Surgical Technician Intern

SUMMARY:

Participates in supervised, on-the-job learning activities while actively enrolled and participating in an accredited surgical technologist program. Supports the operating room and sterile processing while developing the knowledge and skills necessary to transition into an entry level surgical technologist position upon program completion.

Brown University Health employees are expected to successfully role model the organization's values of Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence as these values guide our everyday actions with patients, customers and one another.

In addition to our values, all employees are expected to demonstrate the Core Success Factors which tell us how we work together and how we get things done. The core Success Factors include:

Instill Trust

Value Differences

Prioritize Patient and Community

Collaborate

While in this internship, aligned with the New England Institute of Technology’s (NEIT) curriculum, and under direct supervision:

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES IN STERILE PROCESSING:

• Accurately identifies, inspects, and assembles instruments and trays.

• Applies foundational knowledge of sterilization principles, workflows, and point-of-use care.

• Collaborate effectively with SPD staff and leadership, demonstrating professionalism and accountability.

• Performs other work-related duties and activities as assigned or requested by his/her supervisor.  

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES IN THE OPERATING ROOM:

• Demonstrates active engagement in the learning and understanding of basic principles of the surgical technologist role.

• Assist in maintaining a clean, safe, and organized operating room environment including room turnover, terminal cleaning, and restocking and rotation of supplies to established par levels.

• Observe and progressively participate in setting up instruments, supplies, and equipment for surgical procedures.

• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding by maintaining quality assurance, safety, environmental, and infection control, in accordance with established hospital department policies and procedures.

• Apply principles of aseptic technique, including surgical hand scrub, gowning, gloving, and establishing and setting up the sterile field, as competency develops.

• Supports intraoperative safety by following established policies for medication and solution handling on the sterile field, participating in Universal Protocol, and assisting with counts to prevent retained surgical items, and safe handling of sharps.

• Assist with passing of surgical instrumentation, applying knowledge of functional instrument positioning and progressively developing accuracy, efficiency, and anticipation of surgeon needs.

• Assist with safe patient positioning and transfers, ensuring proper use of beds, stretchers, positioning equipment, and safety features/devices.

• Participate in the safe use of surgical equipment, ensuring required devices are available and functioning properly.

• Use surgeon preference cards to gather required supplies and communicate updates as appropriate.

• Work effectively with other staff as a member of the surgical team.

• Demonstrates ability to prioritize tasks according to urgency.

• Consistently provides service excellence to all patients, family members, visitors, volunteers, and co-workers.

• Performs other work-related duties and activities as assigned or requested by his/her supervisor.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

BASIC KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE:

• Matriculation in Brown University Health/ New England Institute of Technology Surgical Technologist program.

• High School Diploma or GED is required.

• American Heart Association BLS Certification is required within the first 6 months of employment and maintained once hired into surgical technologist position.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Prolonged standing, walking, and donning of lead aprons and/or skirts. Exposed to all patient elements. Will be required to lift/turn patients and equipment. Repeated bending, squatting, stooping.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• None