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This position has closed. Northwestern Medicine removed this listing from their careers page on Oct 5, 2026. The interview prep below is still useful, and there are similar open roles at the bottom of this page.

Surgical Technologist OR Flex/Registry Days

Northwestern Medicine · Palos Heights, IL · Part time · Health Care Provider

Posted Sep 17, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 5, 2026

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

Flex registry days at Palos Heights. How does that fit your life?

What they are checking: The posting states the arrangement, the shift and the site.

What would you do

Something breaks sterility. What do you do?

What they are checking: The posting names maintaining aseptic technique throughout the procedure.

How do you identify a problem with your set-up before the case starts?

What they are checking: The posting names identifying potential or real problems needing immediate attention.

This is flex and registry. How do you work a list you have not seen before?

What they are checking: The posting is a flex registry line, so unfamiliar lists are the shape of the job.

About the work

Tell me about the cases you have scrubbed, particularly in orthopedics.

What they are checking: The posting states orthopedic experience is preferred.

Walk me through setting up for a case from the preference card.

What they are checking: The posting names setting up table, instruments and supplies to the physician's preference cards.

Talk me through a count and what you do if it does not reconcile.

What they are checking: The posting names maintaining counts of instruments, sponges and needles with the RN.

How do you anticipate what the surgeon needs next?

What they are checking: The posting names anticipating and assisting in meeting the needs of the surgeon.

What is different about the equipment in an orthopedic case?

What they are checking: Power tools, implants and trays make ortho its own discipline.

How do you keep specialty carts stocked and ready?

What they are checking: The posting names reviewing the daily assignment to maintain supply inventory on specialty carts.

Practice this interview out loud.

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Practice this out loud

The full job description

As published by Northwestern Medicine.

Ortho experience preferred The Surgical Technician 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. Under the supervision of the Registered Nurse, the Surgical Technician is responsible for her/his assigned procedures. As a member of the surgical team she/he provides the surgeon with the proper instrumentation and equipment and works to maintain a safe environment for each patient and a readiness for emergency situations, taking into consideration the special needs and behaviors of the specific age of the unit population. RESPONSIBILITIES: • Assesses and identifies equipment and supplies for all cases assigned. • Identifies potential or real problems that need immediate correction or attention. • Reviews daily assignment to maintain supply inventory on specialty carts. • Sets up table, instruments and supplies according to procedure and physician's preference cards. • Assists in positioning and draping of patient. • Anticipates and assists in meeting the needs of the surgeon. • Maintains and is responsible for counts of instruments, sponges, needles and miscellaneous items with the R.N. • Maintains aseptic technique throughout procedure. • Handles equipment properly and removes gross contamination before sending to S.S.P. • Assists the registered nurse in circulating duties when not scrubbed. • Opens supplies • Counts, when RN is scrub person • Assist anesthesia, as needed • Assist in specimen collection and labeling • Relay messages to team leader • Obtain any additional supplies needed • Assist RN in moving and positioning of patient • Monitors use and maintenance of doctor's specialty instruments. • Maintains readiness for emergencies and the need to assist the surgeon, if necessary, until additional help can be obtained. • Coordinates use of supplies and equipment for intraoperative care with other staff. • Informs OR Charge Nurse\Supply Systems or designee of need for special order supplies. Required : • Graduate of a Surgical Technology program • BLS - CPR Preferred: • Certified as a Surgical Technician • Previous experience as a Surgical Technician 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. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more. Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position): 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 at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family.