Surgical Assistant

Advocate Health • Libertyville, IL

19d • $36 - $53

About The Position

Functions as a Surgical First or Second Assistant to the surgeon during complex and basic operative or invasive procedures. Performs a variety of procedures and may specialize in a surgical specialty where appropriate. May perform Surgical Technologist responsibilities when required, preferably not while functioning as a first assistant. The role serves patients of all ages and may involve exposure to body fluids, waste, chemicals, radiation, hazardous materials, anesthesia gases, and life-threatening diseases. The schedule is full time, 40 hours per week, with hours of 1100–1930, day/PM shifts, a 30-minute response time, and rotating night, weekend, and holiday call.

The position includes preparing for surgery, assisting the operating team with supplies and room setup, and helping lift, transfer, position, prepare, and drape patients. The Surgical Assistant anticipates the surgeon’s needs, ensures supplies are ready before incision, and helps maintain a sterile operating-room environment using aseptic techniques. The role also supports equipment readiness, helps train Surgical Technologists and new Surgical Assistants, and participates in department and facility work teams and special projects.

Advocate Health offers compensation within the stated pay range based on qualifications, skills, relevant experience, and training, with potential premium and incentive pay and annual performance-based increases. Benefits and well-being programs may include paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life, and short- and long-term disability coverage, flexible spending accounts, adoption assistance, paid parental leave, retirement plans with employer match, financial wellness programs, and educational assistance. Eligibility may depend on FTE or employment status.

Requirements

• Certification as a Surgical Assistant; certification must be obtained within 30 days of hire.
• Previous operating-room experience.
• CPR certification.
• On-call availability for nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Flexibility to deal with changing environments.
• Ability to respond quickly to emergencies and work in high-stress situations.
• Willingness to work with exposure to body fluids, waste, chemicals, radiation, hazardous materials, anesthesia gases, and life-threatening diseases.
• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance; patient-handling equipment is expected for specified lifts over 35 pounds or when the patient cannot assist.
• Ability to recognize the needs and behaviors of patients across age groups, including child growth and development, normal adolescent behavior, and signs of normal aging.

Nice To Haves

• Prior experience with various patient age groups is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide first or second assistance for assigned surgical procedures for patients of all ages.
• Participate in surgery preparation, including gathering supplies, opening the room, and assisting with patient lifting, transfer, positioning, preparation, and draping.
• Anticipate and respond to the surgeon’s needs, ensuring required supplies are available before incision and recognizing individual preferences.
• Assist with preparation and maintenance of a sterile operating-room environment using aseptic techniques.
• Ensure appropriate equipment and supplies are available and functional for the operating-room suite.
• Serve as a resource and assist with training Surgical Technologists and new Surgical Assistants.
• Participate in department and facility work teams and assist with special projects as needed.
• Perform Surgical Technologist responsibilities when required, preferably not at the same time as functioning as a first assistant.
• Respond to emergencies and fire or other codes, including patient evacuation when needed.
• Use patient-handling equipment with at least one other associate when available for patient lifts over 35 pounds or when the patient cannot assist.

Benefits

• Paid time off programs.
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and short- and long-term disability benefits.
• Flexible spending accounts for eligible health care and dependent care expenses.
• Adoption assistance and paid parental leave.
• Defined contribution retirement plans with employer match and other financial wellness programs.
• Educational assistance program.
• Premium pay such as shift and on-call pay, where applicable.
• Incentive pay for select positions.
• Opportunity for annual increases based on performance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed