Surgical First Assist; PRN

Position:
Surgical Assistant (Per Diem) – Frederick Surgical Center, Frederick, MD 21702
Salary Range: $36.00 – $40.00 per hour

Surgical assistants provide aid in exposure, hemostasis, closure, and other intraoperative technical functions that help the surgeon carry out a safe operation with optimal results for the patient. In addition to intraoperative duties, the surgical assistant also performs preoperative and postoperative duties to facilitate proper patient care. The surgical assistant performs these functions under the direction and supervision of the surgeon and in accordance with hospital policy and applicable laws and regulations.

The staffing of the Center is based on a teamwork concept; employees may be cross‑trained in other clinical areas and may be expected to perform duties beyond their normal scope as staffing and patient needs change.

• Promotes the mission, vision, and values of the organization.
• Assures patient safety by maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment.
• Performs necessary tasks for a scrub role using technical skills.
• Ensures proper instrumentation for each procedure.
• Follows principles of sterile technique and Universal Precautions.
• Maintains proper sterile field during surgical procedures.
• Maintains confidentiality of patient and Center related business.
• Positions the patient and is familiar with common positions related to the surgical procedure; uses equipment necessary to provide the position.
• Evaluates patient for any possible damage from positioning after procedure, including assessment of skin; reports abnormal conditions to the surgeon and documents treatment.
• Provides visualization of the operative site:
  • 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 sutures).
• Uses proper body mechanics to prevent obstruction of the surgeon’s view.
• Utilizes techniques to assist with hemostasis.
• Participates in volume replacement or autotransfusion techniques as appropriate.
• Assists with closure of body planes.
• Selects and applies appropriate wound dressings.
• Aids in securing drainage systems to tissue.
• Participates in all counts (instrument, sponge, sharps, etc.) as necessary.
• Assists with maintenance of supplies and equipment.
• Maintains established Center and departmental policies and procedures.
• Documents concisely, precisely, and accurately on all records or documents as indicated by policy.
• Participates in quality assessment activities and compliance with continuing and mandatory education programs.
• Responds quickly, physically, and mentally when priorities or the patient’s condition changes.
• Maintains regular, predictable attendance.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• High school graduate or equivalent (preferred).
• Graduate of a surgical assisting program accredited through ARC/STSA.
• Certified by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
• Minimum of one-year experience in a surgical setting (preferred).
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.