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