Graduate Practical Nurse (GPN) or Licensed Pratical Nurse (LPN) Operating Room Internship (Opportunities At Select Campuses)

St. Luke's University Health Network•Easton, PA

About The Position

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in the Operating Room is an integral member of the surgical team, providing scrub assistance to support safe, high-quality patient care during operative procedures. The role maintains a sterile field, anticipates the surgeon’s needs, and handles surgical instruments, supplies, and equipment. The LPN also handles specimens, medications, and sharps according to established policies, and collaborates with the interdisciplinary surgical team while upholding patient safety, professionalism, and the organization’s mission and values. The full-time, competency-based internship is tailored to each adult learner. It includes support from a dedicated education team, seminars, workshops, supervised hands-on training, simulation, clinical observations, and a clinical preceptorship. The program is oriented to the scrub role and supports the transition from novice to advanced beginner while cultivating leadership, team-building, and conflict-management skills. The internship takes place at various St. Luke’s University Health Network sites and is supervised by the Operating Room Internship Coordinator. After successful completion, the intern will work in a St. Luke’s Operating Room Department caring for patients across their lifespans. Openings may vary by campus availability. Listed locations are Allentown Campus; Anderson Campus in Easton, a Level 1 Trauma Center; Grand View Campus, a Level 2 Trauma Center; Sacred Heart Campus in Allentown; and West End Orthopedic Hospital in Allentown.

Requirements

Current Licensed Practical Nurse license to practice in Pennsylvania, or in New Jersey for the Warren Campus.
Maintain current BLS certification.
Practical Nurse students must have a prospective spring, summer, or winter graduation date and be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN and obtain licensure before the internship starts.

Nice To Haves

Experienced LPNs who have not worked in an operating room setting are ideal candidates.
Recent hospital experience is preferred for experienced LPN candidates.

Responsibilities

Check supplies and equipment needed for surgical procedures.
Scrub, gown, and glove self and members of the surgical team.
Set up the sterile table with instruments, supplies, equipment, and medications or solutions needed for the procedure, and ensure they are in good working condition.
Perform appropriate counts with the circulator before the operation and before the incision is closed.
Assist with draping the sterile field.
Pass instruments, retractors, sutures, and other items to the surgeon during procedures.
Anticipate the needs of the surgical team.
Maintain the highest standard of sterile technique during procedures.
Handle surgical specimens appropriately and safely.
Handle sharps and medications according to operating room safety policies.