ST270 Clinical Practicum I (5 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): A grade of C (2.0) or better in ST250 , Passage of the Skills Assessment in ST251 
Students are assigned to a clinical facility and assist with surgical procedures within the operative setting under the personal supervision of a clinical preceptor. This practicum is designed for the student to integrate knowledge and theory from previous classes and to develop specific psycho-motor skills as a surgical technologist. Clinical assignments are based on a set of clinical performance objectives that must be met prior to the completion of the semester. Students participate in bi-weekly clinical conferences to debrief current learning and synthesize knowledge with practice. Also covered in these bi-weekly sessions are professional topics such as understanding the roles, responsibilities, and variety of personalities that comprise OR settings, the development of a resume and cover letter, completion of an application form for employment, and the development of answers to commonly asked interview questions.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Identify the roles and responsibilities of the surgical technologist.
2. Explain the ethical, legal and moral aspects of surgical technology as they relate to patients, co-workers, employers, communities, and self.
3. Use appropriate medical terminology, accurately and with ease.
4. Relate principles of human anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology to a wide variety of surgical conditions and procedures.
5. Participate in and log completion of at least 80 surgical procedures.
6. Identify the surgical instrumentation and supply needs for a wide variety of surgical conditions and procedures.
7. Apply principles of microbiology in maintaining asepsis.
8. Protect patients, staff, and self from iatrogenic complications by the consistent use of standard precautions and other safety measures as appropriate.
9. Prepare, calculate, and label drugs and solutions accurately.
10. Identify critical components necessary to prepare the patient for surgery including patient identification, consent for surgery, preoperative laboratory requirements and results, physical assessment and vital signs, patient transport, patient positioning, skin preparation requirements, urinary catheterization, emergency preparations, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
11. Demonstrate methods of sterilization and disinfection, including room preparation and terminal cleaning of equipment and supplies.
12. Prepare equipment and supplies for surgical use.
13. Safely select and pass surgical instruments.
14. Demonstrate personal and professional integrity and the ability to interact as a professional with the entire healthcare/surgical team.
15. Complete the required clinical experience documentation.
16. Prepare a personal resume and cover letter.