Surgical Assistant - Inpatient Surgery - Lorain Hospital

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Scheduled Weekly Hours:

Work Shift:

Surgical Assistant - Inpatient Surgery - Lorain Hospital

Shift/Schedule

• Full Time - Scheduled for 40 Weekly Hours
• Shift Times - Days/Afternoons
• Rotating On Call Coverage

Primary Function/General Purpose of Position  

The Surgical Assistant serves in the assistant role in the provision of care to patients undergoing a surgical procedure under the supervision of the provider in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations and within the policies, procedures, and guidelines of the organization. The Surgical Assistant is an entry-level practitioner and focused on learning and growing in this role.   

Essential Job Functions  

• Performs surgical hand scrub, gowning, and gloving according to policy.  Routinely functions as first or second assist on assigned cases.  Functions in the Surgical Tech capacity fulfilling the scrub role as assigned, demonstrating knowledge and implementation of sterile technique. Checks all instruments to ensure they are in proper working order prior to use.  Assists with sponge, sharps, and instrument counts per policy and procedures.  Handles specimens in accordance with hospital policy and procedure. 

• Protects patient information based on hospital policy and government regulations to assure information is kept confidential.  Participates in unit and hospital efforts to reduce adverse patient care events.  Actively participates in the Universal Protocol procedures that assure correct site surgery.   

• Communicates effectively with the circulating nurse upon observance of any missing or malfunctioning instruments and/or indication of any compromise to sterility.  Reports any implants device, catheters, drains and packing circulator.  

• Assists with OR case preparation: Utilizes surgeon’s preference list to procure equipment and arrange proper placement in the OR; Utilizes aseptic technique when establishing the sterile field, opening supplies and instruments; Assists with monitoring and maintaining the sterile field.   

• Assists with patient positioning, skin clipping and prepping, foley catheterization and draping.  

• Under the direct observation of the surgeon, may: Insert secondary trocars; Place instruments through trocars; Utilize power equipment and stapling devices (other than skin stapling); Inject infiltration local anesthetic medications excluding Exparel.  During surgical procedures: Use sponges and suction; Cauterization processes; Appropriately place and manipulate retractors (with or without padding); Irrigate the wound site(s); Cut suture material, handle hemostats, and tie suture; Provides assistance securing drains to tissue.  Closes the surgical wound: May assist suture closing of fascia layer under the direct observation of the surgeon; Sutures the subcutaneous tissues and skin including with the use of a skin stapler if needed.  Applies appropriate wound dressings, including medicated dressings.    

• Assists the team members in selecting and preparing necessary supplies, instruments, and equipment for surgical procedures.  Anticipates, assists, and provides for the surgeon's needs to include draping, correct instruments, and supplies.  Participates in room turnover procedures including set-up and clean-up protocols.   

• Supports nursing staff’s efforts to exceed patient satisfaction rates for the nursing unit.  Supports efforts to exceed targets for employee engagement, recruitment, and retention for the department.  Strives to provide quality patient care that is cost effective by cooperating with efforts to appropriately manage the use of valuable hospital and human resources 

• Achieves outcomes that consistently meet or exceed generally accepted clinical standards for the discipline.  Participates in relevant quality improvement activities and unit performance.  

• Serves as a preceptor for students and new Surgical Assistants.   

• Takes call as required by department.  

This document is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as required by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation. 

Licensing/Certification 

• BLS Basic Life Support – American Heart Association (preferred upon hire, must obtain from approved source prior to direct patient care) 

• Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) - The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or National Surgical Assistant Association (NSAA), or National Commission for the Certification of Surgical Assistants (NCCSA) (required)).   

Education 

• High school diploma or equivalent (required)  

• Completion of a Surgical Assistant Program (required) 

Work Experience 

• One year health care experience (preferred) 

Patient Population  

• Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his or her assigned unit. 

• Infant (1-12 months) 

• Pediatrics (1-12 years) 

•  Adolescents (13-17 years) 

• Adults (18-64 years) 

• Geriatrics (65 years and older) 

Working Conditions 

• Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur. 

• May be exposed to physical altercations and verbal abuse  

• May be exposed to high noise levels and bright lights. 

• May be exposed to limited hazardous substances or body fluids.* 

• May be required to use physical restraints. 

• May be exposed to human blood and other potentially infectious materials.*  

•  May have periods of constant interruptions. 

• May be exposed to adverse weather conditions; cold, hot, dust, wind, etc.  

*Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn the policies concerning infection control. 

Skills 

Hard/Tech/Clinical Skills: 

• Monitor patient conditions during treatment 

• Completes specific, routine task 

• Requires basic reading, writing, or simple arithmetic skill 

• May operate basic equipment/machinery. 

• Ability to Follow Instructions 

Soft/Interpersonal Skills: 

• Attention to detail 

• Critical thinking 

• Teamwork 

• Conflict resolution 

• Active listening 

• Relationship building 

• Demonstrates a caring attitude and intentional caring behaviors in interpersonal interactions and patient/family care. 

• Communicates clearly all pertinent patient information to other members of the health care team. 

• Possess Surgical Conscience 

• Anticipate Needs 

• Flexible 

• Assists with performing circulator skills and tasks  

• Takes direction 

• Able to work under pressure 

• Professionalism  

• Move with a sense of urgency 

Mercy Health is an equal opportunity employer.

As a Mercy Health associate, you’re part of a Misson that matters. We support your well-being – personally and professionally. Our benefits are built to grow with you and meet your unique needs, every step of the way. 

What we offer
•    Competitive pay, incentives, referral bonuses and 403(b) with employer contributions (when eligible)
•    Medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, HAS/FSA options, life insurance, mental health resources and discounts
•    Paid time off, parental and FMLA leave, short- and long-term disability, backup care for children and elders
•    Tuition assistance, professional development and continuing education support

Benefits may vary based on the market and employment status.
 

Department:

It is our policy to abide by all Federal and State laws, as well as, the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). Accordingly, all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you’d like to view a copy of the affirmative action plan or policy statement for Mercy Health– Youngstown, Ohio or Bon Secours – Franklin, Virginia; Petersburg, Virginia; and Emporia, Virginia, which are Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer, please email recruitment@mercy.com. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact The Talent Acquisition Team at recruitment@mercy.com.