Surgical Technologist – Operating Room
Salem, OR, US
Surgical Services
Full Time
Job ID: #13039
Location Site: Salem Hospital, 890 Oak St. SE, Salem, Oregon 97301
Department: Operating Room
Position Type: Full Time, 40 hours/week, Non-Exempt
Shift: 7:00 am, 9:00 am, or 11:00am starts with four 10-hour shifts or three 12-hour shifts, variable days
Your role with us
As an integral part of the surgical team, you will ensure that the operating room environment is safe and sterile, that equipment functions properly, and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize positive patient outcomes. Your passion for patient care and safety will drive your preparation of sterile solutions and medications used in surgery as you assemble and operate instruments, equipment and supplies while demonstrating empathy and utilizing strong communication skills.
What's our Operating Room/CVOR like?
- State-of-the-art equipment – 2 Da Vinci XI robots, CT and Image Navigated Surgery!
- Surgeries include cardiac and open heart and endovascular surgery, urologic and general surgeries including bariatric (Center of Excellence) services, orthopedic, neuro spine and brain, and trauma surgery. All surgical specialty services and trauma are provided except burns and organ transplant procedures.
- Population includes pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients.
- Number of beds and number of patient treatment areas: 18 beds.
- Average about 250 cases Monday-Friday.
- Level II trauma center. One of the busiest ERs in the West Coast!
What you'll do
-
Prepare and maintain a sterile surgical field by organizing instruments, equipment, and supplies in accordance with aseptic technique and hospital protocols.
-
Conduct safety checks and ensure that surgical instruments and equipment are functioning properly before procedures begin.
-
Actively support the surgical team by anticipating the needs of the surgeon and providing the correct instruments and supplies throughout the procedure.
-
Participate in key patient safety protocols, including time-outs, medication labeling, hand hygiene, and post-procedure debriefs.
-
Assist in patient positioning using safe body mechanics, and support dressing application, medication preparation on the sterile field, and proper specimen management.
-
Take initiative during unassigned time to support unit needs such as stocking supplies, updating preference cards, and preparing rooms for upcoming cases.
-
Foster a collaborative team environment by mentoring new staff, communicating clearly with team members and patients, and participating in process improvement efforts using Lean methodologies.
-
Assist with vaginal deliveries and effectively support patient care activities in the OR when not in the scrub role.
-
Manage the storage and transport of surgical specimens and assist in ordering and stocking non-controlled medications and supplies for the unit.
Required qualifications
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
And will follow any one of three paths:
Path I: Completion of an Accredited Educational Program
- Completion of a surgical technology educational program accredited by a national accreditation organization that is approved by the Oregon Health Authority; and
- Holds a current surgical technologist certification issued through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA); or, obtains surgical technologist certification through the NBSTSA within twelve months of program completion.
Path II: Completion of a US Military Surgical Technologist Training Program
- Provides documentation showing completion of a training program for surgical technologists in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps or Coast Guard of the United States or in the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps; and
- Demonstrates that sixteen hours of approved continuing education was completed every two years
Path III: Experience
- Provides documentation demonstrating practice of surgical technology during at least two of the years between January 1, 2014 and January 1, 2017; and
- If experienced in the state of Oregon, must also demonstrate that sixteen hours of continuing education was completed every two years since 1/1/2017
Total rewards package
Salem Health's comprehensive benefits package prioritizes your mental and physical health, financial stability, family obligations and professional growth. Click here for details.
Why Salem Health?
Salem Health is a Top Workplace in Oregon, known for fostering a supportive culture where your contributions truly matter. As an award-winning, independent health care system, we serve our region through Salem Hospital, multiple community clinics and West Valley Hospital, ensuring broad access to high-quality care.
We believe in empowering our teams. Through Lean principles, staff help drive innovation and solve real problems. We also invest in your growth with professional development, tuition assistance, and clear career pathways. At Salem Health, you’ll find more than a job, you’ll find purpose, connection and room to thrive.
Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status or condition protected by law.
Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for applicants. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact my.recruiter@salemhealth.org.
Location Site: Salem Hospital, 890 Oak St. SE, Salem, Oregon 97301
Department: Operating Room
Position Type: Full Time, 40 hours/week, Non-Exempt
Shift: 7:00 am, 9:00 am, or 11:00am starts with four 10-hour shifts or three 12-hour shifts, variable days
Your role with us
As an integral part of the surgical team, you will ensure that the operating room environment is safe and sterile, that equipment functions properly, and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize positive patient outcomes. Your passion for patient care and safety will drive your preparation of sterile solutions and medications used in surgery as you assemble and operate instruments, equipment and supplies while demonstrating empathy and utilizing strong communication skills.
What's our Operating Room/CVOR like?
- State-of-the-art equipment – 2 Da Vinci XI robots, CT and Image Navigated Surgery!
- Surgeries include cardiac and open heart and endovascular surgery, urologic and general surgeries including bariatric (Center of Excellence) services, orthopedic, neuro spine and brain, and trauma surgery. All surgical specialty services and trauma are provided except burns and organ transplant procedures.
- Population includes pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients.
- Number of beds and number of patient treatment areas: 18 beds.
- Average about 250 cases Monday-Friday.
- Level II trauma center. One of the busiest ERs in the West Coast!
What you'll do
-
Prepare and maintain a sterile surgical field by organizing instruments, equipment, and supplies in accordance with aseptic technique and hospital protocols.
-
Conduct safety checks and ensure that surgical instruments and equipment are functioning properly before procedures begin.
-
Actively support the surgical team by anticipating the needs of the surgeon and providing the correct instruments and supplies throughout the procedure.
-
Participate in key patient safety protocols, including time-outs, medication labeling, hand hygiene, and post-procedure debriefs.
-
Assist in patient positioning using safe body mechanics, and support dressing application, medication preparation on the sterile field, and proper specimen management.
-
Take initiative during unassigned time to support unit needs such as stocking supplies, updating preference cards, and preparing rooms for upcoming cases.
-
Foster a collaborative team environment by mentoring new staff, communicating clearly with team members and patients, and participating in process improvement efforts using Lean methodologies.
-
Assist with vaginal deliveries and effectively support patient care activities in the OR when not in the scrub role.
-
Manage the storage and transport of surgical specimens and assist in ordering and stocking non-controlled medications and supplies for the unit.
Required qualifications
- Basic Life Support (BLS)
And will follow any one of three paths:
Path I: Completion of an Accredited Educational Program
- Completion of a surgical technology educational program accredited by a national accreditation organization that is approved by the Oregon Health Authority; and
- Holds a current surgical technologist certification issued through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA); or, obtains surgical technologist certification through the NBSTSA within twelve months of program completion.
Path II: Completion of a US Military Surgical Technologist Training Program
- Provides documentation showing completion of a training program for surgical technologists in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps or Coast Guard of the United States or in the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps; and
- Demonstrates that sixteen hours of approved continuing education was completed every two years
Path III: Experience
- Provides documentation demonstrating practice of surgical technology during at least two of the years between January 1, 2014 and January 1, 2017; and
- If experienced in the state of Oregon, must also demonstrate that sixteen hours of continuing education was completed every two years since 1/1/2017
Total rewards package
Salem Health's comprehensive benefits package prioritizes your mental and physical health, financial stability, family obligations and professional growth. Click here for details.
Why Salem Health?
Salem Health is a Top Workplace in Oregon, known for fostering a supportive culture where your contributions truly matter. As an award-winning, independent health care system, we serve our region through Salem Hospital, multiple community clinics and West Valley Hospital, ensuring broad access to high-quality care.
We believe in empowering our teams. Through Lean principles, staff help drive innovation and solve real problems. We also invest in your growth with professional development, tuition assistance, and clear career pathways. At Salem Health, you’ll find more than a job, you’ll find purpose, connection and room to thrive.
Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other status or condition protected by law.
Salem Health Hospitals and Clinics is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for applicants. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact my.recruiter@salemhealth.org.
Share this job:
Career exploration program
Whatever your background or career aspirations, there’s a place for you at Salem Health. And our Career Exploration Program can help you identify the ideal opportunity to pursue. The Program allows you to work alongside a healthcare professional as you gain insight into a fulfilling hospital career.


