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Scheduled Weekly Hours:

30

Job Description:

The role of the Surgical Assistant (SA) is vital to the operating room team caring for the patient in the intra-operative phase of care.  The SA provides immediate support to the surgeon/physician during the performance of surgical procedures. The SA assists the surgeon to carry out a safe operation with optimal results for the patient.  The SA understands human anatomy: has developed surgical skill such as suturing, proper use of surgical instrumentation, and proper positioning of surgical patients.  The SA must have knowledge of surgical procedures and the ability to anticipate needs of the surgeon. The SA has a working knowledge of the principles of aseptic technique, and perioperative policies and procedural guidelines.  The SA will work in a multi-specialty perioperative setting that includes these surgical specialties:  General, Gynecology, Urology, Robotics, Orthopedics, Neurology, Cardio-thoracic, Vascular, Trauma, plastics, ENT, C-section, and Ophthalmology/Retinal. Patient population to include neonate, pediatric, adult, and geriatric.  Qualified SAs demonstrate high quality interpersonal and analytical skills, concentration skills, and attention to detail.

Major Responsibilities:

1.  Assists and anticipates needs of surgeon and surgical team by actively participating in the preparation of the case according to the surgeons’ preference card. 

2.  Demonstrates awareness of and adherence to safety and legal requirements established at the hospital and unit level and established policies and procedures. 

3.  Assists in moving and positioning of patient.  Demonstrating safe positioning techniques.  Positions patient to give best exposure for surgical procedure.  

4.  The SA should be proficient in all pertinent abilities required during a procedure.  All actions shall facilitate the progress of the surgery, as well as anticipate the preferences of the surgeon.  These shall include, but not be limited to: 

Clamping, cauterizing, suturing, inserting, injecting, manipulating, retracting, cutting and ligating tissue as necessary. 

Knowledge and use of any open procedure equipment necessary for procedures, including tissue forceps, retractors, clamps, scissors, sponges, suction, irrigation and use of hemostatic agents, etc. 

Knowledge of and use of all laparoscopic and robotic equipment necessary for a procedure such as:  camera, light cord, inserting/removing trocars, instruments, suction/irrigation system, etc. 

Utilizes appropriate suturing techniques with closure of body planes, such as wound closure of deep capsules, muscle, subcutaneous tissue and skin. 

Maintains aseptic integrity during the surgical procedure and immediately correct any breaks of aseptic technique

5.  Assist in room clean up and the removal of the soiled case cart, trash and return unused instruments and supplies from the OR room as needed at the completion of the surgical case.  Actively participate in preparing for subsequent procedures and for the next days’ procedure. 

6.  Precepting newly employed Surgical Technologists, SA’s and RN’s. 

7.  Adheres to regular and predictable attendance.
8.  Personally interacts, engages with and cares for patients.
9.  Ensures patient safety.

Education and Learning:
REQUIRED
High School Diploma or equivalency

Graduate of an accredited Surgical Technician Program (CST)

DESIRED
High School Diploma or equivalency +
and completion of a Surgical Assistant Program

Work Experience:
REQUIRED
2 years experience as a surgical technician

DESIRED
3-4 years experience in a specialized support or technical area requiring specialized training, knowledge, and skills

License and Certifications:

REQUIRED

Certified Surgical Technician from NCCT

Certified Surgical 1st Assistant (CSFA from NBSTSA) or Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA from NCCSA)
Current Infant-Adult Basic Life Support for Health Care Providers (with hands on learning) from one of the following programs; American Heart Association or American Red Cross.
This position is credentialed by the Credentialing Services Department.

Age Specific Population Served:
Infant (less than 1 year)
Pediatric (1 - 12 years)
Adolescent (13 - 17 years)
Adult (18 - 64 years)
Geriatric (65 years & older)

OSHA Category:
Category I - All Employees in this job title have a reasonably anticipated risk of occupational exposure to blood and/or other potentially infectious materials.

Environmental Conditions:
Exposed to infectious diseases.

Physical Requirements/Demands Of The Position:
Static Standing Frequently (34-66% or 5.5 hours)
Stooping/Bending Occasionally (6-33% or 3 hours)

If you need assistance with any portion of the application or have questions about the position, please contact the recruiter listed below:

Primary Recruiter:

Steve Crager

Recruiter Email Address:

sscrager@gundersenhealth.org

Equal Opportunity Employer