Surgical Assistant

POSITION PURPOSE

Serves as first assistant on all procedures assigned, which may include General, Vascular, Orthopedic / Spine, Thoracic, Urology, Obstetrical / Gynecologic, Podiatry and Maxillofacial.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND BASIC DUTIES

• Clinical : Provides assistance to physician in surgical procedures as 1st assistant.
• First assist on specific procedures assigned by the OR Charge Nurse, in collaboration with practice-specific Surgical Physician Assistants.
• Cases include those requiring second assisting as well as cases approved by the attending physician for first assisting.
• Performs surgical tasks as appropriate and as directed by the attending with minimal direction given by the surgeon.
• Assists the operating room team peri- and post-operatively with the care of the patient.
• Customer Service : Contributes to the improvement of customer satisfaction.
• Receptive to the physical and emotional needs of patients and their families.
• Provides ancillary services to physicians to improve physician satisfaction and retention.
• Development : Maintains current knowledge, certification, and licensure; updates clinical skills as required by hospital policy and patient need.
• Practices within national and state legal boundaries and according to hospital policy and procedures.
• Identifies learning needs and initiates actions to address these education needs.
• Attends continuing education programs in order to maintain licensure.
• Attends hospital sponsored training programs as required by the department.
• Completes all mandatory requirements, certifications, and licensure within allotted timeframe for completion (CPR, License, PPD, Competencies, Age Specifics, etc.)
• Organizational knowledge : Works effectively within and between departments.
• Participates on inter-departmental teams and committees, communicating unit knowledge as appropriate
• Provides department / unit with information and knowledge acquired during participation with interdepartmental teams and committees.
• Demonstrates a constructive approach during all interactions with staff, supervisors, and managers both inside and outside the unit.
• Works collaboratively with practice-based Physician Assistants to provide optimum OR case coverage.
• Department / Unit Specific Functions and Duties
• Maintains Flexibility in scheduling and participates in covering shortages within the department. Rotate through additional roles as needed, including surgical technologist.
• Assists with pre- and post-procedure activities, including room turnover and pulling supplies for upcoming cases.
• Fulfills on-call obligations according to department policies.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education :

Associates degree or higher level degree or equivalent training, such as graduation from National Surgical Assistant Association (NSAA) or similarly accredited program, is required.

Certification :

• National Surgical Assistant Certification (CSFA or CSA)
• CPR Certification

Required Knowledge :

• Ability to communicate with all levels of internal and external customers.
• HIPAA policies on Confidentiality
• Knowledge of surgical procedures : General Surgery, Vascular Surgery, Orthopedic / Spine Surgery, Thoracic Surgery, Otolaryngology (head and neck), Plastic Surgery, Urology, Obstetrics / Gynecologic Surgery, Podiatry, and Maxillofacial Surgery.

Experience Required :

At least 1 year of experience as first assistant or in house training program through accredited SA program with clinicals at MMMC.

Age Specific :

Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide the appropriate care for patients in all age groups

PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES AND REQUIREMENTS OF THIS POSITION

• Ability to move or lift patients and / or equipment
• Ability to exert up to 25 lbs. of force
• Lift
• Carry
• Pull
• Push
• Reach
• Bend
• Gross Motor Function of both hands
• Precise Motor Function (Or Fine Manipulation) of both hands
• Gross Motor Function of both feet
• Ability to stand / walk 6-8 hours
• Ability to sit for 1-2 hours

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Body Fluid Exposure : Yes
• Occupational Hazards - exposure to unsteady or falling patient : In the course of transferring a patient, he / she may encounter a patient who falls or loses his or her balance, causing him / her to bear the full weight of a patient or fall with him or her.
• Occupational Hazards - exposure to communicable diseases and blood borne pathogens : Caution must be used at all times to take appropriate safety measures, including wearing rubber gloves, use of all personal protective equipment, masks, goggles, aprons and gowns

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