Cert Surgical First Asst

MedStar Health; Leonardtown (MD); On-site; USD 48,188 - 81,636; Full time

Job summary

MedStar Health is seeking a Surgical Assistant to provide critical support during surgical operations. The role involves assisting surgeons with procedures, ensuring patient safety, and managing instruments effectively.

Candidates must have an Associate's degree and completion of an AMA approved Surgeon's Assistant Program. This position commands a competitive hiring range of USD $34.98 - $59.26 per hour based on qualifications and experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum of an Associate's degree required.
• Completion of formal training from an AMA approved Surgeon's Assistant Program required.
• CPR certification from AHA or American Red Cross required within 90 days.

Responsibilities

• Assist the surgeon during surgical operations.
• Ensure safe positioning and draping of the patient.
• Perform suturing techniques to close wounds.
• Manage instruments in the operative field.
• Assist with post-operative care and documentation.

Skills

Technical integrity

Aseptic practice

Surgical assistance

Patient monitoring

Education

Associate's degree

Completion of AMA approved Surgeon's Assistant Program

Job description

About the Job

Serves as first or second assistant to the surgeon during all surgical operations with the exception of craniotomies, open heart surgery, epicardial pacemakers, neurosurgery with the exception of laminectomies, carpal tunnel and sympathectomies. The Surgical Assistant will act under the direct supervision of the surgeon at all times.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Contributes to the achievement of established department goals and objectives and adheres to department policies, procedures, quality standards and safety standards. Complies with governmental and accreditation regulations.
• Demonstrates integrity in technical and aseptic practice with knowledge of the principles and consistently adapts them in an appropriate manner according to the situation.
• Assists surgeon with safe positioning and draping of the patient, evaluates skin integrity post operatively and reports any abnormalities to the surgeon and circulating RN for proper documentation.
• Assists in providing the best possible exposure of the anatomy incident to the operative procedure maintaining controlled retraction with hand held retractors with regard to surrounding tissue anticipating the needs and moves of the surgeon and managing instruments in the operative field to prevent obstruction of the operative site.
• Performs homeostasis by placing and removing clamps on vessels, applying electrocautery tip to clamp vessels, tying clamped vessels, placing suture ligatures in the tissue and placing hemoclips on vessels as directed by the surgeon.
• Closes fascia, subcutaneous tissue and skin by correctly approximating layers of tissue utilizing both interrupted and continuous suturing techniques and correct knot typing techniques and correctly approximating the skin edges utilizing either suture material or skin stapling devices.
• Assists at the completion of the surgical procedure by suturing drains in place, cleaning surrounding areas and wound, applying the dressings and assisting with cast or splint application.
• Handles specimens according to established procedures.
• Performs duties of the surgical tech as needed and assists other personnel with room turn-over and removal of medications from the Pyxis with accuracy.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimal Qualifications

Education

• Associate's degree required
• Completion of formal training from an AMA approved Surgeon's Assistant Program or directly equivalent discipline required

Licenses and Certifications

• CPR - Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation (includes BLS and NRP) for healthcare providers from either the American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross within 90 Days required
• Additional unit/specialty certifications may vary by department or business unit.
• Health Services/ACLS required
• CRNFA - Certified Registered Nurse First Assistant Certification as a First Assistant preferred

Hiring Range

USD $34.98 - USD $59.26 /Hr.