Certified Operating Room Technician (CORT)

At Mahaska Health the primary role of the Certified Operating Room Technician (CORT) is to be responsible for preparing the operating room, ensuring all necessary instruments and equipment are sterile and ready for use, and assisting the surgical team during operations. Your expertise and attention to detail will contribute significantly to patient outcomes and the overall efficiency of surgeries. You will work closely with surgeons, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to create a sterile and safe environment for our patients.

Essential job responsibilities include but are not limited to,

• Prepare and maintain the sterile environment of the operating room before, during, and after surgical procedures.
• Assist surgeons and other medical staff during surgeries by passing instruments and materials as needed.
• Knowledgeable on surgeon preferences and maintains current preference cards.
• Under the supervision of the surgeon, hold retractors or instruments, sponging, suctioning, cutting suture, and applying dressings.
• Ensure that all surgical instruments and equipment are properly sterilized and functioning before use.
• Makes preparation for surgery to include verification of the correct patient (ID band), correct surgery, and correct surgical site.
• Maintain accurate records of surgical procedures and equipment used during each operation.
• Adhere to all safety and health regulations and protocols to minimize the risk of infection and other complications
• Verifies sterile indicators and dates on fluids/medications.
• Follows the procedures of appropriate counts, according to AORN guidelines.
• Follows AORN recommended guidelines regarding sterile technique and maintains highest standards of sterile technique.
• Assist in PACU, Central Supply, etc. as deemed necessary by Department Director.
• Differentiate sterilization methods for special equipment and instruments for specific surgical procedures.
• Restock OR at the end of the day for supplies used during cases.
• Check supplies and equipment needed for surgical procedures, has knowledge of surgical preference.
• Count items as designated in procedure book.
• Keeps surgical field neat and clean.
• Assist the surgeon in gowning, gloving, and draping.
• Maintain the highest standard of sterile technique.
• Performs surgical hand scrub, gowning, and gloving technique according to policy/procedure.
• Prepares instruments and supplies quickly and efficiently with regard to sequence of use.

Job Requirements include but are not limited to,

• High school diploma, GED or equivalent.
• Current certification as an Operating Room Technician from an accredited program, or receives certification within 6 months of hire.
• Proven experience in a hospital or surgical center setting, preferably in an operating room.
• Knowledge of surgical procedures and operating room protocols.
• Strong understanding of sterilization techniques and infection control practices.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills to collaborate effectively with surgical teams.
• Ability to perform under pressure in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Physical stamina to stand for long periods and assist in lifting patients when necessary.