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Surgical Technologist

Sanford Health · Eau Claire, WI · Full time

Posted Aug 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 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.

What would you do

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.

About the work

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.

Practice this interview out loud.

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The full job description

As published by Sanford Health.

Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, is dedicated to transforming the health care experience and providing access to world-class health care in America’s heartland. 

 Work Shift: Varies (United States of America)

 Scheduled Weekly Hours: 36

 Compensation: 



 Union Position: No

 Department Details Summary Surgical technologists are an integral part of the team of medical practitioners providing surgical care to patients. Job Description Assists in the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of care that meets the mission and goals of quality care and service excellence at Sanford. Assist with assessing, planning, implementing, evaluating, or documenting the care of patients. This care will be delivered in accordance with established standards of performance. Will work under the supervision and delegation authority of a surgeon, and in some cases other clinical licensed professionals, to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of invasive and non-invasive surgical procedures, ensuring that the operating room environment is safe, that equipment functions properly, and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety. Accurately accounting for items used during a procedure and maintaining an organized sterile field facilitates accountability for all items during and after a procedure. Demonstrate knowledge in the theory and application of the principles of asepsis and sterile technique to combine the knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation and tools and technologies to facilitate a provider's performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. Actively participates in safety measures, maintains an organized sterile field, as well as maintain awareness of the location of all supplies needed for the course of the procedure. Prepares the surgical environment before procedures; ensuring that supplies and dedicated devices are sterile and ready for surgery, as well as clipping, transporting, positioning, and ensuring aseptic incisions sites. The surgical technologist may also assist in the preparation of patients prior to procedures. Make minor adjustments to avoid instrument malfunctions and keeping them in operating condition. May conduct sterile and unsterile supply quality assurance checks are according to sterilization principles before procedure. Verify the completeness of items when returned from the surgical site. Participate in reconciliation activities. Demonstrate positive interpersonal relationships and well-developed critical thinking skills; must be able to work in a fast-paced environment and must be able to adjust to changes in duties with minimal notice, as the schedule requires. May assist with additional administration duties as needed for case preparation of patients. Provides services for patients during surgical procedures. Assists in the assessment, planning, implementation and evaluation of care that meets the mission and goals of quality care and service excellence at Sanford. This care will be delivered in accordance with established standards of performance. Provides services for patients during surgical procedures. LPN duties included in scope of practice for those possessing an LPN license. Qualifications Graduate of an approved school of surgical technology or graduate of an accredited school of practical nursing as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) required. Experience in an operating room setting is preferred. Must have a good knowledge of anatomy, physiology, medical and surgical terminology, instrumentation, aseptic techniques, and surgical procedures acquired through post-secondary training. National certification as a Surgical Technologist preferred. If an LPN, currently holds an unencumbered Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license with State Nursing board and/or possess multi-state licensure privileges. Basic Life Support (BLS) required within first 60 days of employment into position. Completes required annual continuing education units (CEU) and competency training requirements of the department and facility. Obtains and subsequently maintains required department specific competencies and certifications. If working in North Dakota and not an LPN, must be on the North Dakota Board of Nursing Unlicensed Assistive Personnel (UAP) Registry at the time employment begins. Sanford is an EEO/AA Employer M/F/Disability/Vet. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request an accommodation for help with your online application, please call 1-877-949-5678 or send an email to talent@sanfordhealth.org.

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