Surgical Assistant - General Surgery

Major Responsibilities:

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  Participates in the preparatory steps of surgery; assists operating team in gathering supplies, opening room for cases, assists in lifting, transferring, positioning, preparing and draping the patient.
  
  



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  Anticipates and responds to the needs of the Surgeon, by ensuring all required supplies are available for procedures prior to incision, recognizing individual preferences.
  
  



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  Provides for a clean, safe and efficient area conducive to optimal patient care. Utilizes aseptic surgical techniques in the preparation of materials, supplies and equipment for surgical procedures (e.g., assistance with gowning and gloving; preparation and draping of the surgical area; provision of a sterile field, instruments, suture and related materials; anticipation of the Surgeons' needs; holding of retractors, observing and reporting possible breaks in aseptic technique; and assisting in maintaining a sterile, dry, unobstructed field).
  
  



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  Ensures the environmental disinfection, safety and efficiency of the operating room. This includes setting up the room for each case including moving equipment (e.g., tables, cameras, microscopes, fracture table, and instrument pans), operating the various types of equipment they have been trained to use during operating room procedures, and returning equipment post procedure. Checks the working condition of equipment and facilitates having damaged items sent out for repair. Notifies appropriate people of equipment and supply problems.
  
  



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  Acts as a resource and assists in the training of Surgical Technologists and new Surgical Assistants. Participates in department and facility work teams and assists with special projects as needed.
  
  



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  May perform specific surgical activities that are validated competencies under the direct supervision of the surgeon (i.e. the surgeon is in the same room working on the same patient). A record of the validated competencies must be recorded in the caregiver's education file.
  
  



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  May perform specific validated competencies and surgical activities such as wound closure of deep capsules, muscle, subcutaneous tissue and skin under general supervision of the surgeon (i.e. validated competencies may be delegated by the surgeon who is immediately available and able to furnish immediate assistance and direction but not necessarily present in the room when the activity is performed).
  
  



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  May perform specific validated competencies and surgical activities such as position and prep of patient on the surgical table (excluding complex fracture table, spinal frame, or head stabilizers/pins/tongs), application of the tourniquet as indicated in preparation of a procedure, securing of drains, application of the dressing, cast or immobilizer at the end of a case and safe transfer from the surgical table to transport cart/bed without supervision of the surgeon (i.e. validated competencies may be delegated by the surgeon and be performed without supervision of the surgeon and with the surgeon not present).
  
  



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  Provides competency confirmed by a sponsoring surgeon and submits documentation to the medical executive committee a minimum of every two years for approval and/or renewal.
  
  



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  Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the department's policies and procedures. Age-specific information is developed further in the departmental job standards.
  
  

Licensure, Registration, and/or Certification Required:

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  Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification issued by the American Heart Association (AHA).
  
  



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  Teammates hired into a Surgical First Assistant role after December 31, 2026, will be required to obtain and maintain certification by one of the three certification bodies listed below:
  
  
  
  
  
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    Surgical First Assist (CSFA) certification issued by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
    
    
  
  
  
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    Surgical Assistant Certified (SA-C) certification issued by the American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA)
    
    
  
  
  
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    Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) certification issued by the National Surgical Assistant Association (NSAA).
    
    
  
  
  
  
  

Education Required:

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  Advanced training beyond High School that includes the completion of an accredited or approved program in Surgical Technology.
  
  

Experience Required:

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  Typically requires 3 years of experience in a Surgical Technologist or Surgical Assistant position.
  
  

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

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  Advanced knowledge and skill in major operative surgical specialties performed.
  
  



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  Advanced knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and potential complications for procedures performed.
  
  



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  Demonstrated ability to remove skin staples and wound drains.
  
  



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  Advanced knowledge and skill of aseptic surgical techniques used in the preparation of materials, supplies and equipment for various surgical procedures and suturing.
  
  



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  Demonstrated ability to anticipate and recognize Physician's needs and changes that requires unplanned or unanticipated interventions, and responds appropriately.
  
  



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  Remain current with ongoing computer based learning modules as assigned.
  
  



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  Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
  
  



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  Basic computer proficiency.
  
  



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  Certification Addendum: Team members will maintain annual educational requirements for hospital based certifications (e.g. DNV, CARF or others).
  
  

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

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  Must be able to withstand a very stressful and fast-paced environment.
  
  



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  Must be able to:
  
  
  
  
  
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    lift up to 50 lbs. from floor to waist.
    
    
  
  
  
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    lift up to 20 lbs. over the head.
    
    
  
  
  
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    carry up to 40 lbs. a reasonable distance.
    
    
  
  
  
  
  



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  Must be able to:
  
  
  
  
  
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    push/pull with 30 lbs. of force.
    
    
  
  
  
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    perform a sliding transfer of 150 lbs. with a second person present.
    
    
  
  
  
  
  



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  Required to use foot pedals on carts or machines.
  
  



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  Exposed to the following hazards on a continuous basis: mechanical, electrical, chemical, radiation, blood and body fluids.
  
  



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  Must have functional sight and hearing.
  
  



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  Required to wear masks, gloves, goggles, and gowns.
  
  



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  Must be able to sit, stand, walk, lift, squat, bend, reach above shoulders and twist frequently during work shift.
  
  



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  Must be able to operate all equipment essential to performing the duties of the job.
  
  

DISCLAIMER

All responsibilities and requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only responsibilities to be performed by an employee occupying this job or position. Employees must follow any other job-related instructions and perform any other job-related duties requested by their leaders.

Advocate Health