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Surgical Technologist OR Flex/Registry Days

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

Posted Oct 5, 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 didn't go as planned. How did you stay calm?

What they are checking: Whether they stay steady and ready for emergencies in the OR.

What would you do

You notice a break in sterile technique during a case. What do you do?

What they are checking: Whether they speak up immediately, even if it slows the case.

As a flex or registry tech, you may work with surgeons you don't know. How do you get up to speed fast?

What they are checking: Whether they adapt quickly to new teams and preferences.

About the work

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

What they are checking: Whether they have the ortho case experience the posting prefers.

How do you use a surgeon's preference card, and what do you do when it's out of date?

What they are checking: Whether they prepare carefully and help keep cards accurate.

Walk me through a surgical count. What happens if the count is off at closing?

What they are checking: Whether they treat counts as a critical safety step and follow the protocol for discrepancies.

How do you anticipate the surgeon's needs before they ask?

What they are checking: Whether they follow the case closely enough to stay a step ahead.

What ortho instruments, implants or power equipment are you comfortable with?

What they are checking: Whether their hands-on skill matches the orthopedic focus of this role.

How do you help position and drape a patient safely?

What they are checking: Whether they protect patients from pressure injuries and keep the field sterile.

How do you keep specialty carts stocked so cases aren't delayed?

What they are checking: Whether they own supply readiness, which the posting names as a daily duty.

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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. 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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