Surgical Technologist

Tell me about a time a piece of equipment failed during a case. How did you handle it?

What they are checking: Calm problem solving that keeps the operating room safe when something goes wrong.

How do you prepare when you are assigned to a procedure you have not scrubbed before?

What they are checking: Initiative in learning, such as reviewing preference cards and asking questions in advance.

Tell me about a time you spoke up about a safety concern in the OR.

What they are checking: Willingness to raise concerns within the team hierarchy to protect the patient.

You notice that you may have contaminated your glove during a case. What do you do?

What they are checking: Honesty about breaks in sterility even when no one else saw it.

A surgeon is frustrated and short with you during a stressful case. How do you respond?

What they are checking: Staying focused and professional so the patient's care is not affected.

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

What they are checking: Balancing efficiency with the safety and cleanliness standards of the OR.

Walk me through how you set up and maintain a sterile field for a general surgery case.

What they are checking: Solid sterile technique, which is the core of a surgical technologist's work.

How do you keep an accurate count of sponges, sharps and instruments during a case?

What they are checking: Discipline in accounting for items, which the posting highlights for patient safety.

How do you anticipate what the surgeon needs next during a procedure?

What they are checking: Procedure knowledge and attention that keep surgery moving smoothly.

What steps do you take to handle and pass sharps safely?

What they are checking: Safety habits that protect the whole team from injury.