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Surgical Technologist, Operating Room - Day Shift

Mercyhealth · Janesville, WI · $23.65–$35.48 an hour · Full time

Posted Jun 9, 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 a case went wrong or changed suddenly. How did you react?

What they are checking: Whether they stay calm and adapt quickly during an emergency or change in plan.

Tell me about a time you had a conflict with a surgeon or nurse. What did you do?

What they are checking: Whether they handle tense moments professionally and keep the focus on the patient.

What would you do

You notice the surgeon touched something non-sterile. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they will speak up to protect the sterile field, even to a senior surgeon.

What do you do if an instrument tray is missing something or isn't sterile?

What they are checking: Whether they check trays carefully and get replacements before the case starts.

How do you turn over a room quickly without cutting corners?

What they are checking: Whether they balance speed with cleaning and safety steps.

About the work

Walk me through how you set up your back table for a total knee replacement.

What they are checking: Whether they know instruments and setup well enough to be ready before the surgeon asks.

Your count is off by one sponge at closing. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they stop and follow the count policy, even if the surgeon wants to close.

How do you learn and remember different surgeons' preferences?

What they are checking: Whether they use preference cards and attention to anticipate needs, as the posting stresses.

How do you help with patient positioning safely?

What they are checking: Whether they know how to prevent nerve injuries and pressure injuries during surgery.

Which surgical specialties are you most comfortable with, and which do you need to learn more?

What they are checking: Whether they are honest about their range at a trauma center like Janesville.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Mercyhealth from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

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The full job description

As published by Mercyhealth.

OVERVIEW Supports the surgical team by preparing instruments, setting up the sterile field, and assisting during procedures to ensure everything runs smoothly. Anticipates the surgeon’s needs, maintains a safe and sterile environment, and helps care for the patient before, during, and after surgery. Schedule: 40-hours per week Shift: Days Location: Mercyhealth Hospital and Trauma Center-Janesville, Janesville, WI Pay Range: ​ $23.65-$35.48 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: $22.73 - $34.10 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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