Surgical Tech Clinical Intern

Job Summary

The Surgical Technologist – Clinical Intern provides support to the surgical team by performing technical duties and assisting with surgical procedures under the supervision of a registered nurse or certified surgical technologist. The intern is primarily assigned to the scrub role and assists anesthesia personnel, registered nurses, and surgeons during operative cases. This is a temporary training role intended for individuals currently enrolled in an accredited surgical technology program.

Essential Functions

• Assist in preparing the surgical suite with appropriate drapes, solutions, instruments, and supplies.
• Support surgical team by transporting, positioning, and draping patients under supervision.
• Pass instruments and supplies to surgeons during procedures.
• Maintain count and location of instruments, sponges, and sharps throughout procedures.
• Receive, label, and process surgical specimens for delivery to laboratory.
• Assemble and troubleshoot surgical equipment as required for specific procedures.
• Operate electrosurgical, video, laser, and diagnostic equipment as trained and appropriate.
• Adhere to sterile technique and infection control standards.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities/Expectations

• Basic understanding of surgical instruments and aseptic technique.
• Ability to follow verbal and written instructions accurately.
• Willingness to learn and adapt in a fast-paced clinical environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and professional demeanor.
• Dependability and teamwork mindset required.
• Constant bending/stooping, frequent kneeling, reaching, and walking.
• Frequent lifting or moving of patients and equipment up to 75 lbs.
• Frequent repetitive hand and foot movements; prolonged standing.
• Constant visual acuity and hearing required for procedure monitoring.
• Clinical operating room environment.
• Frequent exposure to blood, bodily fluids, communicable diseases.
• Occasional exposure to biohazardous waste, chemicals, gases, latex, and fumes. 
  

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent, including education equivalent to completion of secondary school or demonstrated ability to perform the essential functions of the role. (Preferred) 
• Postsecondary (cert/Diploma/Program Grad) or enrollment in an accredited Surgical Technology program with first semester completed (Required)  

Licenses/Certifications

• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required within time frame required by facility policy.

Experience

• No prior experience required.
• This is a clinical internship intended for students in training.