GENERAL PURPOSE:  To assist the surgeon in all phases of surgery and to increase the productivity of surgeons by alleviating the need for a physician first assisting in all surgical procedures.  Provides care to patients from infant to geriatrics.

 SUMMARY OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Assessment Determines specific equipment needed for the procedure. Determines if there is a conflict in the special equipment needs between scheduled cases. Reviews surgical permit to confirm specific procedure and special equipment needs and position.  Checks with the Surgeon as needed.

Planning

Checks schedule assignment for types of cases. Checks for special equipment needs and obtains. Requests extra instruments, supplies, and equipment as needed.

 Implementation

Serves as first assistant to the surgeon. Assists with the positioning of the patient using proper alignment. Scrubs, gowns, and gloves utilizing aseptic technique. Demonstrates competency in the following: Patient transport Surgical positioning Surgical asepsis Material/Instrument count Pneumatic tourniquet Electrocautery Specimen Preparation & Transport Flash Sterilization Chemical Disinfection CO2 Laser Safety Urethral Catheterization Demonstrates competency in knowledge use and set up of the following equipment: Fracture Table  Microscopes Hip positioners Shoulder positioner Mayfield attachments Spinal frames Demonstrates knowledge of equipment set up including: A.M.S.C.O. Fracture Table Microscopes Tourniquets Montreal Frame Hand Table Properly drapes patient. Provides retraction for optimal visibility. Maintains hemostasis by: Sponging Applying hemostats Electrocautery Applying chemical hemostasis Tying and cutting suture ligatures Maintains blood free field by suctioning. Handles tissue according to type and condition. Demonstrates knowledge in operation of special equipment as needed to include: Drills, saws, compression instruments, mallets Stapling, clipping, cutting instruments Cameras, endoscopes, microscopes Properly assists in joint reductions. Keeps live tissue irrigated to keep moist. Clamps and cuts internal tissue as directed by surgeon. Assists in CPR as needed. Assists or may close Fascia, subcutaneous tissue, and skin while Surgeon is still in the room. Helps to select and apply wound dressing. Assists in application of casts and slings, traction, and post-op positioning devices. Assists in the transfer of patient from table to stretcher. Accompanies patient to PACU and ICU, as needed. Serves as second assistant to Surgeon. Performs other duties as needed including but not limited to: Obtains supplies for circulator. Assists with room turnover. Performs other related duties as needed.

Evaluation

Communicates surgeon/procedure needs/requirements to all team members in a timely manner. Observes intraoperative changes and reacts appropriately. Maintains awareness of environment ensures that the Surgeon hears communication regarding: Patient status Equipment change Sponge and needle and instrument counts Maintains sterile technique and observes and calls attention to breaks in technique at the time of occurrence. Assists in the training of students and new personnel. Monitors the schedule. Takes messages. Keeps hallways clear. Checks supplies on specialty carts and replenishes. Checks condition of equipment and reports loss or need of repair to appropriate person responsible. Monitors aseptic techniques. Checks set up of supplies and equipment.

 MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education: 

Applicant shall have completed a formal training program and have successfully completed a certification examination.

 

Required Licensure/Certifications:

Must have Board Certification and State Licensure. BLS certification is required.

 

Experience:

Each surgical assistant must have actively practiced within the 12-month period prior to application for employment.  Knowledge or skills required:   Knowledge of medical terminology.  Knowledge of surgical anatomy.  Knowledge and care of surgical instruments and supplies.  Knowledge of surgical procedures.  Knowledge of safety principals.  Ability to operate biomedical equipment.  Ability to determine priorities.  Possesses manipulative skills - eye/hand coordination.  Two or more years of Open Heart/Cardiothoracic Surgical Assistant Experience Endovascular experience preferred Employee should be competent in position within 90-days of employment