NI-Cardiovascular Operating Room Surgical Technologist

J  o  b    D  e  s  c  r  i  p  t  i  o  n

JOB INFORMATION

Effective Date:

2/26/2026

Entity:

Illinois

Job Code:

NI-3402AC

Job Title:

NI-Cardiovascular Operating Room Surgical Technologist

FLSA Exemption Status:

Non-Exempt

JOB SUMMARY

The Cardiovascular Operating Room Surgical Technologist has specialized expertise in complex cardiothoracic, cardiovascular, endovascular, and vascular procedures. The technologist demonstrates advanced competency in open, minimally invasive, and robotic-assisted surgical techniques. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

•

Prepares and maintains the operating room environment for a variety of cardiovascular procedures including open heart surgeries, minimally invasive and robotic-assisted cardiothoracic surgeries, endovascular interventions, and vascular procedures.

•

Assists with patient positioning, sterile draping, and ensure optimal access for surgical teams.

•

Demonstrates expert knowledge and handling of specialized surgical instruments and equipment related to open, minimally invasive, robotic, and endovascular vascular procedures.

•

Sets up and operates advanced surgical devices, including robotic systems (e.g., da Vinci Surgical System), fluoroscopy equipment, heart-lung machines, endovascular catheters, and vascular stents.

•

Anticipates surgeon and team needs during procedures to facilitate smooth workflow and patient safety.

•

Manages and maintains sterile fields adhering to strict infection control protocols.

•

Assists in the assembly and troubleshooting of complex surgical and robotic instrumentation.

•

Collaborates with multidisciplinary teams including surgeons, anesthesiologists, perfusionists, and nurses for efficient case management.

•

Participates in inventory control and documentation of implants and surgical supplies.

•

Supports emergency surgical interventions and be available for on-call duties as needed.

•

Interprets basic imaging and understand surgical anatomy relevant to vascular and cardiac procedures.

•

Engages in ongoing professional development to stay current with evolving surgical technologies and techniques.

As needed, additional responsibilities reasonably within the scope of duties and physical requirements may be assigned.  ALL DUTIES AND REQUIREMENTS MUST BE PERFORMED CONSISTENT WITH THE UW HEALTH PERFORMANCE STANDARDS AND RESPECT FOR PEOPLE COMMITTMENTS.

X

Clinical

Will provide all patients age and culturally appropriate assessment/screening and interpretation of clinical and laboratory data. Develops and implements age appropriate interventional plans of care including education within the parameters of their position responsibilities and licensure

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Graduate of an accredited surgical technology program, a recognized military surgical technologist training program, or possess two years of related clinical experience in a military setting.

Required

A minimum of 2 years of professional experience in a  cardiovascular operating room or as a surgical technologist.

Preferred

Prior experience in robotic surgical systems and endovascular suites.

Preferred

Certification as a Surgical Technologist within 1 year of hire.  In lieu of certification, will consider five years of surgical technologist experience and successful completion of surgical technologist education program or other education program which includes aseptic techniques and operative procedures.  

Required

Basic Life Support (BLS) certification. 

Required

Certification as a Surgical Technologist

Upon Hire

Preferred

LICENSE, CERTIFICATIONS, AND REGISTRATIONS MUST BE MAINTAINED PER UW HEALTH POLICY. 

•

Proficiency in open cardiothoracic surgeries such as coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), valve repair/replacement, and aortic surgery.

•

Familiarity with robotic-assisted cardiovascular and thoracic surgeries, including setup and intraoperative instrument management.

•

Skilled in minimally invasive approaches, including thoracoscopic and laparoscopic procedures.

•

Competent in use and maintenance of advanced surgical technology: robotic systems, fluoroscopy, intraoperative ultrasound, cell saver, and heart-lung machines.

•

Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Strong communication skills.

•

Commitment to maintaining sterile technique and patient safety standards.

•

Ability to be detailed oriented.

•

Critical thinking skills.

•

Exceptional precision skills.

•

Ability to adhere to strict sterile technique.

•

Familiarity with vascular procedures such as peripheral artery bypass, aneurysm repair, and dialysis access surgeries.

•

Ability to anticipate and respond to the dynamic needs of multidisciplinary surgical teams during high-acuity, high-risk operations.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS

☐

Sedentary: Sedentary work involves lifting no more than 10 pounds at a time and occasionally lifting or carrying articles like docket files, ledgers, and small tools. Although a sedentary job is defined as one which involves sitting, a certain amount of walking and standing is often necessary in carrying out job duties. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required occasionally and other sedentary criteria are met.

Up to 10 lbs.

Negligible Weight

No Weight

☐

Light: Light work involves lifting no more than 20 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 10 pounds. Even though the weight lifted may be very little, a job is in this category when it requires a good deal of walking or standing, or when it involves sitting most of the time with some pushing and pulling of arm or leg controls. To be considered capable of performing a full or wide range of light work, you must have the ability to do substantially all of these activities. If someone can do light work, we determine that they can also do sedentary work, unless there are additional limiting factors such as loss of fine dexterity or inability to sit for long periods of time.

11-25 lbs.

1 - 10 lbs.

Negligible weight

☒

Medium: Medium work involves lifting no more than 50 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 25 pounds. If someone can do medium work, we determine that they can also do sedentary and light work.

26-50 lbs.

11-25 lbs.

1 - 10 lbs.

☐

Heavy: Heavy work involves lifting no more than 100 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 50 pounds. If someone can do heavy work, we determine that they can also do medium, light, and sedentary work.

51-100 lbs.

26-50 lbs.

11-25 lbs.

☐

Very Heavy: Very heavy work involves lifting objects weighing more than 100 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing 50 pounds or more. If someone can do very heavy work, we determine that they can also do heavy, medium, light, and sedentary work.

Over 100 lbs.

Over 50 lbs.

Over 25 lbs.

Other - list any other physical requirements or bona fide occupational qualifications not indicated above:

Over 50 lbs.

UW Health does not require, nor does it expect that its employees lift more than 50 lbs unassisted. Objects in excess of 50 lbs should be lifted or moved with mechanical means or through a team lift. Employees in patient care areas are expected to utilize mechanical lifts and adhere to the "Use of Mechanical Lifts (Liko)" policy in the Patient Services Policy and Procedure Manual.

Note: The purpose of this document is to describe the general nature and level of work performed by personnel so classified; it is not intended to serve as an inclusive list of all responsibilities associated with this position.

THE EMPLOYEE MUST BE ABLE TO COMPLETE ALL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE JOB WITH OR WITHOUT AN APPROVED ACCOMODATION. Note: The purpose of this document is to describe the general nature and level of work performed by personnel so classified; it is not intended to serve as an inclusive list of all responsibilities associated with this position.