Nursing
Since 2010, Salem Hospital has continuously achieved Magnet™-designation – the gold standard for nursing excellence. Only eight percent of all hospitals achieve this prestigious distinction.
We’ve been able to do this by maintaining a nursing culture that is defined by:
- Consistent teamwork and collaboration
- Exemplary resources to support clinical nurses
- Engaged and inspiring leadership
- A focus on well-being, resilience, diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Strong professional development opportunities
- Pride in delivering quality-of-care that exceeds national norms
- An empowering professional governance structure and professional practice model
- New grad residency support, preceptorship, and mentoring
- Open and transparent strategy alignment
- Feedback is encouraged, valued and incorporated from the staff at all levels.
- Partnerships with community organizations that support improved patient outcomes
If you’re looking for a setting where you can achieve your highest potential as a nurse, we invite you to join us. We welcome all nurses, including those from outside of the United States. At Salem Health, you can experience an inclusive culture that values and rewards your unique qualities and background.



RN residency program
Begin your journey from student nurse to confident practitioner with our RN Residency Program. The program features a combination of didactic lessons, simulation, and track-specific class options. It begins with orientation and training and proceeds to preceptorship and mentorship. Through the program, you will gain clinical expertise as well as valuable professional skills such as communication and critical thinking.


Certified nursing assistants
As a certified nursing assistant (CNA), your contributions are absolutely crucial. You will provide compassionate reassurance and vital patient support in order to ensure our patients receive the highest quality care possible. You will receive competitive compensation as you provide patients with physical care and emotional support. We seek empathetic, and non-judgmental individuals with a sincere passion for elevating others’ lives.


Postgraduate year 1 pharmacy residency program
The Salem Health Postgraduate Year 1 (PGY1) Residency Program enhances your PharmD education as you develop your clinical expertise in the medication-related care of patients with a wide range of conditions. The program will be eligible for board certification, and eligible for postgraduate year 2 (PGY2) pharmacy residency training. Upon completion of the Salem Health PGY1 residency, we believe you will be a confident and highly capable general practitioner, and well-prepared for the next step in your career.
We will meet you wherever you are on your career journey, and walk with you to your destination
There are over 900 unique positions to choose from at Salem Health. Whatever your background or your professional and personal aspirations, we offer an inclusive learning environment where you can achieve your highest potential in a career that grows with you. And, we’ll help you along the way with perks like tuition reimbursement and certification bonuses.
With so many options, why work anywhere else?

Career tree