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

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

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in the Operating Room is an integral member of the surgical team, providing skilled scrub assistance during operative procedures to support safe, high-quality patient care. The LPN maintains a sterile field, anticipates the surgeon’s needs, and efficiently handles surgical instruments, supplies, and equipment. The role also involves handling specimens, medications, and sharps according to established policies. The LPN demonstrates clinical competence, attention to detail, commitment to patient safety, and professionalism while collaborating with the interdisciplinary surgical team and upholding the organization’s mission, values, and standards. The full-time, competency-based internship is tailored to each adult learner and includes a dedicated education team, seminars, workshops, supervised hands-on training, simulation, clinical observations, and a clinical preceptorship. The program is designed to bridge the preparation-to-practice gap, support transition from novice to advanced beginner, and cultivate leadership, team building, and conflict-management skills. Interns are oriented to the scrub role. Upon successful completion, the intern will work in a St. Luke’s Operating Room Department caring for patients across their lifespans. The internship is conducted at various St. Luke’s University Health Network sites and is supervised by the Operating Room Internship Coordinator. Openings may vary by campus availability.

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 with prospective spring, summer, or winter graduation dates must be eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN and obtain licensure before the internship start.
The role includes on-the-job training, with a minimum of 1-1/2 years and an 8-week concentrated orientation period.
Ability to meet the stated physical and sensory requirements, including prolonged standing and walking; manual dexterity; lifting, carrying, and pushing objects; rapid movement and response; and required hearing and vision capabilities.

Nice To Haves

Experienced LPN applicants who have not worked in an operating room; recent hospital experience is preferred.

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 incision closure.
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 standards of sterile technique during procedures.
Handle surgical specimens appropriately and safely.
Handle sharps and medications according to operating room safety policies.
Collaborate with the interdisciplinary surgical team and uphold the organization’s mission, values, and standards.