Position Summary

To assist the surgeon and the other surgical team members with all types of surgical procedures in a first or second assisting role.

Essential Responsibilities

1. Conducts initial patient interview and prepare history and physical forms prior to surgery.

2. Conducts initial patient assessment prior to surgery to include physical, psychological and social dimensions of patient.

3. Assists surgeons during procedures as directed.

4. Demonstrates skills in tissue handling.

5. Demonstrates knowledge of type of hemostasis and performs as appropriate.

6. Demonstrates knowledge of suture material and appropriate suturing techniques both in assisting and performing surgical procedures.

7. Demonstrates knowledge of instrumentation/equipment purposes and function.

8. Demonstrates knowledge of and adheres to basic rules of asepsis and infection control practices.

9. Observes zone of sterility of gown, gloves and sterile field before and during operative procedure.

10. Anticipates the needs of the surgeon by monitoring the progress of the surgery and knowing the various steps of the procedure and instrument/supplies needed.

11. Assists team members to place and position patient on table.

12. Properly identifies anatomic structures and instruments used in OR on those areas.

13. Demonstrates knowledge of instruments including purpose and function.

14. Appropriately names all surgical instruments and knows alternative names associated with the instruments.

15. Identifies deviation in proper instrument function.

16. Knows surgical routines and hand signals.

17. Assists with moving the patient from the OR table to the stretcher/bed.

18. Participates in hospital’s CQI, safety and infection control studies as assigned.

19. Always respond to on call assignment 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Occasionally may require overtime.

20. Performs other assigned duties as required.

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrates knowledge of physical and emotional conditions associated with position.

• Demonstrates knowledge of Anatomy and Physiology.

• Performs in a calm and professional manner during surgical procedures including crisis and emergency situations.

• Correlates technical knowledge with clinical practice on a daily basis.

• Adheres to policy and procedures as set forth by the hospital.

• Maintains confidentiality of patient information.

• Ability to multitask.

• Record information accurately.

Physical Demands

Medium work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force frequently to move objects. Requires walking or standing to a significant degree and requires sitting a minimal amount of time.

Environmental Conditions

Inside: Protection from weather conditions but not necessarily from temperature changes.

Hazards:

• Subject to exposure to infectious and contagious diseases.

• Subject to exposure to blood borne pathogens.

• Subject to exposure to hazardous anesthetic agents, body fluids, and wastes.

• Subject to hazards of flammable and explosive gases.

Reasoning Development

Be able to apply principles of logical and scientific thinking to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.

Mathematical Development

General Math:

Practical application of fractions, percentages, ratio, and proportion as common in Surgical Procedures.

Language Development

Reading: Read and understand instructions.

Writing: Write reports with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar using all parts of speech.

Speaking: Speak with poise, authority, voice control, confidence and respect using correct English in a well-modulated voice.

Relationships to Data, People and Things

Data: Coordinating: Determining time, place and sequence of operations or actions to be taken on the basis of analysis of data; executing determination of and/or reporting on events.

People: Maintaining harmonious relations among coworkers and promoting communication.

Things: Handling: Using body members, hand tools, and/or special devices to work, move or carry objects or material.

Qualification

To do this job, you must have the following amount of total education and/or experience:

Education

• Current Surgical Assistant certification.

• Current CPR certification required.

Experience and Training

Thorough knowledge of operating room practices, basic sciences related to physical and emotional conditions associated with position. Knowledge of Anatomy and Physiology. Relevant surgical training and experience.