1

Operating Room Intern Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Operating Room Intern information

What is an operating room intern?

Operating Room Interns are students or recent graduates who work in hospital operating rooms to gain hands-on experience in surgical procedures and patient care. They assist surgical teams by preparing equipment, maintaining sterile environments, and sometimes observing or shadowing during surgeries. This role allows interns to learn about surgical protocols, teamwork, and the fast-paced environment of an operating room. The internship helps prepare them for further medical or nursing education and future careers in healthcare.

What are some common challenges faced by an operating room intern during their training period?

Operating Room Interns often encounter challenges such as adjusting to the fast-paced, high-pressure environment and learning to communicate effectively with multidisciplinary teams, including surgeons, nurses, and anesthesiologists. Interns must quickly become familiar with strict surgical protocols, infection control measures, and the proper handling of specialized equipment. Building confidence while maintaining meticulous attention to detail and time management skills is crucial, as errors can have significant consequences. Support from experienced staff helps interns overcome these challenges and grow professionally.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an operating room intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Operating Room Intern, you need foundational knowledge of surgical procedures, sterile techniques, and basic patient care, usually acquired through coursework in nursing or allied health programs. Familiarity with surgical instruments, operating room protocols, and electronic health record (EHR) systems is often required. Attention to detail, teamwork, adaptability, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this fast-paced environment. These competencies ensure patient safety, efficient surgical workflows, and successful collaboration with the surgical team.

What is the difference between Operating Room Intern vs Operating Room Technician?

AspectOperating Room InternOperating Room Technician
CredentialsTypically enrolled in or recently completed a healthcare-related program; no formal certification requiredCertified or licensed, often with a surgical technologist certification
Work EnvironmentHospitals, surgical centers, assisting in surgeries under supervisionOperating rooms, assisting surgical teams with instruments and supplies
Employer & Industry UsageHospitals, medical schools, internships for studentsHospitals, outpatient surgical centers, clinics
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level roles and training opportunitiesClarifying job responsibilities and certification requirements

While Operating Room Interns are typically students gaining hands-on experience under supervision, Operating Room Technicians are trained professionals with certifications responsible for supporting surgical procedures. Interns focus on learning, whereas technicians perform routine technical tasks in the operating room.

How to get operating room intern experience?

To gain operating room intern experience, students typically pursue internships or shadowing opportunities in hospitals or surgical centers, often requiring relevant coursework in healthcare or biology. Developing skills in sterile techniques, patient care, and understanding surgical procedures can enhance your qualifications; some programs may also require certifications like CPR or basic life support. Gaining hands-on experience through volunteering or assisting healthcare professionals can also be beneficial.

What do you do as an operating room intern?

An operating room intern assists surgical teams by preparing equipment, sterilizing instruments, and supporting staff during procedures. They observe surgeries to gain hands-on experience and may perform basic tasks under supervision, often requiring knowledge of sterile techniques and hospital protocols.

What are the most commonly searched types of Operating Room jobs in California?

The most popular types of Operating Room jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Operating Room Intern jobs?

Cities in California with the most Operating Room Intern job openings:

Surgical Technician I - Surgery - Full Time 12 Hour Days (Non-Exempt) (Union)

USC Gould School of Law

Los Angeles, CA

$34.40 - $55.08/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Under direct supervision and general guidance of the Registered Nurse, the Surgical Tech I applies, demonstrates, and possesses basic knowledge, competencies, and skills of surgical and aseptic techniques and practices; assists the surgical team and performs a variety of tasks in an operating room; prepares sterilizes, and cleans up surgical equipment and instruments; and is responsible for the care and safety of patients who come under his/her care. The Surgical Tech I is generally assigned basic surgical/operative procedures and is expected to gain the skills and abilities to independently scrub in all surgical/operative procedures.

Essential Duties:

  • Performs operative room scrub responsibilities in all surgical/operative procedures.
  • Adheres to all safety standards and policies (such as surgical, specimen collection, sterile processing, Title 22, JCAHO) as they relate while performing all responsibilities.
  • Applies principles of aseptic technique and initiates prompt corrective action when breaks in aseptic technique occur.
  • Remains attentive throughout the operative procedure, anticipating the needs of the surgical team, and responds appropriately during emergency intraoperative crises.
  • Maintains ongoing communication with the circulating nurse and other members of the surgical team regarding changes in patient status or the progress of surgery.
  • Arranges and inventories sterile set-up for operation.
  • Facilitates the smooth flow of the surgical intervention (i.e., prepares for the procedure with updated preference cards, knowledge of instruments and equipment).
  • Performs scrub role (such as anticipating surgical team's needs, passing of instruments, cutting sutures, etc.) according to standards.
  • Prepares, cleans, and maintains instruments, equipment, and all surgical related items in accordance to established guidelines.
  • Transports patients, equipment, supplies, and specimens.
  • Prepares operating room (OR) by setting up tables, instruments, and supplies in according to type of case/operative procedure.
  • Performs the preceptor role in the training of students.
  • Participates in decision-marking activities related to evaluating and acquiring surgical equipment, instruments, and supplies.
  • Recommends, implements, and participates process improvement projects on an ongoing basis.
  • May assist in performing circulating skills and task.
  • Performs all duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

  • Req High School or equivalent
  • Req Specialized/technical training CAAHEP accredited Surgical Technician Program
  • Req 1 year One-year experience as a Surgical Technician or as a Surgical Technician intern required. *Surgical Technician intern experience must be paid and completed at Keck Medicine of USC.
  • Req Active practice as a Surgical Technician within the six (6) months prior to application
  • Req Ability to communicate effectively in English both verbally and in writing.
  • Req Demonstrates ability to effectively work with physicians, staff, and patients.

Preferred Qualifications:


Required Licenses/Certifications:

  • Req Basic Life Support (BLS) Healthcare Provider from American Heart Association
  • Req Fire Life Safety Training (LA City) If no card upon hire, one must be obtained within 30 days of hire and maintained by renewal before expiration date. (Required within LA City only)
The hourly rate range for this position is $34.40 - $55.08. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, federal, state, and local laws, contractual stipulations, grant funding, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

USC is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC observes affirmative action obligations consistent with state and federal law. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal records in a manner consistent with applicable laws and regulations, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for employers and the Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and with due consideration for patient and student safety. Please refer to theBackground Screening Policy Appendix Dfor specific employment screen implications for the position for which you are applying.

We provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact USC Human Resources by phone at (213) 821-8100, or by email atuschr@usc.edu. Inquiries will be treated as confidential to the extent permitted by law.

  • Notice of Non-discrimination
  • Employment Equity
  • Read USC's Clery Act Annual Security Report
  • USC is a smoke-free environment
  • Digital Accessibility

If you are a current USC employee, please apply to this  USC job posting in Workday by copying and pasting this link into your browser:

https://wd5.myworkday.com/usc/d/inst/1$9925/9925$149716.htmld