The Surgical Tech Intern performs surgical/technical duties while maintaining asepsis and safety in the care of patients. The Surgical Tech Intern demonstrates the knowledge and skills required to scrub the surgical procedure along with checking the surgeon’s preference cards for supplies/equipment in order to facilitate the smooth running of the Operating Room. The Intern works directly under the guidance of an experienced Surgical Technologist or RN.
In addition, he/she anticipates the surgeon's needs according to the procedure and maintains correct counts of sponges, needles, and instruments with the circulating nurse. The Surgical Tech Intern is responsible for proper handling and identifying specimens in the surgical field. He/she works in a self-directed work team committed to a common purpose and goals.
Identifies and facilitates opportunities for improvement in quality care and services, stewardship, employee satisfaction, communication, accountability, and customer satisfaction. The Intern is delegated assignments by the Surgical Technologist and the Patient Care Coordinator. The ideal candidate will have a strong sense of urgency and accountability, with a notable pride in self and drive for excellence. This position is temporary, and will transition to a Surgical Technologist upon completion of the surgical tech program.

Performance Expectations:

Performance expectations will be covered in the orientation and precepted phases of your orientation to your job.

Items considered essential functions of the job are listed below.

• Ability to effectively communicate with patients, physicians, and co-workers in a manner consistent with a customer service focus and application of positive language principles.
• Provides for exceptional patient and coworker experiences by following our standards of practice of always using positive language (Heart-Hand-HeartTM).
• Demonstrates independence and exercises sound judgment in interactions with physicians and the interprofessional care team.
• Promotes a positive work environment with the OR team.
• Collaborates with all members of the OR team by actively communicating and reporting pertinent information in a comprehensive manner.
• Exhibits open and professional communication.
• Acknowledges and responds to overhead pages in a timely manner.
• Attends any staff meetings or educational events assigned.
• Assists in transfer of a patient from stretcher to OR table.
• Holds an extremity during a sterile prep, participates in the sterile prep.
• Goes to the blood bank for blood products and delivers back to the OR suite/blood refrigerator and labeling appropriately.
• Collects and transports containers back to sterile supply.
• Assists in room turnover including gathering and removing soiled trash, soiled linen, and biohazardous waste.
• Pulls supplies and instruments for surgical cases including suture and gloves
• Checks case carts for all necessary supplies.
• Participates in surgical procedure as 3rd scrub.
• Works in Central Sterile Processing department as needed.
• Proactively seeks opportunities to enhance knowledge and learning towards expertise.
• Maintains all HealthStream assignments prior to the deadline
• Provides feedback to Surgery Patient Care Manager and Director of Surgical Services regarding patient care, budgetary, and strategic planning opportunities for improvement.
• Sets a positive example to all staff in daily activities.
• Behaviors and interactions demonstrate a positive attitude, personal initiative and motivation to achieve the goals of the department.
• Champions the development and growth of safety culture.
• Demonstrates organizational, interpersonal, and time management skills.
• Participates in all competencies planned for the job role prior to deadlines.
• Complies with the Surgical Services policy.
• Follows the policies in the Employee Handbook.
• The spreading of rumors and gossip creates unnecessary turmoil, weakens working relationships, and is contrary to the spirit of the hospital and is prohibited.
• Uses “We Care” philosophy daily and communicates using Heart-Head-HeartTM. communication
• Works assigned shift and responds when called upon for additional or emergency services.
• Required appropriate use of department’s communication app.
• This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive; the employee will also perform other reasonably related job duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education/Skills

High school diploma or equivalent required.

Applicants must be attending an accredited surgical tech program. That includes clinical and case volume.

Work Experience:

None required, but OR experience preferred.

Certification/Licensure-DUE UPON HIRE

• None

Additional Certification/Licensure - obtained based on the required timeframe below

• Basic Life Support

Within 30 Days of Employment

Required

Mental Demands:

Ability to perform as a team member, cooperate with others, follow directions precisely, demonstrate initiative, set priorities, and function under stress.