Surgical Technologist Travel
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : Chattanooga, TN
Job Type : Full Time
Salary : 20-80 HOUR
Date Posted : 8 January 2026
Job Summary and Responsibilities
This position performs technical duties that support the plan of care developed and implemented for the surgical patient. The position contributes to the organizational goals through the provision of quality services. As a travel Surgical Technologist you will have the ability to travel across CommonSpirit Health to provide your expertise when and where staffing needs arise.
- Performs surgical technology tasks and functions that are performed with other members of the surgical team that includes:
- Prepares the operating room for surgical procedures by ensuring the equipment is functioning properly and safely.
- Prepares the operating room and the sterile field for surgical procedures by preparing sterile supplies, instruments and equipment using sterile techniques.
- Demonstrates knowledge of human anatomy and pathophysiology and how it relates to the patient and surgical procedure.
- Performs tasks in the sterile field.
- Performs in the role of scrub nurse according to the plan of patient care and departmental staffing needs.
- Performs duties according to department specific expectations as identified and assigned.
- Assists with patient care activities under the direct supervision of the Registered Nurse.
- Anticipates usual and unexpected events during the surgical procedure and responds in an efficient manner.
- Adheres to aseptic practices providing and maintaining a safe environment.
- Handles and processes surgical specimens according to established policy/procedure.
- Functions in the role of assistant as necessary under the direct supervision of the surgeon.
- Demonstrates an appropriate level of understanding, awareness, and compliance with applicable Joint Commission, Federal, State and agency laws, regulations, guidelines and professional standards.
Required:
- High School Graduate or GED
- Minimum 2 years of prior and recent experience in field of specialty
- Basic Life Support - CPR (BLS-CPR) - Provided by American Heart Association (AHA)
- Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)
- Technologist in Surgery-Certified (TS-C)
- Mandatory Reporter Adult and Mandatory Reporter Child - tracked through Learning system
- Knowledge of surgical instrumentation and associated care
- Knowledge of surgical supplies and equipment
- Knowledge of medical and surgical asepsis and infection control principles
- Knowledge of medical terminology
- Verbal and non-verbal communication skills
- Manual dexterity skills
- Good interpersonal relationship skills
- Computer skills
- Ability to work under stressful and changing conditions in a calm, productive and flexible manner
- Ability to stand for long periods of time
- Must be willing and able to travel when/where staffing needs arise
Inspired by faith. Driven by innovation. Powered by humankindness. CommonSpirit Health is building a healthier future for all through its integrated health services. As one of the nation’s largest nonprofit Catholic healthcare organizations, CommonSpirit Health delivers more than 20 million patient encounters annually through more than 2,300 clinics, care sites and 137 hospital-based locations, in addition to its home-based services and virtual care offerings. CommonSpirit has more than 157,000 employees, 45,000 nurses and 25,000 physicians and advanced practice providers across 24 states and contributes more than $4.2 billion annually in charity care, community benefits and unreimbursed government programs. Together with our patients, physicians, partners, and communities, we are creating a more just, equitable, and innovative healthcare delivery system.
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Frequently asked questions
Traveling Surgical Technologists often adapt to varying operating room protocols and diverse surgical teams, which enhances flexibility and exposure. Unlike fixed roles, it demands quick acclimation to new environments, but offers a dynamic work experience with opportunities across multiple healthcare facilities.
In Chattanooga, a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) credential combined with the Technologist in Surgery-Certified (TS-C) designation greatly improves job prospects. Additionally, maintaining BLS-CPR certification and knowledge of regional healthcare compliance standards can set candidates apart.
Working with Catholic Health Initiatives requires adherence to faith-based care principles alongside stringent clinical standards. Surgical tech travelers must balance technical expertise with the organization's mission-driven culture, ensuring compassionate teamwork while maintaining procedural excellence.
Travel surgical technologists at Catholic Health Initiatives encounter a broad spectrum of surgical procedures due to the network's extensive reach. This variety enhances skillsets but also requires readiness for complex cases, necessitating adaptability and thorough preparation for diverse surgical environments.
Chattanooga's demand for traveling surgical techs is moderate, influenced by regional hospital staffing fluctuations and seasonal procedure rates. Candidates with robust certifications and travel flexibility often secure positions faster, given the area's growing healthcare infrastructure and occasional staffing shortages.
Travel Surgical Technologists in Chattanooga generally earn between $28 to $40 per hour, depending on experience, certifications like CST and TS-C, and assignment duration. This competitive pay reflects both the specialized skills required and the flexibility to meet fluctuating regional staffing demands.
Catholic Health Initiatives supports travel surgical techs with comprehensive orientation programs, access to cutting-edge medical technology, and a network fostering professional growth. Their commitment to innovation and humane care enriches the travel experience beyond typical assignments.
The organization enforces rigorous aseptic protocols and continuous compliance training aligned with Joint Commission and federal regulations. Travel surgical techs receive consistent updates and resources, ensuring patient safety and procedural adherence regardless of assignment site.
Travel surgical technologists juggle preparation of sterile fields in unfamiliar ORs, rapid instrument setup, and often serve as scrub nurses under varied supervision. Their roles demand heightened adaptability, strong communication, and swift response to unexpected intraoperative events.
Yes, Chattanooga's expanding healthcare services and occasional nursing shortages drive demand for traveling surgical techs. Facilities like Catholic Health Initiatives rely on these professionals to maintain surgical schedules, especially during peak seasons or staff absences.