Surgical Assistant

Description

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Job Description:

Primary responsibility involves performance of specific tasks, as a Surgical Assistant, during surgical procedures to permit the surgeon to perform an efficient and safe operation. Assists with identifying anatomy within the operative field. Maintains positive customer relations. Shall demonstrate competency and posses the technical skills appropriate for his/her assigned cases and utilizes that knowledge in assisting others. Performs various duties within his/her scope of responsibility and is accountable to the manager of the Surgical Assistants.

Job Responsibilities:

• Clinical skills performed under direct supervision of the surgeon include: -Positioning the patient. The surgeon shall convey the exact position that will give the best exposure for the surgical procedure.
  
  

Providing visualization of the operative site by the following:

• Appropriate placement and securing of retractors with or without padding.
• Packing with sponges.
• Digital manipulation of tissue.
• Suctioning, irrigating, or sponging.
• Manipulation of suture materials (e.g. loops, tags, running suture).
• Proper use of body mechanics to prevent obstruction of the surgeon's view.
• Utilizing appropriate techniques to assist with Hemostasis.
• Utilizing running or interrupted subcutaneous sutures with absorbable or non absorbable material.
• Utilizing subcuticular closure techniques with or without adhesive skin closure strips.
• Closing skin method indicated by surgeon (suture, staples, etc.).
• Postoperative subcutaneous injection of local anesthetic agent as directed by the surgeon.
• Selecting and applying appropriate wound dressings, including the following:
• Liquid or spray occlusive materials.
• Absorbent material affixed with tape or circumferential wrapping.
• Immobilizing dressing (soft or rigid.).
• Providing assistance in securing drainage system to tissue.
• Acts independently in surgery and on-call with regards to the harvesting of veins, radial artery, tendons, bone, skin, and plastic closure on plastic cases.
• Provides expert assistance on all major surgical cases, under direct supervision of a surgeon.
• Stays abreast of all new technologies as it relates to specialty areas.
  
  

Skills

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Required Skills & Experience:

• Extensive knowledge of anatomy and physiology, excellent eye-hand coordination, and ability to stand for long periods of time.
• Sound judgment and knowledge of scientific principles must be used.
• Competency in selected skills is required through hospital provided instruction.
  
  

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• 4 years general experience with 2 years in any specialty area.
  
  

Required

SURGICAL INSTRUMENTATION

Additional

Education

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Required Education:

• Completion of a CAAHEP accredited program in Surgical Technology
  
  

OR

• Foreign Medical Graduate with 3 years of Surgical Assistance experience in the US (handled on a case-by-case basis)
  
  

Preferred Education:

• N/A
  
  

Required Certifications & Licensure:

• BLS (American Heart Assoc.)
  
  

Preferred Certifications & Licensure:

• NSAA, CFA in the AST, or RNFA at the National Assistant at Surgery Certification (NASC).
  
  

Certifications & Licenses

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BLS - AHA

Languages

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English( Speak, Read, Write )