Primary responsibility involves performance of specific tasks as a Surgical Assistant during surgical procedures to permit the surgeon to perform an efficient and safe operation. The assistant identifies anatomy within the operative field, maintains positive customer relations, demonstrates competency and possesses the technical skills appropriate for his/her assigned cases, and assists others as needed. Duties are performed within the scope of responsibility and the assistant is accountable to the manager of the Surgical Assistants.
Responsibilities
General Duties:
Position the patient according to the surgeon’s instructions, ensuring comfort and safety while providing optimal visualization of the operative site.
Assist with hemostasis, closure of body planes, and application of wound dressings.
Secure drainage systems to tissue.
Assist the surgeon with retractor placement (with or without padding).Pack with sponges.
Perform digital manipulation of tissue.
Suction, irrigate, or sponge as directed.
Manipulate suture materials (loops, tags, running suture).Use body mechanics to prevent obstruction of the surgeon’s view.
Select and apply appropriate wound dressings (liquid/spray occlusive materials, absorbent material with tape or wrapping, immobilizing dressing).Assist in securing drainage systems to tissue.
Act independently in surgery and on‑call duties concerning harvesting of veins, radial artery, tendons, bone, skin, and plastic closure on plastic cases.
Provide expert assistance on all major surgical cases under direct supervision of a surgeon.
Stay abreast of new technologies related to specialty areas.
Communication:
Appropriately communicate all pertinent information regarding the procedure and patient condition changes to the physician.
Communicate the plan of care with all team members, utilizing handoff processes during procedure transitions.
Complete incident/accident reports involving patient and/or personnel in a timely manner.
Maintain a professional rapport with physicians, customers, coworkers, superiors, and members of other departments.
Leadership:
Demonstrate leadership skills such as motivating, educating, delegating, and mentoring peers.
Participate in staff meetings.
Support self and peers in professional growth and development utilizing internal and external resources.
Participate in self and peer review activities and provide positive recognition of peers and staff regularly.
Productivity:
Understand factors related to cost and effective outcomes when planning and implementing patient care.
Initiate care in a timely manner and manage workload effectively.
Maintain awareness of fiscal responsibility by utilizing time, equipment, and supplies appropriately.
SafetyBe familiar with common operating table positions and use equipment necessary to provide positioning competence (fracture tables, head stabilizers, body stabilizers, C‑arm extensions, other required equipment).Upon completion of the procedure, evaluate the patient for possible damage from positioning and assess skin integrity.
Report any abnormal conditions to the surgeon and document and treat accordingly.
Assess patient and environment for safety risks, proactively seek out and perform safety initiatives.
Implement measures to prevent contamination or disease transmission using appropriate protective devices and equipment.
Observe strict adherence to operating room technique rules and regulations, reporting non‑compliance to the O.R. charge RN.Report all unusual patient events and problems to charge nurse.
Qualifications
Knowledge and Skills:
Extensive knowledge of anatomy and physiology, excellent eye‑hand coordination, and ability to stand for long periods of time.
Sound judgment and knowledge of scientific principles.
Competency in selected skills as required through hospital‑provided instruction.
Education: 2 years college or specialty school in surgical assisting.
Years of Experience: Preferred 4 years general experience with 2 years in any specialty area.
Licenses, Registrations & Certifications:
Certified by one of the following within 6 months of employment: NSAA, CFA in the AST, AA‑C in the AAPA, or CRNFA in the ONA.Or advanced medical degree with 3 years practice in the United States, BLS certification required.
Membership in a professional organization preferred.
Certification in the area of specialty by 2018 preferred.
Seniority level
Mid‑Senior level Employment type
Part‑time Job function
Health Care Provider Industries
Hospitals and Health Care
