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Surgical Technologist

SSM Health · WI · Full time

Posted Sep 17, 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 surgeon was frustrated with you during a case. How did you handle it?

What they are checking: Whether they stay calm and focused under pressure and don't let tension affect the case.

This role has a heavy on-call schedule, including Wednesday nights and rotating weekends shared among three surg techs. How would you manage that?

What they are checking: Whether they truly understand and can handle the call load in a small surgical department.

Our team is known for flexibility and supporting one another. Tell me about a time you helped a teammate during a tough day.

What they are checking: Whether they would fit a small team where everyone covers for each other.

What would you do

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

What they are checking: Whether they will speak up right away, even to a surgeon, to protect the patient.

You're called in at 2 a.m. for an emergency case. How do you get ready quickly and safely?

What they are checking: Whether they can be alert and prepared fast when an emergency surgery comes in.

About the work

Walk me through how you set up your back table for a laparoscopic general surgery case.

What they are checking: Whether they know the instruments and setup well enough to keep the case moving.

How do you handle counts of sponges, sharps and instruments?

What they are checking: Whether they take counts seriously and know what to do if a count is off.

We support general surgery, orthopedics, podiatry, gynecology and endoscopy. Which of these are you strongest in, and which do you need to learn?

What they are checking: Whether they're honest about their experience across the specialties this team covers.

How do you anticipate what the surgeon will need next?

What they are checking: Whether they follow the case closely and know the steps well enough to stay one step ahead.

How do you handle a specimen during surgery to make sure it gets to the lab correctly?

What they are checking: Whether they label and pass off specimens carefully, since a lost specimen can't be replaced.

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The full job description

As published by SSM Health.

It's more than a career, it's a calling WI-SSM Health Outpatient Center-Sun Prairie Worker Type: Regular Job Highlights: Join a team where your work matters - every moment, every patient, every community. At SSM Health, you'll be empowered to grow, supported to thrive, and inspired to make a lasting impact. Be part of a newer surgical program that has quickly established a strong culture of teamwork. This Surgical Technologist position offers excellent work-life balance with day shifts, 8 or 10 hour shifts, and no call, weekend, or holiday requirements. Department: Sun Prairie Outpatient Center Surgery Schedule: 33 hours per week / Day shift - hours will fall between Monday-Friday, either 8 hour (7am-3:30pm) or 10 hour (7:30am-5pm) shifts. No call. No weekends. No holidays. Sign-On Bonus: Ask your recruiter about sign-on bonus eligibility Apply today. SSM Health - We bring out the incredible in you, everyday. Job Summary: Responsible for the provision of patient care activities and related non-professional services necessary for the care of patients and the maintenance of the Operating Room under the direction of a Registered Nurse. Sets up Operating Room with needed items for patient care; gathers supplies, x-rays, instruments, etc., for cases; handles instruments during procedures. Communicates information to the RN regarding patients. Job Responsibilities and Requirements: PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES • Practices and implements the technical components of patient care under the supervision of a RN. • Collaborates with the RN and other healthcare professionals. to implement a plan of care that incorporates physician preferences, nursing assessments and diagnostic data in a manner that is prioritized, timely, and integrated with the plan of care. • Prepares equipment, supply and resource needs based on an individualized plan of care. Re-evaluates and modifies resource needs as needed. • Communicates accurate and timely information to the Registered Nurse regarding patients in their care. • Demonstrates knowledge and skills necessary to perform all aspects of a variety of surgical procedures. Maintains knowledge and skills to properly operate all surgical equipment and instruments. Utilizes appropriate aseptic technique when handling supplies, instruments, and equipment. • Follows laboratory policy and procedure to correctly handle and label all laboratory specimens. • Documents quality controls thoroughly and accurately according to unit specific standards. • Demonstrates competence in problem solving, conflict resolution, and team building. Serves as a resource to other team members. • Organizes and utilizes time efficiently. Demonstrates appropriate prioritization. Maintains an organized work environment. • Works in a constant state of alertness and safe manner. • Performs other duties as assigned. EDUCATION • High school diploma/GED or 10 years of work experience or Graduate of an accredited school of nursing or education equivalency for licensing EXPERIENCE • Either prior operating room experience or graduation from an approved surgical technician program or graduate of an accredited school of nursing or education equivalency for licensing PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS • Constant use of vision to judge distances and spatial relationships and to identify and distinguish colors. • Constant use of hearing to receive oral communication, distinguish body sounds and/or hear alarms, malfunctioning machinery, etc. • Constant lifting/carrying and pushing/pulling objects weighing 0-25 lbs. • Constant standing and walking. • Frequent lifting/carrying and pushing/pulling objects weighing 25-50 lbs. • Frequent lifting/moving patients. • Frequent bending, stooping, reaching and gripping. • Frequent use of clear vision at 20 inches or less. • Frequent use of speech to share information through oral communication. • Occasional lifting/carrying and pushing/pulling objects weighing over 50 lbs. • Occasional use of clear vision at 20 feet or more. • Occasional use of sitting, squatting, twisting and repetitive foot/leg and hand/arm movements. • Occasional keyboard use/data entry. • Rare kneeling. REQUIRED PROFESSIONAL LICENSE AND/OR CERTIFICATIONS State of Work Location: Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, Wisconsin • Basic Life Support HealthCare Provider (BLS HCP) - American Heart Association (AHA) Work Shift: Day Shift (United States of America) Job Type: Employee Department: 6456800164 SPOC SC Surgery Scheduled Weekly Hours: 33 SSM Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer. SSM Health provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. Click here to learn more.

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