Surgical Technologist Apprentice - Duke University Health System

At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health together.

About Duke University Hospital

Pursue your passion for caring with Duke University Hospital in Durham, North Carolina, which is consistently ranked among the best in the United States. The largest of Duke Health's four hospitals with 1062 patient beds, it features comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic facilities, including a regional emergency/trauma center, an endo-surgery center, and more.

General Description of the Job Class

• The Surgical Technologist Apprentice Program is a work-based learning program.


• A Surgical Technologist Apprentice (STA) must be enrolled in an approved Surgical Technology Program associated with a Duke University Health System community college partner.


• A STA is assigned with a primary preceptor; however, other preceptors will participate in the learning process.


• A Surgical Technologist Apprentice is an allied health professional who assists in the care of surgical patients ranging from infancy to geriatrics under the general direction of an assigned preceptor.


• The STA possesses expertise in the theory and application of sterile aseptic techniques and combines the knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and the implementation of tools and technologies to facilitate a surgeon's performance of invasive, therapeutic, and diagnostic procedures.

Duties and Responsibilities of this Level

• Goals and expectations will be clearly defined at the initiation of the program per program guidelines.


• Surgical Technologist Apprentices will participate in designated tasks under the supervision of a preceptor.


• Performs all responsibilities in a manner that demonstrates Service Excellence towards patients, physicians, peers, and other departments. Assume responsibility for upholding the policies and procedures of the department and organization.


• Demonstrates eagerness to learn, takes direction, adapts to changes within the unit, and demonstrates consistent progress toward ST Level I.


• Establishes and maintains sterile field while assuring surgical team members maintains the sterile environment. Demonstrate and practice a good understanding of sterile technique and sterile conscious


• Program length is typically 9-12 months.


• Prepares the Operating Room with appropriate instrumentation, equipment and supplies.


• Has a basic knowledge of instrumentation.


• Demonstrates correct and safe instrument passing. Accurately performs sponge, needle, and instrument counts in a safe manner within policy.


• Maintain technical skills to serve a patient population ranging from infancy to geriatric clients.

Required Qualifications at this Level

Education

• Complete three semesters in an approved Surgical Technology Program and successfully passes  the NCCT exam. 

Experience

• No experience 

Degrees, Licensure, and/or Certification

• Level I- BLS required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to adapt to changes within unit.


• Ability to work effectively and efficiently under pressure in a stressful environment, and often without relief.


• Ability to demonstrate knowledge of anatomy relating to the surgical procedure and the instrumentation required to effectively anticipate the needs of the surgeon.


• Ability to set priorities and respond appropriately to actual and/or potential life-threatening situations.

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends onthe robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.