Position Summary
The Certified Surgical Assistant provides aid in exposure, hemostasis, closure, and other intraoperative technical functions that help the surgeon carry out a safe operation with optimal results for the patient. In addition to intraoperative duties, the surgical assistant also performs preoperative and postoperative duties to better facilitate proper patient care. The surgical assistant to the surgeon during the operation does so under the direction and supervision of that surgeon and in accordance with hospital policy and appropriate laws and regulations.
Position Requirements
• Required-Graduate of an accredited surgical assisting program
• Required-Three to five years recent experience as a Certified Scrub Technician
• Required-Current CPR/BLS certification
• Preferred-Recent experience as First Assist in all specialties
Essential Functions (Responsibilities/Accountabilities)
Determine specific equipment needed per procedure
Review surgical consent, confirming procedure and special needs
Select and display x-rays for surgeon's reference
Assist in moving and positioning of patient, including placement of pneumatic tourniquet if needed
Actively participate in Surgical "Time-out"
Drape patient within surgeon's guidelines
Provide retraction of tissue and organs for optimal visualization with regard to tissue type and appropriate retraction instrument and/or technique
Assist in maintaining hemostasis by direct pressure, use and application of appropriate surgical instrument for task, placement of ties, placement of suture ligatures, application of chemical hemostatic agents, or other measures as directed by the surgeon
Use of electrocautery mono and bi-polar
Clamp, ligate and cut tissue per surgeon's directive
Maintain competency on all new surgical equipment and devices
Maintain integrity of sterile field
Close all wound layers (fascia, subcutaneous and skin) as per surgeon's directive
Insert drainage tubes per surgeon's directive
Select and apply wound dressings
Assist with resuscitation of patient during cardiac arrest or other life-threatening events in the operating room
Perform any other duties or procedures incident to surgical procedures deemed necessary as directed by the surgeon
Maintain knowledge of job related duties working within the hospital's policies and procedures.
Treat and handles all patient information as confidential.
The responsibilities listed above are not all-inclusive; other activities may be required in support of the hospital's goals and objectives.
40