30 Surgical Tech Interview Questions and Answers

Preparing for a surgical technologist interview can be daunting, but having a solid grasp of common interview questions can boost your confidence.

This guide details 30 essential interview questions paired with effective answers that highlight your qualifications, skills, and experience.

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Whether you are a recent graduate or an experienced professional, mastering these questions will help you stand out in the competitive field of surgical technology.

30 Surgical Tech Interview Questions and Answers

1. What inspired you to become a surgical technologist?

• I have always been fascinated by medicine and wanted to play a critical role in the surgical team, contributing to patient care and outcomes.

2. What are the primary duties of a surgical technologist?

• Surgical technologists assist in surgical operations, prepare the operating room, arrange instruments, and ensure a sterile environment.

3. Can you describe your educational background?

• I graduated from an accredited surgical technology program and obtained my certification through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).

4. What qualities do you think are essential for a surgical technologist?

• Attention to detail, strong communication skills, ability to work under pressure, and teamwork are vital qualities.

5. How do you prepare a sterile field?

• I start by cleaning the surfaces, gathering sterile instruments, and ensuring proper draping techniques to maintain sterility.

6. Can you explain the difference between an antiseptic and a disinfectant?

• Antiseptics are used on living tissues to reduce the risk of infection, while disinfectants are used on inanimate objects to kill pathogens.

7. What are the steps you take to handle surgical instruments safely?

• I inspect instruments prior to surgery, ensure they’re sterilized, handle them carefully, and return them to sterile trays after use.

8. How do you assist the surgical team during a procedure?

• I ensure instruments are readily available, provide suction and cautery as needed, and anticipate the surgeon’s needs.

9. Describe a time when you had to deal with a difficult situation in the operating room.

• During a procedure, unexpected equipment malfunction occurred. I quickly alerted the team and assisted in troubleshooting, ensuring minimal disruption.

10. How do you handle stress while working in a fast-paced environment?

• I stay organized, prioritize tasks, and focus on communication with my team to manage stress effectively.

11. What do you do if you notice a colleague isn’t following proper sterile techniques?

• I would gently bring it to their attention to maintain the integrity of the sterile field and patient safety.

12. Can you share an experience when you had to work as part of a team?

• During a complex surgery, collaboration with my colleagues was essential. We communicated effectively, ensuring that everyone was aware of their responsibilities.

13. What would you do if you realized you forgot to double-check an instrument count?

• I would immediately inform the lead surgeon, halt the procedure if necessary, and initiate a recount to ensure patient safety.

14. How would you handle a situation where a surgeon requests an instrument that is not sterile?

• I would inform the surgeon about the non-sterile status and quickly seek a sterile alternative.

15. What steps would you take if a patient had an allergic reaction during surgery?

• I would inform the surgical team immediately, provide relevant information, and assist in applying the necessary emergency measures.

16. What types of surgical procedures are you most experienced with?

• I have experience in general surgery, orthopedic procedures, and obstetrics/gynecology.

17. Can you explain what a “time-out” is in a surgical procedure?

• A “time-out” is a safety protocol where the surgical team pauses to confirm the patient’s identity, surgical site, and procedure before beginning.

18. What do you know about the various surgical specialties?

• I understand that each specialty has unique procedures and instruments, requiring adaptability and continuous learning.

19. What are the most common surgical instruments you work with?

• Common instruments include scalpels, forceps, scissors, needles, and retractors.

20. How do you keep your skills and knowledge up to date?

• I regularly attend workshops, read surgical technology journals, and participate in continuing education courses.

21. What certifications do you hold?

• I am certified as a Registered Surgical Technologist (CST) and hold additional certifications for specialty areas.

22. What are your long-term career goals?

• I aspire to advance into a surgical first assistant role and potentially pursue a related leadership position in surgical services.

23. How do you ensure patient confidentiality in the operating room?

• I maintain discretion and abide by HIPAA regulations, discussing patient information only with authorized team members.

24. What would you do if you witnessed unethical behavior in the operating room?

• I would report the behavior to the appropriate supervisory personnel while maintaining the integrity of patient care.

25. How do you handle situations where you disagree with the surgeon?

• I would express my concerns respectfully and professionally, prioritizing patient safety and outcomes above all.

26. Why do you want to work in our facility?

• I admire your commitment to patient care and innovative surgical practices, which align with my professional values.

27. What do you consider your greatest strength as a surgical technologist?

• My greatest strength is my ability to remain calm under pressure, allowing me to work effectively as part of a surgical team.

28. What is your greatest area for improvement?

• I continually seek to improve my knowledge of emerging surgical techniques and technologies to provide the best support possible.

29. How do you prioritize tasks during a surgical procedure?

• I assess the urgency of each task, focus on the needs of the surgical team, and anticipate their requirements for a smooth workflow.

30. Do you have any questions for us?

• Yes, could you tell me about your team dynamics and how you support the continual development of your staff?