26 - Building Talent from Within: A Surgical Tech Extern Program

Description: The Surgical Tech Extern Program is a paid, structured educational pathway modeled after a traditional surgical technology program. The curriculum integrates a 10-week didactic component followed by at least 10 weeks of supervised clinical practice across four operating room sites within the Southern Illinois Healthcare system.

Externs are immersed in core perioperative concepts including sterile technique, instrumentation, surgical counts, and procedural flow. Instruction is delivered by the Surgical Services Nurse Professional Development team and supported by engaged champion staff. Although formal preceptors are not assigned, the model incorporates consistent mentorship, guided return demonstrations, and scenario-based teaching.

The program has undergone refinement through three cohorts, with feedback-driven improvements made to strengthen staff involvement, onboarding, and clinical progression. Initial staff resistance has been addressed by increasing opportunities for frontline engagement, role clarity, and input into curriculum delivery.