Surgical Technologist Student Intern

• Janesville, WI
• Mercy Hospital and Trauma Center
• Operating Room Surgical Technologist Student Intern
• 24 hours/month commitment
• Must be currently enrolled in an accredited Surgical Technology program, in academic good standing, for a minimum of 6 months.

Works under the observation of the surgical technician, OR Nurse or Surgeon to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of invasive surgical procedures, ensuring that the operating room environment is safe, that equipment functions properly, and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety. 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).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Handles the instruments, supplies, and equipment necessary during the surgical procedure. Has an understanding of the procedure being performed and anticipates the needs of the surgeon.
• Has the necessary knowledge and ability to ensure quality patient care during the operative procedure and is constantly on vigil for maintenance of the sterile field.
• Assists the surgical team before, during, and after surgery by performing the following duties:
  • Checks instruments, supplies, and equipment needed for surgical procedures.
  • Scrubs, gowns, gloves, and sets up sterile table with instruments and supplies, equipment and medication, solutions needed for each procedure
  • Assists with patient placement and positioning on the table.
  • Assists in draping sterile field according to procedure, physician preference.
  • Performs appropriate counts for sponges, needles, and instruments with surgical technician and circulator according to policy prior to the operation and before incision is closed.
  • Gowns and gloves surgeon and assistants. Creates and maintains sterile field. Maintains highest standard of sterile technique during procedure.
  • Passes instruments, etc. to surgeon during procedure. May sponge operative site, hold retractors during surgery, cut suture and cauterize previously clamped vessels as directed by surgeon. Prepares sterile dressings. If applicable and at the direction of the surgeon, apply and secure dressings.
  • Assist other members of the team with cleaning the operating room after each procedure. Assists in the prepping room for the next
    patient.
  • Participate in department performance improvement activities.

Culture of Excellence Behavior Expectations

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following behavior expectations:

Quality - Follows policies and procedures; adapts to and manages changes in the environment; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness giving attention to details; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Manages time and prioritizes effectively to achieve organizational goals.

Service - Responds promptly to requests for service and assistance; Follows the Mercyhealth Critical Moments of service; Meets commitments; Abides by MH confidentiality and security agreement; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; and effectively communicates information to partners; Thinks system wide regarding processes and functions.

Partnering - Shows commitment to the Mission of Mercyhealth and Culture of Excellence through all words and actions; Exhibits objectivity and openness to other's views; Demonstrates a high level of participation and engagement in day-to-day work; Gives and welcomes feedback; Generates suggestions for improving work: Embraces teamwork, supports and encourages positive change while giving value to individuals.

Cost - Conserves organization resources; Understands fiscal responsibility; Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; contributes to profits and revenue.

Education and Experience

• Currently enrolled in an accredited Surgical Technology program, in academic good standing, for a minimum of 6 months.
• Maintained enrollment in an accredited Surgical Technology program.

Certification and Licensure

Approved CPR or BLS certification required within 90 days

Skills and Abilities
Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers information; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
Technical Skills - Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others; Consistently performs essential duties and responsibilities.
Interpersonal Skills - Focuses on resolving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
Judgement - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions.
Motivation - Sets and achieves challenging goals; Undertakes self-development activities; Supports the Culture of Excellence; Asks for and offers help when needed; Self-directed in daily work routine, remaining productive during work hours.
Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration; Accepts responsibility for own actions.
Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Reports potentially unsafe conditions; Uses equipment and materials properly; Utilizes appropriate equipment for partner/patient safety such as lifts and gait belts.
Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment.
Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time, ready to accept assignment.

Computer Skills
To perform this job successfully, basic computer skills are beneficial.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Occupational Exposure: Category A - All partners in the specified job classification have occupational exposure.

AGE OF PATIENTS SERVED

Neonate (birth - 28 days)

Infant (29 days - less than 1 year)

Pediatric (1 year - 12 years)

Adolescents (13 years - 17 years)

Adult (18 years - 64 years)

Geriatric (65 years and older)

INFORMATION ACCESS

Partner may access patient care information needed to perform their job duties.

WORK CONTACT GROUP

Patients, Families, Physicians, Health Care Team Members, the Community.

Special Physical Demands

The Special Physical Demands are considered Essential Job Function of the position with or without accommodations.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up 10 ten pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision and depth perception.

Level of Supervision

N/A

Supervises

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Mercyhealth offers a generous total rewards package to eligible employees including, but not limited to:

* Comprehensive Benefits Package: Mercyhealth offers a retirement plan with competitive matching contribution, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance options, life and disability coverage, access to flexible spending plans, and a variety of other discounted voluntary benefit options.

* Competitive Compensation: Mercyhealth offers market competitive rates of pay and participates in various shift differential and special pay incentive programs.

* Paid Time Off: Mercyhealth offers a generous paid time off plan, which increases with milestone anniversaries, to allow employees the opportunity for a great work-life balance.

* Career Advancement: Mercyhealth offers a number of educational assistance programs and career ladders to support employees in their educational journey and advancement within Mercyhealth.

* Employee Wellbeing: Mercyhealth has a focus on wellbeing for employees across the organization and offers a number of tools and resources, such as an employer-sponsored health risk assessment and a Wellbeing mobile application, to assist employees on their wellbeing journey.

* Additional Benefits: Mercyhealth employees have access to our internal and external employee assistance programs, employee-only discount packages, paid parental and caregiver leaves, on-demand pay, special payment programs for patient services, and financial education to help with retirement planning.