Surgical Technologist

Surgical Technologist (Levels I–IV) Join North Arkansas Regional Medical Center (NARMC) as a Surgical Technologist and play an essential role in delivering safe, high-quality surgical care. You’ll work alongside surgeons, registered nurses, and other surgical professionals to prepare operating rooms, maintain sterile technique, anticipate surgical needs, and support positive patient outcomes. Whether you are beginning your surgical technology career or bringing advanced specialty experience, NARMC offers opportunities to grow through our Surgical Technologist career ladder.

North Arkansas Regional Medical Center (NARMC) is committed to providing quality healthcare and supporting the well-being of the communities we serve. Our team members make a difference through compassionate service, collaboration, professionalism, and a commitment to patient safety. At NARMC, our Surgical Services team plays a critical role in providing safe and effective surgical care.

We value teamwork, continued learning, professional growth, and the contributions of every member of the surgical team.

The Surgical Technologist assists with surgical procedures under the supervision of a registered nurse and in collaboration with surgeons and other operating room personnel. Responsibilities include preparing the operating room, organizing surgical instruments and supplies, maintaining a sterile field, assisting with patient positioning and preparation, and anticipating the needs of the surgeon throughout surgical procedures.

Depending on experience, demonstrated competency, and career ladder level, the Surgical Technologist may also provide technical guidance, precept students and new employees, coordinate specialty services, support staff education, and participate in quality improvement and departmental development initiatives. NARMC offers a structured career ladder with opportunities to advance from entry-level practice through proficient, expert, and specialist practitioner levels, as well as Lead and Educator Lead roles.

Key Responsibilities Operating Room Preparation and Surgical Assistance Prepare operating rooms for scheduled surgical procedures by organizing equipment, instruments, supplies, and surgical trays. Inspect and prepare surgical instruments, equipment, and supplies to ensure availability and proper functioning. Establish and maintain a sterile field using appropriate surgical aseptic techniques.

Perform surgical hand antisepsis, gowning, and gloving procedures according to established standards. Assist with preparing and draping the patient and operative site under the direction of the surgical team. Perform the scrub role during surgical procedures, including organizing and maintaining the sterile back table.

Pass instruments, sponges, sutures, needles, syringes, catheters, drains, and other supplies while maintaining sterile technique. Anticipate the needs of surgeons and other members of the surgical team throughout procedures. Apply sterile dressings and assist with transferring patients to stretchers following procedures.

Complete required documentation related to medications, specimens, sterilization, and surgical supplies. Support safe patient care practices and maintain a clean, organized operating room. Patient Safety and Surgical Asepsis Apply knowledge of anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, microbiology, and pharmacology to support surgical patient care.

Maintain strict adherence to sterile technique and infection prevention practices. Recognize and respond appropriately to operating room emergencies and changing surgical needs. Demonstrate knowledge of surgical equipment, instrumentation, and specialty-specific procedures.

Collaborate with registered nurses, surgeons, anesthesia personnel, and other healthcare professionals. Follow established policies, procedures, and safety standards throughout the perioperative process. Operational Efficiency and Supply Management Assist with cost containment through appropriate supply utilization and resource management.

Support efficient operating room turnover between surgical cases. Organize and manage time effectively to maintain surgical schedules and workflow. Monitor surgical instruments, equipment, and supplies and communicate shortages or maintenance concerns.

Assist with equipment evaluations, trials, and supply coordination as assigned. Advanced Career Ladder Responsibilities Depending on demonstrated competency and assigned career ladder level, additional responsibilities may include: Demonstrate advanced or expert knowledge of surgical procedures, instrumentation, and specialty-specific equipment. Independently perform the first-scrub role for basic and advanced surgical procedures within demonstrated competency.

Demonstrate knowledge of general surgery, orthopedic surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, genitourinary surgery, ear, nose and throat (ENT), and other assigned specialties. Assist with circulating skills and tasks within the role's authorized responsibilities. Precept and train surgical technology students and new employees.

Serve as a clinical resource, mentor, and professional role model for other surgical technologists. Provide technical guidance and assist with coordinating specialty service workflows. Support the development, implementation, and evaluation of departmental policies and procedures.

Assist with staff competency assessments, orientation programs, and continuing education. Maintain specialty service competency manuals and accurate education records. Participate in quality improvement initiatives and promote consistent surgical practices.

