about a time you made a mistake in the OR. How did you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they own and report errors quickly, which is essential to patient safety culture.

How did you build your experience in cardiac surgery, or how would you learn it?

What they are checking: Whether they have a realistic plan to master a specialty with complex instruments and procedures.

What would you do

Midway through a cardiac case, the patient becomes unstable and the surgeon calls for things fast. How do you keep up?

What they are checking: Whether they stay calm, focused and accurate when a case turns into an emergency.

You notice a possible contamination of the sterile field, but the surgeon is in a critical moment. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they protect sterility and speak up appropriately even under pressure.

About the work

Walk me through setting up your back table for an open-heart case like a CABG.

What they are checking: Whether they know the instruments, sutures and sequence of a cardiac case well enough to anticipate the surgeon.

The patient is going on cardiopulmonary bypass. What are you watching for and preparing at that point?

What they are checking: Whether they understand the key moments of a heart surgery and what the team needs from the scrub at each.

How do you handle counts in a cardiac case with many sponges, needles and small items?

What they are checking: Whether they keep counts precise in long, complex cases where a retained item is a serious risk.

What do you check on equipment before a case to make sure it's working?

What they are checking: Whether they verify equipment like suction, cautery and saws before the patient is on the table.

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The full job description

As published by Mercyhealth.

OVERVIEW Assists surgeons during surgical procedures by preparing and maintaining a safe, sterile operating room environment. Ensures surgical equipment and instruments are functioning properly and supports patient safety throughout procedures. Applies knowledge of sterile technique, anatomy, surgical procedures, and surgical technology to assist physicians during invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Schedule may include days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and on-call shifts. Performs other related duties as assigned. SCHEDULE : 40-hours per week SHIFT: Days ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES • Handles the instruments, supplies, and equipment necessary during the surgical procedure. Has an understanding of the procedure being performed and anticipates the needs of the surgeon. Has the necessary knowledge and ability to ensure quality patient care during the operative procedure and is constantly on vigil for maintenance of the sterile field. • Assists the surgical team before, during, and after surgery by performing the following duties • Checks instruments, supplies, and equipment needed for surgical procedures. • Scrubs, gowns, gloves, and sets up sterile table with instruments and supplies, equipment and medication, solutions needed for each procedure • Assists with patient placement and positioning on the table. Assists in draping sterile field according to procedure, physician preference. • Performs appropriate counts for sponges, needles, and instruments with circulator according to policy prior to the operation and before incision is closed. • Gowns and gloves surgeon and assistants. Creates and maintains sterile field. Maintains highest standard of sterile technique during procedure. • Passes instruments, etc. to surgeon during procedure. May sponge operative site, hold retractors during surgery, cut suture and cauterize previously clamped vessels as directed by surgeon. Prepares sterile dressings. If applicable and at the direction of the surgeon, apply and secure dressings. • Assists other members of team with cleaning the operating room after each procedure. Assists in prepping room for the next patient. • Participates in department performance improvement activities. EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE • High school diploma or general education degree (GED) preferred • Graduate of an CAAHEP-accredited Surgical Technology program required OR program currently participating in accreditation • process • Less than 1 year experience as a Surgical Scrub technologist CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE • Certified Surgical Technologist through NBSTSA preferred • Certified Surgical Technologist through NBSTSA required only if program is not accredited but currently participating in • accreditation process,. • Approved CPR or BLS certification required within 90 days (other certifications per unit requirements. ACLS, PALS, PEARS, NRP) OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES N/A LEVEL OF SUPERVISION Supervisory responsibilities are conducted in accordance with directives of management, the organization's policies, and applicable laws. SUPERVISES May directly supervise, mentor up to one surgical technician student. When acting as a preceptor, carries out those responsibilities in accordance with the hospital's and school's policies and applicable laws. Serves as an educator, nurturer, and role model for the student. Acts as a resource and is supportive of the student by sharing knowledge obtained through work and life experiences. Responsibilities include guiding and enhancing the learning of the student by providing options, ideas, meaningful feedback, and information with instruction when identifying problems, prompting the student to think on their own and work it out. PAY RANGE: $23.65 - $35.48 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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