Surgical Assistant

Major Responsibilities:

• Participates in the preparatory steps of surgery; assists operating team in gathering supplies, opening room for cases, assists in lifting, transferring, positioning, preparing and draping the patient.
• Anticipates and responds to the needs of the Surgeon, by ensuring all required supplies are available for procedures prior to incision, recognizing individual preferences.
• Provides for a clean, safe and efficient area conducive to optimal patient care. Utilizes aseptic surgical techniques in the preparation of materials, supplies and equipment for surgical procedures (e.g., assistance with gowning and gloving; preparation and draping of the surgical area; provision of a sterile field, instruments, suture and related materials; anticipation of the Surgeons' needs; holding of retractors, observing and reporting possible breaks in aseptic technique; and assisting in maintaining a sterile, dry, unobstructed field).
• Ensures the environmental disinfection, safety and efficiency of the operating room. This includes setting up the room for each case including moving equipment (e.g., tables, cameras, microscopes, fracture table, and instrument pans), operating the various types of equipment they have been trained to use during operating room procedures, and returning equipment post procedure. Checks the working condition of equipment and facilitates having damaged items sent out for repair. Notifies appropriate people of equipment and supply problems.
• Acts as a resource and assists in the training of Surgical Technologists and new Surgical Assistants. Participates in department and facility work teams and assists with special projects as needed.
• May perform specific surgical activities that are validated competencies under the direct supervision of the surgeon (i.e. the surgeon is in the same room working on the same patient). A record of the validated competencies must be recorded in the caregiver’s education file.
• May perform specific validated competencies and surgical activities such as wound closure of deep capsules, muscle, subcutaneous tissue and skin under general supervision of the surgeon.
• May perform specific validated competencies and surgical activities such as position and prep of patient on the surgical table, application of the tourniquet, securing of drains, application of the dressing, cast or immobilizer at the end of a case, and safe transfer from the surgical table to transport cart/bed without supervision of the surgeon.
• Provides competency confirmed by a sponsoring surgeon and submits documentation to the medical executive committee a minimum of every two years for approval and/or renewal.
• Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span.

Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification Required:

• Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA).
• Surgical Technologist (CST) certification or equivalent within 12 months unless waived by department leader.
• Surgical First Assist (CSFA) certification or equivalent within 12 months unless waived by department leader.
• Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) certification or equivalent within 12 months unless waived by department leader.

Education Required:

• Advanced training beyond High School that includes completion of an accredited program in Surgical Technology.

Experience Required:

• Typically requires 3 years of experience in a Surgical Technologist or Surgical Assistant position.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

• Advanced knowledge and skill in major operative surgical specialties performed.
• Advanced knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and potential complications for procedures performed.
• Demonstrated ability to remove skin staples and wound drains.
• Advanced knowledge and skill of aseptic surgical techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to anticipate and recognize Physician's needs and changes that require unplanned interventions.
• Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
• Basic computer proficiency.
• Team members will maintain annual educational requirements for hospital based certifications.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Must be able to withstand a stressful and fast-paced environment.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs., lift 20 lbs. over the head, carry 40 lbs., push/pull with 30 lbs. of force, and perform a sliding transfer of 150 lbs. with assistance.
• Exposure to continuous hazards: mechanical, electrical, chemical, radiation, blood and body fluids.
• Must have functional sight and hearing, and be able to wear masks, gloves, goggles, and gowns.
• Must be able to sit, stand, walk, lift, squat, bend, reach above shoulders and twist frequently during work shift.
• Must be able to operate all equipment essential to performing the duties of the job.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.