Surgical Assistant for the Department of Surgical Services

Major Responsibilities:
Provide first or second assisting for specified surgical procedures as needed and assigned for patients of all ages.
1)Incises tissue.


2)Provides surgical field exposure by providing retraction.


3)Assists with maintaining a dry surgical field- hemostasis.


4)Clamps, cauterizes and/or ligates bleeders.


5)Assists with the identification of anatomical structures.


6)Utilizes surgical instruments for the purpose they were intended.


7)Assists with or performs wound closure.


8)Assists with or applies skin sutures, staples.


9)Assists with or applies dressings.


Provide assistance in preparation for surgical procedures utilizing aseptic technique.
1)Assist with positioning of the surgical patient of all ages as directed by the circulating nurse.


2)Assist with patients of all ages with skin preparation, i.e., shave, scrub, painting per MD preference.


3)Insert Foley catheter when indicated.


Provide assistance in preparation and maintenance of sterile O.R. environment utilizing aseptic techniques.
1)Performs surgical draping of incision site on patients of all ages.


Ensure that appropriate equipment and supplies are available and functional for the O.R. suite.
1)Assists in the preparation of the O.R. suite for surgical procedure.


2)Report equipment repair needs to manager.

Licensure:
Surgical Technologist OR

Education/Experience Required:
Certification as Surgical Assistant Minimum of 2 years experience as a Surgical Assistant

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:
Knowledge of surgical anatomy, physiology and operative technique related to the specific operative procedures in which the S. A. assists. Knowledge of emergency procedures and demonstrated proficiency. Ability to operate electrosurgical cautery machine to cauterize blood vessels. Highly effective verbal communication skills are required. Ability to learn and use computer systems in order to manage patient information. Ability to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the patient population(s) served. Ability to demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and ability to assess data reflective of the patients requirements relative to his or her population-specific and age specific needs.
CPR Certification Certification as Surgical Assistant

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:
* Must be willing to work with exposures to body fluids, waste and chemicals, radiation, hazardous materials, anesthesia gases and life threatening diseases. * On-call availability (nights, weekends, holidays) * Rotating shifts * Flexibility to deal with changing environments. * Ability to respond quickly to emergencies. * Work in a high stress situations. * Ability to respond to fire and other codes (e.g., v evacuate patients.) * This position will need to recognize the needs and behaviors of a variety of age groups of patients treated, i.e., understand child growth and development, normal patterns of adolescent behavior and look for signs of normal aging; prior experience with various age groups is preferred.
If position has direct patient care or direct patient contact the following lifting requirement supersedes any previous lifting requirement effective 06/01/2015. Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available. Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

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.

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