Surgical Technologist Apprentice

Job Profile Summary

This role focuses on providing medical and clinical support services to patients. In addition, this role focuses on performing the following Surgical Services duties: Responsible for medical services involving the excision or incision of a patient's body, such as interventional pain management and other procedures. This position also works to provide a safe environment for patients undergoing invasive procedures or surgery. A clinical technologist role that has specialized knowledge or skills gained through a combination of vocational education, training, and experience. This role will be most commonly applied to patient care and/or scientific/laboratory jobs. An entry-level role typically requires little to no prior knowledge or experience and requires vocational or technical education. Work is routine or follows standard procedures, is closely supervised, and communicates information that requires little explanation or interpretation.

Job Overview

The Surgical Technologist Apprentice is a patient care support partner in coordination with the certified Surgical Technologist (CST) and performs work as delegated. Responsible for performing multiple job duties ranging from instrument reprocessing, case picking, equipment set up, room turnover, and general support of the surgical team and anesthesia. Reports directly to the OR Clinical Manager and works under the supervision of the OR charge RN or SPD Supervisor depending on the department assignment.

Job Description

Minimum Qualifications:

1. High school diploma or equivalent.

2. Enrolled in Surgical Tech program.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. College level courses/ pre-requisites.

Duties and Responsibilities: The duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to describe the general nature of work and are not intended to be an all-inclusive list. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned.

1. Assist in case picking.

2. Provides proper maintenance, assembly, handling and sterilization techniques of specialty instrumentation under supervision of SPD Techs.

3. Assists with re-stocking of Operating Rooms and common supply areas.

4. Assists with setting up operation of complex equipment.

5. Completes annual competency and in-service training programs.

6. Proactively identifies contamination or breaks in aseptic technique and implement corrective actions.

7. Label drugs and solutions per policy.

8. Perform surgical counts per policy.

9. Handle and prepare surgical specimens per policy.

10. Actively participates in OR set up and planning.

11. Respond to surgical emergencies and follow hospital emergency management plans.

12. Operate complex equipment according to FIU and established usage policies.

13. Assist surgeon, RN/circulator, Surgical Technologist and anesthesia provider intraoperatively.

Physical Requirements:

1. Ability to work within the semi-restricted and restricted environment of the Operating Room and other Perioperative support areas.

2. Stands under hot surgical lights for prolonged periods of time.

3. Possibility of muscle strain from lifting patients and heavy equipment, shocks and burns from cautery units and autoclaves. Possibility of cuts from sharp instruments.

4. Frequent exposure to hazardous chemicals, blood and bodily fluids, extreme noise levels, radiation, lasers, drastic fluctuations in ambient temperature, etc.

5. Ability to wear a protective lead apron for extended periods of time and exposure to radioactivity, harmful anesthesia gases and septic infections.

6. Requires frequent lifting and positioning of patients, materials, equipment, power tools, instruments, etc.

7. Frequent contacts with patients, physicians and nursing staff in Operating Room.

Skills & Abilities:

1. Basic knowledge of anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, microbiology, and pharmacology to ensure that optimal patient care is provided.

2. Basic knowledge of computers, surgical equipment, and infrastructure.

3. Basic knowledge and skills necessary to provide care to patients throughout the life span.

4. Excellent interpersonal skills to effectively interact with staff, patients, physicians, vendors, and other departments within the hospital.

5. Demonstrates essential knowledge in all procedures related to their surgical specialty area and has sufficient general knowledge to assist in other specialties as needed.

At Tufts Medicine, we want every individual to feel valued for the skills and experience they bring. Our compensation philosophy is designed to offer fair, competitive pay that attracts, retains, and motivates highly talented individuals, while rewarding the important work you do every day.

The base pay ranges reflect the minimum qualifications for the role. Individual offers are determined using a comprehensive approach that considers relevant experience, certifications, education, skills, and internal equity to ensure compensation is fair, consistent, and aligned with our business goals.

Beyond base pay, Tufts Medicine provides a comprehensive Total Rewards package that supports your health, financial security, and career growth-one of the many ways we invest in you so you can thrive both at work and outside of it.

Pay Range: