Surgical Assistant I

The Surgical Assistant 1 is resposible for being a First Assist to the surgeon on a full-time basis in the OR.

Job Relationships

Reports to the Operations Manager

Principal Responsibilities

Must be employed by the supervising surgeon 30 days or longer, if necessary, before assisting in the O.R. to assure competency, and must provide evidence of special training in the O.R. as a First Assistant.

Will obtain privileges and act as First Assistant to the surgeon in operative procedures at the ASC and local and area hospitals where the surgeon has privileges to perform surgery.

May assist in the O.R. suite with positioning of the patient, preparing the operative field (skin preparation and draping), and review the equipment and instruments required for the operation.

May perform designated wound closure approved by the surgeon.

May write orders, progress notes and diagnostic information on the patient's record in preparation for the surgeon's review and signature.

May request supplies and equipment necessary for the procedure.

Must promote effective rapport and cooperative spirit with related hospital and clinic personnel.

May assist or make rounds in the hospital for the attending surgeon.

May review the patient's record for lab reports, x-ray findings and nursing comments where the pertinent information may be directed to the attending surgeon. These visits may also involve

inspection of wounds and dressings, instructions to the patient, exercises and other convalescent activities and supplying health literature booklets and written post-operative instructions.

May assist families in making discharge arrangement.

Must be able to take call to assist in the O.R. as needed.

Must carry a beeper during clinic office hours and when on call for surgeon.

Comply with the Springfield Clinic incident reporting policy and procedures.

Adhere to all OSHA and Springfield Clinic training & accomplishments as required per policy.

Provide excellent customer service and adhere to SC Way customer service philosophy.

Perform other job duties as assigned.

Education/Experience

Graduate of LPN or Certified Surgical Tech program with evidence of completed certification as a First Assistant in the O.R.

At least five (5) years of O.R. experience.

Licenses/Certificates

ACLS helpful but not required.

Must maintain current license of LPN with surgical experience or certified surgical tech.

CPR certification per American Heart Association Guidelines required within 30 days of hire.

Certification as a Surgical First Assistant.

Must be a first Assistant in the Operation Room by AORN Standards or an equivalent.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Must follow Clinic personnel policies and procedures.

Must demonstrate professional behavior at all times.

May attend in-services and workshops relevant to the position.

Good organizational skills.

Good communication skills.

Computer knowledge essential.

Ability to work well with others, including patients, physicians, and other Clinic/hospital employees.

Ability to work well under stress.

Ability to work under stress and must possess organizational skills.

Working Environment

Work in a clinic and hospital environment.

Requires standing for long periods of time.

May be required to lift.

Frequent exposure to communicable diseases and toxic substances.

PHI/Privacy Level

HIPAA1