Answer the call to impact patient care as a Travel Surgical Tech in Illinois, Mattoon, where your hands-on skill and meticulous attention to sterile technique become a lifeline in the operating room. In this role you will support a fast-paced surgical team across general, orthopedic, gynecologic, vascular, and specialty cases, ensuring each procedure starts on time and runs smoothly. Your days will blend clinical precision with teamwork, as you anticipate instrument needs, maintain a sterile field, conduct counts, and assist the circulator and surgeon with care that directly influences patient outcomes. You’ll be a trusted partner who helps reduce turnover time, protect patient safety, and uphold the highest standards of perioperative care. This position offers more than a job; it’s a pathway to broaden your clinical impact while exploring the rich character of Illinois. Beyond the OR, this opportunity invites you to discover the beauty of the state—lakes and rivers, rolling farmland, and historic towns—where weekend adventures can include Starved Rock’s scenic trails, Cahokia Mounds’ timeless history, Galena’s charming streets, and easy drives along the Mississippi River, all within reach for memorable off days. Illinois’ diverse landscapes and vibrant communities provide ample chances to recharge and gain fresh perspectives between assignments, making your travel experience as rewarding as your professional growth.
Location benefits: Mattoon, a welcoming Illinois town with a close-knit healthcare community, offers a stable base with ease of access to regional amenities, educational venues, and outdoor recreation. The appeal of working in Mattoon includes a collaborative atmosphere, modern facilities, and the opportunity to immerse yourself in a supportive team culture built on open communication and patient-first care. This travel role also presents the possibility to work in various locations across the U.S., exposing you to a spectrum of hospital settings, patient populations, and procedural diversity. You’ll gain exposure to different operating room layouts, instrumentation sets, and supply chains, broadening your adaptive skills and clinic-to-clinic knowledge. You’ll enjoy predictable weekly pay between $1,906 and $1,967, with a start date of 03/23/2026 for several weeks and guaranteed 40 hours per week, ensuring dependable income while you expand your professional horizon. The program includes housing assistance to ease relocation, potential sign-on bonuses, and the opportunity to extend assignments where you and the facility align, helping you plan longer-term travel goals or settle into a preferred locale if you choose. As you travel, you’ll also access 24/7 support from the company, providing guidance, safety resources, and on-demand help so you can focus on delivering excellent perioperative care.
Role specifics and benefits: Core responsibilities for a Surgical Tech in this program center on setting up and breaking down the operating room, ensuring strict adherence to sterile technique, preparing implants and instruments, passing instruments during procedures, performing meticulous counts of sponges, needles, and instruments, and assisting with patient positioning and transport as required. You’ll collaborate closely with surgeons, nurses, and anesthesia teams to anticipate needs, troubleshoot equipment, and adapt to the flow of multiple cases within the same day. The role offers substantial opportunities for professional growth within the surgical specialty, including exposure to a wide range of case types, evolving surgical technologies, and opportunities to cross-train in adjacent roles. You’ll be positioned to demonstrate leadership in the OR, contribute to case efficiency, and build a repertoire of competencies that enhance your resume and career trajectory. Benefits are designed to be competitive and comprehensive, including a travel stipend or bonus where applicable, housing assistance, and pathway options for contract extension should you enjoy a particular facility and team. A robust support system accompanies you on every assignment, with 24/7 assistance available while traveling with the company for onboarding, on-site coordination, and any after-hours needs, so you always have trusted guidance as you navigate new environments. This scaffolding is intended to empower you to perform at your best, maintain work–life balance, and pursue ongoing skill development within surgical technology.
Company values: Our organization is dedicated to empowering our staff through clear career pathways, ongoing education, and a supportive work environment that values your expertise. We cultivate a culture of safety, respect, and collaboration, where seasoned travelers mentor newer teammates and every voice is heard in pursuit of better patient outcomes. We invest in your professional development with resources for credential enhancement, specialty rotations, and opportunities to advance within the surgical technology track or into broader perioperative leadership roles. The company believes in recognizing hard work, celebrating successes, and providing steady guidance so you can grow without losing the sense of discovery that travel assignments offer. By prioritizing wellness, safety, and professional fulfillment, we create a work-life rhythm that sustains your motivation and loyalty across assignments.
Call to action: If you’re ready to advance your surgical tech career, apply now to join a company that values your contribution, supports your professional development, and offers travel opportunities that broaden your skill set and experiences. Embrace the chance to work in a dynamic setting where your expertise directly enhances patient care, while you explore new communities across Illinois and the broader United States. The hours and pay rates listed are estimates and may vary. Final compensation packages and guaranteed hours will be confirmed during the hiring process.
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About TLC Nursing
TLC Healthforce is a nationwide travel healthcare staffing agency pairing Nursing and Allied Health professionals with high-quality travel and local contracts across the U.S.
ShiftShield™ – Traveler Protection
ShiftShield™ protects travelers from preventable facility-driven cancellations and ensures fair compensation for schedule disruptions.
Why Travelers Choose TLC
- Competitive weekly pay
- Fast credentialing
- 24/7 recruiter & clinical support
- Nationwide assignments
Referral Bonus
Earn up to $1,000 per referral — no employment required.
EEO Statement
TLC Healthforce is an Equal Opportunity Employer.