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Surgical Technologist- Full Time Days

Northwestern Medicine · Lake Forest, IL · Full time · Health Care Provider

Posted Sep 28, 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 had to correct a teammate's break in sterile technique. How did you say it and how did they take it?

What they are checking: How they deliver a safety correction so it gets acted on without creating conflict in the middle of a case.

Some cases here require standing for more than six hours. How do you stay sharp and steady late in a long procedure?

What they are checking: Whether they have real strategies for fatigue, because precision with small instruments drops when focus fades.

How do you prepare for a case with a surgeon or specialty you have not scrubbed with before?

What they are checking: Whether they study preference cards and ask questions ahead of time instead of learning on the patient.

Describe a time a case went sideways, maybe an unexpected bleed or a converted procedure. What did you do to keep up with the team?

What they are checking: Whether they anticipate needs and stay calm when the plan changes fast in the room.

What would you do

You notice the surgeon's glove brush against a non-sterile surface and nobody else seems to have seen it. What do you do in that moment?

What they are checking: Whether they will speak up about a break in technique even when it means correcting someone senior in the room.

Your final count is off by one sponge and the surgeon is ready to close. How do you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they hold firm on a count discrepancy under pressure, since a retained item is a never event.

This role takes call and you need to be on duty within 30 minutes. How have you managed call in the past, and does that work for where you live?

What they are checking: Whether they understand the commitment and have actually planned for a 30-minute response time.

You will help orient new ORST staff. How would you teach a new tech to set up a back table without slowing down the case?

What they are checking: Whether they can explain their own habits clearly enough to pass them on to someone new.

About the work

Walk me through how you set up and maintain a sterile field from the time you open your first pack to the end of the case.

What they are checking: Whether their aseptic routine is consistent and deliberate rather than something they improvise case by case.

How do you pass and receive sharps so that nobody on the team gets stuck?

What they are checking: Whether they use a neutral zone and clear verbal cues instead of relying on speed and luck.

How do you handle a specimen from the moment it comes off the field until it leaves the room?

What they are checking: Whether they know a mislabeled or lost specimen can mean a missed diagnosis or a repeat surgery.

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The full job description

As published by Northwestern Medicine.

The OR Scrub Tech Certified reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards. RESPONSIBILITIES • Assist surgical team during procedures that require the ability to stand for periods greater than 6 hours. • Demonstrate thorough knowledge of aseptic technique and the ability to take corrective action for themselves and other team members when there is a break in technique. • Demonstrate fine motor skills and eye-hand coordination necessary to handle small intricate surgical instruments, supplies and specimens. • Demonstrate the ability to provide complete, accurate communication to all members of the surgical team. • Prepares and maintains sterile field throughout the surgical procedure. • Provides assistance to the surgical team. This includes draping of the surgical site, and efficient and safe handling of all sharps and instruments. • Maintains accurate count of all supplies, suture and sponge items on the sterile field. • Orients new staff to the ORST role. • Stocks room with supplies and equipment • Must have the ability to provide on-call coverage for specialty or general surgical procedures and respond to be on duty within 30 minutes or less. . Minimum Requirements: Education: • High School diploma or equivalent Certification: • Current CST certification from National Board for Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or National Center for Competency (NCCT) • BLS through American Heart Association Experience: • At least 2 years of OR experience Behavioral Attributes: • Knowledge of medical terminology Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status. Background Check Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check. Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act. Artificial Intelligence Disclosure Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person. Benefits We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Click on or copy and paste URL to your browser to view detailed benefits information NorthwesternMedicine Career Page https://jobs.nm.org/benefits Please refer to the Benefits Eligibility by Employment Classification to determine benefits eligibility for job postings. If sign-on bonus is included in a job posting eligibility is as followed: Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign-on bonus. Exception : New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position as a Registered Nurse at NM may be eligible.

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