Surgical Assistant - St. Luke's

Advocate Health•Milwaukee, WI

8d•$36 - $53•Onsite

About The Position

The Surgical Assistant functions as a first or second assistant to the surgeon during complex and basic procedures. The role anticipates and responds to surgeons’ needs by ensuring required supplies are available before incision and recognizing individual preferences. Under the surgeon’s general supervision, the assistant performs validated competencies and surgical activities, including closure of deep capsules, muscle, subcutaneous tissue, and skin, as well as positioning and preparing patients on the surgical table. The role also serves as a resource and assists with training Surgical Technologists and new Surgical Assistants. This full-time position is based in the Surgery Room at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center. The schedule is days, generally 7:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, with variable start times between 5:30 and 7:00 a.m. and on-call obligations. The department is willing to train experienced Surgical Technologists. A sign-on bonus is available. The position requires advanced knowledge and skill in major operative specialties, anatomy, physiology, potential procedural complications, aseptic surgical techniques, preparation of materials and equipment, and suturing. The assistant must be able to anticipate physicians’ needs, respond appropriately to unexpected interventions, remove skin staples and wound drains, maintain assigned computer-based learning, and provide excellent customer service. Basic computer proficiency is required.

Requirements

Advanced training beyond high school, including completion of an accredited or approved Surgical Technology program.
Typically requires 3 years of experience in a Surgical Technologist or Surgical Assistant position.
Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification issued by the American Heart Association.
Surgical Technologist (CST) certification from NBSTSA must be obtained within 12 months unless the department leader determines it is not required.
Surgical First Assist (CSFA) certification from NBSTSA must be obtained within 12 months unless the department leader determines it is not required; alternatively, Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) certification from NSAA must be obtained within 12 months unless the department leader determines it is not required.
Advanced knowledge and skill in major operative surgical specialties performed.
Advanced knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and potential complications for procedures performed.
Ability to remove skin staples and wound drains.
Advanced knowledge and skill in aseptic surgical techniques used to prepare materials, supplies, and equipment for surgical procedures, and in suturing.
Ability to anticipate and recognize physicians’ needs and changes requiring unplanned or unanticipated interventions, and to respond appropriately.
Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills.
Basic computer proficiency.

Nice To Haves

Experienced Surgical Technologists willing to train in the role.

Responsibilities

Function as a first or second assistant to the surgeon during complex and basic procedures.
Anticipate and respond to surgeons’ needs by ensuring required supplies are available before incision and recognizing individual preferences.
Perform validated competencies and surgical activities, including closure of deep capsules, muscle, subcutaneous tissue, and skin under the surgeon’s general supervision.
Position and prepare patients on the surgical table.
Serve as a resource and assist in training Surgical Technologists and new Surgical Assistants.
Remain current with assigned computer-based learning modules and annual educational requirements for hospital-based certifications.

Benefits

Sign-on bonus available.
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.
Career development and well-being programs.