Surgical Assistant Registry

Overview

JOB DESCRIPTION / PERFORMANCE EVALUATION

Job Title:

Surgical Assistant/

GENERAL SUMMARY/BASIC FUNCTION:
Functions as a first or second assistant in surgical procedures. Assesses, plans, implements and evaluates the care of the perioperative patient. Collaborates with the surgical team to ensure the highest standard of care is provided. Anticipates assigned case and surgeon needs. Does not function concurrently in the scrub technician role.

Uses advanced clinical skills of patient positioning, tissue handling, retraction, suturing, and wound dressing under the direct supervision of the operating surgeon. Acts in a professional manner outlined by Holy Cross Hospital’s core values of customer service:
Respect, Excellence, Attitude, Compassion, and Holistic Care (REACH). Rating Scale: 3 - Highly Effective – Performance level standards are substantially surpassed; 2 - Effective – Performance level standards are consistently met; 1 - Requires Development – Performance level standards are inconsistently met, performance is variable; improvement must be made.

Our Mission and Values:
Holy Cross Hospital is a Catholic health care organization sponsored by the Sisters of Saint Casimir. By our commitment to witness to the healing mission of Jesus we contribute to healthy communities and promote quality health care. Our Values:
Respect, Excellence, Attitude, Compassion and Holistic Care. Respect – we treat persons of all races, creeds, and backgrounds with dignity;
Excellence – we excel in care of patients;
Attitude – we demonstrate enthusiasm and courtesy;
Compassion – we address patient needs with empathy;
Holistic Care – we meet physical, emotional and spiritual needs of patients.

• Demonstrates knowledge and competency in technical and clinical skills. Verifies case supplies/instruments and equipment needed for surgical procedures, ensures their availability and proper working order prior to each assigned case.
• Assists in opening sterile supplies for each assigned surgical procedure and performs pre-operative patient visits when able to assess status and develop an individualized plan of care.
• Identifies the surgical site per policy and participates in the “time-out” protocol. Provides a sterile field and ensures team attire and draping are correct. Applies principles of asepsis and maintains the sterile field.
• Aims to anticipate the needs of the operating surgeon and provides exposure of the operative site using appropriate retraction and attention to anatomical structures.
• Uses surgical instrumentation and equipment skillfully as directed by the operating surgeon; provides homeostasis to reduce fluid volume deficits as directed.
• Handles tissue carefully to minimize injury or compromised blood supply; sutures various tissues with appropriate technique and materials; assists in wound closure under surgeon direction.
• Expedites room turnover by assisting with linen, waste, supply, equipment removal, and housekeeping duties as needed.
• Assists with transfer and transport of the surgical patient.
• Demonstrates knowledge and competency of supply inventory, utilization, and cost-effective practices; communicates low PAR stock levels in advance; arranges for borrowing/lending/purchasing of equipment well before cases.
• Prepares and uses equipment according to manufacturers’ instructions; maintains equipment in good working order; notifies appropriate personnel of out-of-service or repair needs.
• Makes suggestions for cost-efficient practices in the perioperative area; performs other duties as requested within scope of practice; completes required competencies; adheres to organizational policies; attends and contributes to department meetings and in-services.

Education and/or Licensure requirements:

• Graduate of an Accredited Surgical Assistant or RN First Assistant or Surgical Technician First Assistant program; or a licensed surgeon in another country, certification preferred.
• Current CPR Certification; ACLS preferred.
• Compliant with PPD requirements.

Experience:

• Three years surgical assistant experience in an acute care hospital, preferred.

Interpersona…