Surgical Tech Educator carries on family legacy at Northside Hospital Forsyth

While Niecy Jones is following in her grandfather’s footsteps as a surgical tech, she’s also forging her own path at Northside Hospital Forsyth.

It’s been nearly eight years since Jones began her journey with Northside, and she says it was her grandfather who inspired her to get into the field.

“My grandfather, who was also a surgical tech, was pretty much the person that I modeled against,” Jones told Access Atlanta. “So, he created the model for me, and I saw it right on through … he retired as a surgical tech, and he was my inspiration.”

In her current position as a surgical tech educator, the New York native makes a difference by ensuring all staff is trained and competent with equipment, maintaining new hire orientation and assigning students to their clinical assignments.

“I’m usually the first person they work with when they come in for Northside orientation,” Jones said when describing her favorite part of the job.

“I always try to build a relationship with new employees from the moment that we actually meet, and that’s my favorite part! Being able to make a difference and … make them feel comfortable because there’s a lot of anxiety when it comes to starting a new job or even students coming in for clinical rotations. I have gotten so much feedback on how they felt so much better after sitting down and talking with me.”

Jones may currently be on the education side of things, but she’s still able to use her skills in varying parts of the hospital.

“When I started with Northside, I was a surgical tech,” Jones said. “I continue to work in the O.R. as well … so I still get the opportunity to scrub cases and take call.”

While Jones loves how much Northside cares about its employees as well as how family-oriented it is, she’s able to maintain a great work-life balance. You can check out all her go-to spots in Atlanta when she’s not at work below:

Jones’s guide to her Atlanta:

Go-to workout spot: LA Fitness in Sugar Hill – “I’m trying to do better when it comes to a healthier lifestyle, eating right and working out.”

Favorite place to grab a bite: Spice 3:16 + Juicy Crab in Cumming – “My daughter and I are both true seafood lovers. We enjoy trying new restaurants that feature seafood.”