Job Title: Surgical Technician

Location: Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System (SLVHCS) at 2400 Canal St., New Orleans, LA 70119

Period of Performance: 3/1/25 -

Compensation: $16.92 per hour

Position Description: The Health Technician (Surgical) functions as an integral part of the surgical team. Works with the surgeon, anesthesiologist/anesthetist and registered nurse as a member of the direct patient care team, before, during and following surgical intervention for all general, urologic, otorhinolaryngological, ophthalmologic, orthopedic, plastics, neurosurgical, robotic surgeries and oral surgery.

Key Responsibilities:

• Independently reviews future surgery schedule daily to determine availability of specialized instruments, equipment, and implants.
• Sets up sterile field, insuring completeness and accuracy of needed equipment, instruments and supplies and remains accountable for all surgical instruments and equipment during the surgical procedure.
• Assumes accountability to rotate through all surgical specialties to maintain current comprehensive knowledge of complex surgical procedures, ever-changing techniques and highly technical instrumentation.
• Notifies supervisor accountable for overseeing correctness of sets of deficiencies before surgical procedure starts.
• Assists the surgeon by performing such procedures as holding retractors, applying skin staples, and cutting sutures.
• Prepares surgical devices during procedures.
• Observes and responds promptly to each stage of the surgical procedure and anticipates the needs of the surgeon by maintaining a high level of concentration for extended periods of time.
• In conjunction with the circulating Registered Nurse (RN), the incumbent performs sponge and instrument counts to verify accuracy.
• He/She is responsible for the accountability for all surgical instruments and equipment during the surgical procedure and assures that all supplies and equipment are available prior to the surgical procedure.
• Receive tissue specimens and cultures for laboratory analysis and ensure circulating nurse receives correct information for labeling purposes.
• Perform surgical technician duties in accordance with comprehensive knowledge of and adherence to current medical center, departmental, VHA policies, The Joint Commission, and OSHA policies.
• Prepare and apply sterile dressings following procedure.
• Independently implement infection control standards as required in the current hospital and specific departmental infection control policies.

Requirements:  

• Education:
  • High school diploma or equivalent is required.
  • Completion of an accredited surgical technology program is strongly preferred.
• Licensure and Certification:
  • Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) certification is highly desirable.
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) certification is required.
• Experience:
  • Minimum of one year of experience as a surgical technician in a hospital or clinical setting, preferably with experience across multiple surgical specialties.
  • Experience with robotic surgical systems and advanced surgical instrumentation is preferred.
• Skills and Knowledge:
  • Comprehensive knowledge of sterile techniques, surgical instrumentation, and procedures.
  • Familiarity with infection control standards, surgical protocols, and regulatory requirements (e.g., The Joint Commission, OSHA).
  • Ability to anticipate the needs of the surgical team and respond promptly during procedures.
  • Proficient in setting up and maintaining sterile fields, conducting instrument counts, and preparing surgical devices.
  • Strong organizational and problem-solving skills to manage equipment, instruments, and implants efficiently.

Aptive is a modern federal consulting firm focused on human experience, digital services, and business transformation. We harness creativity, technology, and culture to connect people and systems to impact the world. We’re advisors, strategists, and engineers focused on people, above all else.

We believe in generating success collaboratively, leaving client organizations stronger after every engagement and building trust for the next big challenge. Our work inspires people, fuels change and makes an impact. Join our team to be part of positive change in your community and our nation.

Aptive is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, parental status, veteran status, age, disability, or any other protected class.

Veterans, members of the Reserve and National Guard, and transitioning active-duty service members are highly encouraged to apply.