Surgical Assistant - Operating Room (OR) - Memorial Regional Medical Center

Essential Functions: 

• Routinely functions as first assist on assigned cases within multiple and/or complex service lines.  Functions in the scrub role as assigned, demonstrating knowledge and implementation of sterile technique. May function in the Surgical Tech capacity fulfilling the scrub role as assigned.  Checks all instruments to ensure they are in proper working order prior to use.  Assists with sponge, sharps, and instrument counts per policy and procedures.  Handles specimens in accordance with hospital policy and procedure.  

• Protects patient information based on hospital policy and government regulations to assure information is kept confidential.  Participates in unit and hospital efforts to reduce adverse patient care events.  Actively participates in the Universal Protocol procedures that assure correct site surgery.    

• Communicates effectively with the circulating nurse upon observance of any missing or malfunctioning instruments and/or indication of any compromise to sterility. Based on market operating room design, may update preference cards, or will inform the nurse in a timely manner, any surgeon requests or other indication for needed changes to the preference list. Assists with OR case preparation: Utilizes surgeon’s preference list to procure equipment and arrange proper placement in the OR; Utilizes aseptic technique when establishing the sterile field, opening supplies and instruments; Assists with monitoring and maintaining the sterile field.    

• Assists with patient positioning, skin prepping, foley catheterization and draping.    

• Under the direct observation of the surgeon, may: Insert secondary trocars; Place instruments through trocars; Utilize power equipment and stapling devices (other than skin stapling); Inject infiltration local anesthetic medications excluding Exparel.  During surgical procedures: Use sponges and suction; Cauterization processes; Appropriately place and manipulate retractors (with or without padding); Irrigate the wound site(s); Cut suture material, handle hemostats, and tie suture; Provides assistance securing drains to tissue.  Closes the surgical wound: May assist suture closing of fascia layer under the direct observation of the surgeon; Sutures the subcutaneous tissues and skin including with the use of a skin stapler if needed.  Applies appropriate wound dressings, including medicated dressings.     

• Assists the team members in selecting and preparing necessary supplies, instruments, and equipment for surgical procedures.  Anticipates, assists, and provides for the surgeon's needs to include draping, correct instruments, and supplies.  Participates in room turnover procedures including set-up and clean-up protocols.    

This document is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as required by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.  

Education: 

• High school diploma or equivalent (required)   

• Completion of a Surgical Assistant Program (required)  

Required Licensing & Certifications: 

• BLS Basic Life Support – American Heart Association (preferred upon hire, must obtain from approved source prior to direct patient care  

• Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) - National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or National Surgical Assistant Association (NSAA), or National Commission for the Certification of Surgical Assistants (NCCSA) (required) (if hired in Virginia prior to July 1, 2020, preferred; if hired in Cincinnati, preferred).     

• If employed in Virginia, must be registered with the Virginia Board of Medicine. (required)  

Experience: 

• One year experience as a Surgical Assistant (required)   

Skills & Abilities: 

Hard/Tech/Clinical Skills:  

• Monitor patient conditions during treatment  

• Completes specific, routine task  

• Requires basic reading, writing, or simple arithmetic skill  

• May operate basic equipment/machinery.  

Soft/Interpersonal Skills:  

• Ability to Follow Instructions   

• Attention to detail  

• Critical thinking  

• Teamwork  

• Conflict resolution  

• Active listening  

• Relationship building  

• Demonstrates a caring attitude and intentional caring behaviors in interpersonal interactions and patient/family care.  

• Communicates clearly all pertinent patient information to other members of the health care team.  

• Possess Surgical Conscience  

• Anticipate Needs  

• Flexible  

• Assists with performing circulator skills and tasks   

• Takes direction  

• Able to work under pressure  

• Professionalism   

• Move with a sense of urgency  

• Preceptor  

• Role model  

Training: 

None