Surgical Assistant

About the Job

General Summary of Position

As defined by the American College of Surgeons (ACS) the surgical assistant provides aid in exposure hemostasis closure and other intraoperative technical functions that help the surgeon carry out a safe operation with optimal results for the patient. The surgical assistant is under the direction and supervision of the attending surgeon. These functions are performed in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations and Georgetown University Hospital's philosophy policies procedures and standards

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs as a First or Second Assistant to the Attending surgeon during surgical procedures in the Operating Room
• Ensures/maintains a sterile field during surgical procedures by adhering to AORN (Association of Operating Room Registered Nurses) standards and other regulatory standards
• Adheres to all GUH departmental Perioperative and Operating Room Policies & Procedures
• Positions the patient during surgical procedures: surgeon shall convey the exact position that will give the best exposure for the surgical procedure the SA assistant will assist in moving and positioning the patient; SA must be familiar with common positions related to the surgical procedure and be able to use the necessary equipment to provide the position; competencies would include fracture tables head stabilizers body stabilizers c-arm extensions and any other positioning equipment necessary.
• Drapes patients per surgeon's specific instructions.
• Provides visualization of the operative site by the following: appropriate placement and securing of retractor with or without padding; packing with sponges; digital manipulation of tissue; suctioning irrigating or sponging; manipulation of suture materials (e.g. loops tags running sutures); proper use of body mechanics to prevent obstruction of the surgeon's view.
• Assists in maintaining hemostasis by direct pressure use and application of appropriate surgical instrument for the task placement of ties placement of surgical ligatures application of chemical hemostatic agents utilizing appropriate techniques to assist with hemostasis or other measures as directed by the attending surgeon.
• Clamps ligates and cuts tissue per surgeon's directive.
• Utilizes appropriate techniques to assist with closure of body planes; utilizes running or interrupted subcutaneous sutures with absorbable or nonabsorbable material; utilizes subcuticular closure technique with or without adhesive skin closure strips; closes skin with method indicated by surgeon (suture staples etc.); postoperative subcutaneous injection of local anesthetic agent as directed by the surgeon; participates in count processes as appropriate.
• Selects and applies appropriate wound dressings under the direction of the attending surgeon including the following: liquid or spray occlusive materials; absorbent material affixed with tape or circumferential wrapping; immobilizing dressing (soft or rigid).
• Provides assistance in securing drainage systems to tissue.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities that are appropriate to the position and area. The above responsibilities area general description of the level and nature of the work assigned to this classification and are not to be considered as all-inclusive.

Minimal Qualifications

Education

• Graduate from surgical assisting programs accredited through ARC-ST a collaborative effort of AST ACS and SASA and by CAAHEP. required
• CAAHEP is a recognized accreditation agency of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA)

Experience

• Minimum of 2 years as a Surgical Assistant and 1 year with a documented minimum of 350 surgical cases as a First Assistant required
• Experience in an academic medical center setting preferred

Licenses and Certifications

• Certified Surgical Assistant - CSA from the National Surgical Assistant's Association or equivalent certification. required
• Licensed Surgical Assistant in the District of Columbia required

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of multiple surgical specialties instruments techniques procedures anatomy and physiology.
• Demonstrates and understands need to work within multiple specialties essential.
• Demonstrates ability to work as part of a team in the Operating Room.
• Demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills including effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Able to work under stress maintain emotional control and communicate effectively during emergencies.

This position has a hiring range of

USD $35.68 - USD $64.71 /Hr.

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