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Surgical Technologist, Cardiovascular Operating Room (CVOR) - Variable Shifts

Mercyhealth · Janesville, WI · $22.73–$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 worked with a demanding surgeon. How did you keep the case on track?

What they are checking: Whether they can stay professional and effective with difficult personalities under pressure.

Working variable shifts, how do you stay sharp and consistent?

What they are checking: Whether they can maintain focus and quality across changing schedules.

Tell me about a time you helped train a newer tech in the OR.

What they are checking: Whether they share knowledge and support teamwork in a high-stakes environment.

What would you do

A vascular case runs long and you're past the end of your shift. How do you handle the handoff?

What they are checking: Whether they do a careful relief count and handoff instead of rushing out mid-case.

An emergency vascular case comes in during your on-call time. Walk me through your first 15 minutes.

What they are checking: Whether they can set up quickly and safely for an urgent case without skipping steps.

What would you do if you saw a team member skip a step in the time-out?

What they are checking: Whether they will stop the line to protect the patient, regardless of who is involved.

About the work

What instruments and supplies are unique to cardiovascular cases compared to general surgery?

What they are checking: Whether they know CVOR-specific items like vascular clamps, fine sutures and cannulas.

How do you handle medications and solutions on the sterile field so nothing gets mixed up?

What they are checking: Whether they label every medication and solution, which prevents serious errors in complex cases.

How do you help with positioning and draping for a cardiovascular procedure?

What they are checking: Whether they understand access needs for the chest and legs and how to protect the patient.

How do you make sure instruments are working properly before the procedure?

What they are checking: Whether they check equipment carefully, since failure mid-case can harm a patient.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Mercyhealth.

OVERVIEW Ensures a safe surgical environment by maintaining proper sterile technique, verifying equipment is functioning correctly, and supporting procedures to maximize patient safety. Assists physicians during surgical and diagnostic procedures using knowledge of anatomy, surgical techniques, and specialized instruments and technology. May work days, evenings, nights, weekends, holidays, and on-call shifts according to department guidelines. Performs other duties as assigned. SCHEDULE : 40-hours per week SHIFT : Variable 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 medications/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. • Maintains positive interpersonal relations with physicians, nurses, and other members of the health care team to promote a collaborative approach to providing efficient and high-quality patient care. • Understands age-related patient care needs and provides care appropriately. • Able to adapt to the needs of each physician’s needs, requests, and preferences and communicate this to Team Lead to update all staff and preference/case cards accordingly. • Is a mentor for new employees and new graduate surgical technologist by supporting the new employee. • Enhances partner growth through promoting attainment of national certification.    Assists partners in obtaining education required to achieve national specialty certification and maintain same. • Complete projects as assigned by Team Lead. • Assists in training of new partners or students successfully and offers constructive feedback during training process. E DUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE • High school diploma or general education degree (GED) preferred • Graduate of an CAAHEP-accredited Surgical Technology program required • LPN grandfathered (3) at Rockford campus in lieu of Surgical Technology program. CERTIFICATION/LICENSURE • Certified Surgical Technologist through NBSTSA • Approved CPR or BLS certification required within 90 days • IL LPN Licensure grandfathered (3) at Rockford campus in lieu of Certified Surgical Technologist through NBSTSA. OTHER S KILLS AND ABILITIES N/A LEVEL OF SUPERVISION More Supervisory responsibilities are conducted in accordance with directives of management, the organization's policies, and applicable laws . SUPERVISES M a y 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: $22.73 - $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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