Surgical Assistant

Accessibility Note

JOB TITLE: Certified Surgical Assistant

General Summary of Duties

Under the direct and immediate supervision of a surgeon, provides aid in exposure, hemostasis and other technical functions that will help the surgeon carry out a safe operation with optimal results for the patient. Makes patients and their needs a primary focus of one's actions; develops and sustains productive patient relationships. Actively seeks information to understand patient circumstances, problems, expectations, and needs. Builds rapport and cooperative relationship with patients. Considers how actions or plans will affect members; responds quickly to meet patient needs and resolves problems.

Job Summary/ Responsibilities

The certified surgical assistant must possess a working knowledge of operating room procedures with respect to attire, infection control, and is familiar with individual requirements and recommended practices of compliance. The certified surgical assistant must have the ability to anticipate the needs of the surgeon and other team members. The certified surgical assistant must also maintain a professional attitude with respect to dignity, privacy, and safety of patients. The certified surgical assistant will provide services in licensed hospitals and ambulatory treatment centers.

Education/requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent and graduation from a National Surgical Assistant Association approved program.
• Credits and continuing education must be maintained as required by Association of Surgical Assistants.
• Holding current OH State Licensure as a Registered Surgical Assistant, NST; CPR; BLS

Experience

• 1-3 years

Responsibilities

• Determines specific equipment needed for procedures
• Selection and placement of x-rays for reference
• Assists in moving and positioning of patient
• Confirms procedures with surgeon
• Drapes patient with surgeon's guidelines
• Provides retraction of tissue and organs for optimal visualization with regard to tissue type and appropriate retraction instrument and/or technique
• Assists in maintaining hemostasis by direct pressure, use and application of appropriate surgical instrument for the task, placement of ties and suture ligatures, application of chemical hemostatic agents, or other measures as directed by surgeon.
• Clamp, ligation and cutting of tissue per surgeon's directive
• Prepare graft as directed by the surgeon
• Urinary catheter placement
• Assist in laparoscopic procedures with camera and instruments
• Prepping of the surgical site
• Maintains his/her knowledge of surgical instruments and equipment
• Must be able to gown and glove self using open or closed gloving technique
• Closure of all wound layers, as per surgeon's directive
• Assist in placement and suturing of surgical drains
• Selection and application of wound dressings
• Assists with CPR of patient during cardiac arrest or other life threatening events in the operating room
• Any other duties or procedures deemed necessary and directed by the surgeon.
• Assist in robotics and obtain requirements for certification in robotics
• May take call after assigned working hours to assist attending surgeons in urgent or emergency surgical procedures
• Maintain an extensive knowledge of anatomy and physiology
• Demonstrate knowledge of aseptic technique in relation to the procedure and the operating field

Qualifications/ Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Must possess a working knowledge of all operating room procedures.
• Must have the ability to anticipate needs of surgeon, be able to demonstrate and maintain dexterity sufficient to successful completion of assistant duties on each particular procedure.
• Will need to possess the ability to only function within the limits of his/her ability, and within the scope of practice set forth by the medical facility.
• Multi-tasking, ability to work under pressure, must be able to cope with the mental and emotional stress of the position

Benefits

• 401(k) retirement plan with a company match
• And more!