Surgical Asst

General Summary of Position
As defined by the American College of Surgeons (ACS), the surgical assistant provides 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. The surgical assistant is under the direction and supervision of the attending surgeon. These functions are performed in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations and Georgetown University Hospital's philosophy, policies, procedures, and standards

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Performs as a First or Second Assistant to the Attending surgeon during surgical procedures in the Operating RoomEnsures/maintains a sterile field during surgical procedures by adhering to AORN (Association of Operating Room Registered Nurses) standards and other regulatory standardsAdheres to all GUH departmental, Perioperative, and Operating Room Policies & ProceduresPositions the patient during surgical procedures: surgeon shall convey the exact position that will give the best exposure for the surgical procedure, the SA assistant will assist in moving and positioning the patient; SA must be familiar with common positions related to the surgical procedure and be able to use the necessary equipment to provide the position; competencies would include fracture tables, head stabilizers, body stabilizers, c-arm extensions, and any other positioning equipment necessary.Drapes patients per surgeon's specific instructions.Provides visualization of the operative site by the following: appropriate placement and securing of retractor 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); proper use of body mechanics to prevent obstruction of the surgeon's view.Assists in maintaining hemostasis by direct pressure, use and application of appropriate surgical instrument for the task, placement of ties, placement of surgical ligatures, application of chemical hemostatic agents, utilizing appropriate techniques to assist with hemostasis, or other measures as directed by the attending surgeon. Clamps, ligates, and cuts tissue per surgeon's directive.Utilizes appropriate techniques to assist with closure of body planes; utilizes running or interrupted subcutaneous sutures with absorbable or nonabsorbable material; utilizes subcuticular closure technique with or without adhesivProvides assistance in securing drainage systems to tissue.Performs other duties and responsibilities that are appropriate to the position and area. The above responsibilities area general description of the level and nature of the work assigned to this classification and are not to be considered as all-inclusive.

Minimum Qualifications
Education

• Associate's degree Graduate from surgical assisting programs accredited through ARC-ST, a collaborative effort of AST, ACS, and SASA, and by CAAHEP. CAAHEP is a recognized accreditation agency of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) required

Experience

• 1-2 years Minimum of 2 years as a Surgical Technologist and 1 year with a documented minimum of 350 surgical cases as a First Assistant required
• Experience in an academic medical center setting preferred

Licenses and Certifications

• CST - Certified Surgical Technologist Upon Hire required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of multiple surgical specialties, instruments, techniques, procedures, anatomy and physiology.
• Demonstrates and understands need to work within multiple specialties essential.
• Demonstrates ability to work as part of a team in the Operating Room.
• Demonstrates excellent interpersonal skills, including effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Able to work under stress, maintain emotional control, and communicate effectively during emergencies.

This position has a hiring range of $34.98 - $62.52

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