Surgical Technologist (ST) Intern

Aurora Health Care; Oshkosh (WI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Aurora Health Care in Oshkosh, WI seeks an OR Surgical Technician-in-training. Under supervision of the surgical tech, OR nurse or surgeon, you perform preparatory and scrubbing services to support patient care in the operating room.

You will maintain a clean, sterile environment, assist with gowning, gloving, draping, passing instruments, and ensuring a safe, efficient perioperative area. The role requires knowledge of aseptic techniques and the ability to lift and move equipment as needed.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of aseptic surgical techniques used in preparation of materials, supplies and equipment.
• Knowledge of operating room equipment.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Basic computer proficiency.

Responsibilities

• Under supervision, assist with preparatory, scrubbing and related services for patient care in the operating room.
• Assist with gowning/gloving, draping and provision of sterile field.
• Pass instruments and supplies, hold retractors, monitor aseptic technique.
• Move and set up equipment and supplies; transport patients and items as needed.
• Ensure safety and cleanliness of the operating room and environment.

Skills

Aseptic techniques

Equipment handling

Customer service

Basic computer skills

Education

Surgical Technology program enrollment

Job description

• Under the observation of the surgical tech, OR Nurse or Surgeon performs a variety of preparatory, scrubbing and related services necessary to provide patient service in the operating room. Assists with surgical cases in all specialty areas.
• Provides for a clean, safe and efficient area conducive to optimal patient care. Utilizes aseptic surgical techniques in the preparation of materials, supplies and equipment for surgical procedures (e.g., assistance with gowning and gloving; preparation and draping of the surgical area; provision of a sterile field, instruments, suture and related materials; anticipation of the Surgeons' needs; passing of instruments and/or supplies; holding of retractors, observing and reporting possible breaks in aseptic technique; and assisting in maintaining a sterile, dry, unobstructed field).
• Acts as a scrub assistant for surgical procedures and maintains basic knowledge of a variety of procedures.
• Ensures the environmental disinfection, safety and efficiency of the operating room. This includes setting up the room for each case including moving equipment (i.e., tables, cameras, microscopes, fracture table, and instrument pans), operating the various types of equipment used during operating room procedures, and returning equipment post procedure.
• Notifies appropriate staff of equipment and supply problems.
• Transports patients and/or equipment and supplies.
• Maintains a specialty cart or item, ensuring its completeness and availability. This includes checking the working condition of equipment, sterility, and sending damaged items out for repair.
• Performs various patient positioning and transporting duties, which require lifting and pushing/pulling, while utilizing proper technique.
• Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served.
• Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the department's policies and procedures. Age-specific information is developed further in the departmental job standards.

Major Responsibilities

• Under the observation of the surgical tech, OR Nurse or Surgeon performs a variety of preparatory, scrubbing and related services necessary to provide patient service in the operating room. Assists with surgical cases in all specialty areas.
• Provides for a clean, safe and efficient area conducive to optimal patient care. Utilizes aseptic surgical techniques in the preparation of materials, supplies and equipment for surgical procedures (e.g., assistance with gowning and gloving; preparation and draping of the surgical area; provision of a sterile field, instruments, suture and related materials; anticipation of the Surgeons' needs; passing of instruments and/or supplies; holding of retractors, observing and reporting possible breaks in aseptic technique; and assisting in maintaining a sterile, dry, unobstructed field).
• Acts as a scrub assistant for surgical procedures and maintains basic knowledge of a variety of procedures.
• Ensures the environmental disinfection, safety and efficiency of the operating room. This includes setting up the room for each case including moving equipment (i.e., tables, cameras, microscopes, fracture table, and instrument pans), operating the various types of equipment used during operating room procedures, and returning equipment post procedure.
• Notifies appropriate staff of equipment and supply problems.
• Transports patients and/or equipment and supplies.
• Maintains a specialty cart or item, ensuring its completeness and availability. This includes checking the working condition of equipment, sterility, and sending damaged items out for repair.
• Performs various patient positioning and transporting duties, which require lifting and pushing/pulling, while utilizing proper technique.
• Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served.
• Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the department's policies and procedures. Age-specific information is developed further in the departmental job standards.

Licensure, Registration, And/or Certification Required

• Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA) needs to be obtained within 6 months unless department leader has determined it is not required.

Education Required

• Currently enrolled in an accredited or approved program in Surgical Technology.

Experience Required

• No experience required.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required

• Knowledge of aseptic surgical techniques used in the preparation of materials, supplies and equipment for various surgical procedures.
• Knowledge of various types of equipment used in the operating room.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Basic computer proficiency.

Physical Requirements And Working Conditions

• Must be able to withstand a very stressful and fast-paced environment.
• Must be able to:
• lift up to 50 lbs. from floor to waist.
• lift up to 20 lbs. over the head.
• carry up to 40 lbs. a reasonable distance.
• Must be able to:
• push/pull with 30 lbs. of force.
• perform a sliding transfer of 150 lbs. with a second person present.
• Required to use foot pedals on carts or machines.
• Exposed to the following hazards on a continuous basis: mechanical, electrical, chemical, radiation, blood and body fluids.
• Must have functional sight and hearing.
• Required to wear masks, gloves, goggles, and gowns.
• Must be able to sit, stand, walk, lift, squat, bend, reach above shoulders and twist frequently during work shift.
• Must be able to operate all equipment essential to performing the duties of the job.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.