Surgical Assistant II

The Christ Hospital Health Network•Cincinnati, OH

About The Position

The Surgical Assistant II performs specific tasks during surgical procedures to support safe and efficient operations. The role assists the surgeon in identifying anatomy within the operative field, maintains positive customer relations, and demonstrates competency and technical skills appropriate to assigned cases. The Surgical Assistant II is accountable to the manager of the Surgical Assistants. Under direct supervision of a surgeon, the role supports patient positioning, operative-site visualization, hemostasis, closure of body planes, wound dressing, and securing drainage systems. It provides expert assistance on major surgical cases and independently performs vein, radial artery, tendon, bone, and skin harvesting, as well as plastic closure on plastic cases, including on-call work. The role also communicates procedural information and changes in patient condition, supports team handoffs, contributes to staff development and safety, and uses equipment, supplies, and time responsibly.

Requirements

Two years of college or specialty school in surgical assisting.
Extensive knowledge of anatomy and physiology.
Excellent eye-hand coordination.
Ability to stand for long periods of time.
Sound judgment and knowledge of scientific principles.
Competency in selected skills demonstrated through hospital-provided instruction.
Certification within six months of employment by one of the following: NSAA, CFA in the AST, AA-C in the AAPA, or CRNFA in the ONA; alternatively, an advanced medical degree with three years of practice in the United States.
BLS certification required.

Nice To Haves

Preferred four years of general experience, including two years in any specialty area.
Membership in a professional organization preferred.
Certification in area of specialty by 2018 preferred.

Responsibilities

Position patients as directed by the surgeon, considering comfort, safety, and visualization of the operative site.
Provide visualization of the operative site by placing and securing retractors, packing with sponges, digitally manipulating tissue, suctioning, irrigating or sponging, manipulating suture materials, and using body mechanics that do not obstruct the surgeon’s view.
Assist with hemostasis using appropriate techniques.
Assist with closure of body planes, including subcutaneous, subcuticular, and skin closure using methods directed by the surgeon.
Administer postoperative subcutaneous local anesthetic as directed by the surgeon.
Select and apply appropriate wound dressings, including occlusive, absorbent, and immobilizing dressings.
Assist in securing drainage systems to tissue.
Independently perform harvesting of veins, radial artery, tendons, bone, and skin, and plastic closure on plastic cases, including on-call work.
Provide expert assistance on major surgical cases under direct surgeon supervision.
Stay current on technologies related to specialty areas.
Communicate pertinent procedural information and changes in patient condition to physicians.
Communicate the plan of care with team members and use handoff processes when relieved during procedures.
Complete patient- or personnel-related incident and accident reports in a timely manner.
Maintain professional rapport with physicians, customers, coworkers, superiors, and other departments.
Demonstrate leadership by motivating, educating, delegating to, and mentoring peers.
Participate in staff meetings and support professional growth and development for self and peers.
Participate in self- and peer-review activities, including regular positive recognition of peers and staff.
Consider cost and effective outcomes when planning and implementing patient care.
Initiate care promptly and manage workload effectively.
Use time, equipment, and supplies appropriately with fiscal responsibility.
Use equipment needed for surgical positioning, including fracture tables, head stabilizers, body stabilizers, and C-arm extensions.
Evaluate patients after procedures for possible positioning-related injury, including skin assessment; report abnormal conditions to the surgeon and ensure treatment and documentation are carried out.
Assess patients and the environment for safety risks and proactively perform safety initiatives.
Prevent contamination and disease transmission using appropriate protective devices and equipment to prevent injury and maintain a safe environment.
Observe and report breaks in operating-room technique rules and regulations to those involved and the O.R. charge RN.
Report unusual patient events and problems to the charge nurse.