Surgical Assistant

Job Description

Job Summary:

• Primary responsibility involves performance of specific tasks, as a Surgical Assistant, during surgical procedures to permit the surgeon to perform an efficient and safe operation.
• Assists with identifying anatomy within the operative field.
• Maintains positive customer relations.
• Shall demonstrate competency and possess the technical skills appropriate for his/her assigned cases and utilizes that knowledge in assisting others.
• Performs various duties within his/her Product of responsibility and is accountable to the manager of the Surgical Assistants.

Job Responsibilities:

1. Clinical skills performed under direct supervision of the surgeon include:

• Positioning the patient.
• The surgeon shall convey the exact position that will give the best exposure for the surgical procedure.

2. Providing visualization of the operative site by the following:

• Appropriate placement and securing of retractors with or without padding.
• Packing with sponges.
• Digital manipulation of tissue.
• Suctioning, irrigating, or sponging.
• Manipulation of suture materials (e.g. loops, tags, running suture).
• Proper use of body mechanics to prevent obstruction of the surgeon’s view.
• Utilizing appropriate techniques to assist with Hemostasis.
• Utilizing running or interrupted subcutaneous sutures with absorbable or non absorbable material.
• Utilizing subcuticular closure techniques with or without adhesive skin closure strips.
• Closing skin method indicated by surgeon (suture, Client, etc.).
• Postoperative subcutaneous injection of local anesthetic agent as directed by the surgeon.
• Selecting and applying appropriate wound dressings, including the following:
• Liquid or spray occlusive materials.
• Absorbent material affixed with tape or circumferential wrapping.
• Immobilizing dressing (soft or rigid.).
• Providing assistance in securing drainage system to tissue.
• Acts independently in surgery and oncall with regards to the harvesting of veins, radial artery, tendons, bone, skin, and plastic closure on plastic cases.
• Provides expert assistance on all major surgical cases, under direct supervision of a surgeon.
• Stays abreast of all new technologies as it relates to specialty areas.

Required Skills:

• Extensive knowledge of anatomy and physiology, excellent eye hand coordination, and ability to stand for long periods of time.
• Sound judgment and knowledge of scientific principles must be used.
• Competency in selected skills is required through hospital provided instruction.