Assist with equipment evaluations, inventory planning, supply management, and annual budget activities. Communicate emerging surgical technology trends and specialty-specific developments to departmental staff. Job Qualifications Required Qualifications Graduate of an accredited Surgical Technology program.

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) may qualify with graduation from an accredited school of nursing and previous surgical technology experience. Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. If employed as an LPN, current LPN licensure through the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.

Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English. Ability to demonstrate knowledge of surgical asepsis, sterile technique, operating room preparation, and surgical instrumentation. Ability to work collaboratively with surgeons, registered nurses, and other surgical team members.

Ability to respond appropriately to changing priorities and emergency situations in a fast-paced surgical environment.

Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Previous operating room or surgical services experience. Experience with surgical instrumentation, specialty procedures, and first-scrub responsibilities.

Experience in orthopedic surgery, general surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, genitourinary surgery, or ear, nose and throat procedures. Experience precepting students, training new employees, or providing technical guidance. Advanced specialty knowledge and demonstrated leadership abilities for Level III, Level IV, Lead, or Educator Lead opportunities.

Career Advancement Opportunities NARMC offers a structured Surgical Technologist career ladder designed to recognize advanced skills, encourage professional development, and support excellence in surgical patient care. Career advancement is based on demonstrated competency, experience, and departmental requirements. Level I – Entry-Level Practitioner: Performs basic surgical procedures, maintains sterile technique, prepares surgical cases, and demonstrates foundational operating room competencies.

Level II – Proficient Practitioner: Demonstrates at least one year of experience, advanced first-scrub skills, specialty knowledge, emergency preparedness, and the ability to precept students. Level III – Expert Practitioner: Demonstrates advanced surgical expertise, serves as a mentor and role model, and precepts new employees. Level IV – Specialist Practitioner: Demonstrates advanced expertise in one or more surgical specialties, supports specialty training and competency development, and assists with equipment, inventory, and departmental initiatives.

Lead Surgical Technologist: Provides mentoring, coaching, workflow coordination, and technical guidance while supporting teamwork and departmental operations. Educator Lead – Surgical Services: Leads staff education, orientation, competency development, continuing education, and quality improvement initiatives in collaboration with departmental leadership. Compensation & Schedule

Based on qualifications, experience, and assigned career ladder level. Employment Levels: Surgical Technologist I, II, III, IV, Lead, and Educator Lead.

Based on Surgical Services departmental needs. Additional

May include call responsibilities, irregular or extended hours, weekends, and other scheduling needs based on surgical coverage.

Us At NARMC, you have the opportunity to build a meaningful career while contributing directly to patient safety and surgical outcomes. Career Growth: Advance through a structured career ladder that recognizes experience, specialty knowledge, and demonstrated competency. Professional Development: Expand your surgical skills through training, precepting, specialty education, and continuing education opportunities.

Team Collaboration: Work alongside experienced surgeons, nurses, and surgical professionals who share a commitment to quality patient care. Leadership Opportunities: Experienced surgical technologists can pursue Lead and Educator Lead opportunities. Meaningful Work: Play an essential role in preparing patients for surgery and supporting safe, successful procedures.

Professional Recognition: Develop your expertise and take on additional responsibilities as you progress through the career ladder. Benefits Overview For benefit-qualified employees. Multiple health plan options (PPO and HDHP) with coverage through NARMC Domestic Network and Cigna Health Plan.

Dental and vision coverage through Delta Dental and Delta Vision of Arkansas. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA) available. Basic life insurance ($40,000) and AD&D provided at no cost; voluntary life options available.

Short-term and long-term disability coverage offered. Accident and critical illness insurance through Lincoln Financial. 401(k) retirement plan with up to 3.5% company match, vested over 5 years. Paid Leave Bank (PLB) and Extended Illness Bank (EIB) with accrual based on service years.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and First Stop Health 24/7 counseling services. AirMed/Mercy Life Flight membership for eligible staff and families. On-site wellness center and discounted membership at Planet Fitness.

Tuition reimbursement and support for continuing education. Employee referral bonuses and internal promotion opportunities. Pet insurance and identity theft protection available.

Discounts on prescriptions, cafeteria meals, gift shop items, and local thrift store purchases. North Arkansas Regional Medical Center is an equal opportunity employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

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