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Mercy Health Partners seeks a Lead Surgical Assistant to support surgical teams in providing high-quality patient care. This role involves assisting in complex surgeries, coordinating operational aspects in the operating room, and mentoring staff. Ideal candidates will have significant surgical experience, appropriate certifications, and a commitment to patient care.
Everyone who works with Mercy Health is united under one purpose: to help our patients be well in mind, body and spirit. This drive, along with our history of faith, is a powerful combination. It gives us a shared calling to work toward every day. Join our exceptional team and help us continue to provide the highest quality of health care possible to our communities.
Primary Function/General Purpose of Position
The Lead Surgical Assistant serves in the assistant role in the provision of care to patients undergoing a surgical procedure under the supervision of the provider in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations and within the policies, procedures, and guidelines of the organization. The Lead Surgical Assistant is an expert level practitioner who may function as a Service Line Coordinator and is a resource to teammates.
Essential Job Functions
Routinely functions as first assist on assigned cases within multiple and complex
service lines. May function in the Surgical Tech capacity fulfilling the scrub role
as assigned, demonstrating knowledge and implementation of sterile
technique. Based on market operating room design, may serve as the Service
Line Coordinator for a specific service line or may serve as the lead for the
department, coordinating daily activities of the operating room suites in
collaboration with the surgeons, anesthesiologists, Certified Nurse Anesthetists
Performs all essential job functions of a Surgical Assistant II including but not
limited to operating room preparation and set-up, assisting the nurse with
patient care in preparation for surgery, communicating effectively with all
members of the patient care team, participating in various hospital and unit
initiatives, assisting with room turnover and cleanup after surgery, and under the
direct supervision of the surgeon may: Insert secondary trocars; Place
instruments through trocars; Utilize power equipment and stapling devices
(other than skin stapling); Inject infiltration local anesthetic medications
excluding Exparel. During surgical procedures: Use sponges and suction;
Cauterization processes; Appropriately place and manipulate retractors (with or
without padding); Irrigate the wound site(s); Cut suture material, handle
hemostats, and tie suture; Provides assistance securing drains to tissue. Closes
the surgical wound: May assist suture closing of fascia layer under the direct
observation of the surgeon; Sutures the subcutaneous tissues and skin including
with the use of a skin stapler if needed. Applies appropriate wound dressings,
including medicated dressings.
Coordinates with surgeons, vendors, and hospital leadership to coordinate and
procure supplies, instruments, equipment, and/or specialty items as requested
by surgeons for patient care. Based on market design and with leadership approval, places orders as necessary. Escalating issues and collaborating with
nursing department leadership as appropriate.
Maintains and updates surgeons' preference cards.
Participates in the continuing development of personnel in the Operating
Room. Provides clinical instruction, direction to staff, and provides or sets up inservices
for the staff. Functions as a resource person for equipment issues and
maintains equipment in working condition, taking immediate action to facilitate,
needed repairs and/or replacement in collaboration with Biomed.
and personnel from other departments.
Maintains equipment in working condition taking immediate action to facilitate
May submit performance-based appraisals summaries to assist Director in
thorough employee evaluation and provides ongoing appraisal through notes.
Assists the Director Perioperative Services or designee in the preparation of the
fiscal budget, long range planning, and major equipment budgeting for the
operation rooms. May collaborate with billing coordinator/charge master to
ensure proper patient charging is accomplished in a timely manner.
Assists the Director Perioperative Services or designee with continued
communications with physicians, sales representatives, public, and other
departments.
Participates in financial accountability by utilizing resources in a cost-conscious
manner and offers performance improvement initiatives
Participates in and coordinates the orientation of new staff and students as
assigned and serves as a preceptor for the department.
Demonstrates flexibility regarding unit/area staffing and scheduling needs. May
assist with or oversee overall daily operations to include making daily staffing
assignments, preparing staff schedules to include call and holiday schedules, and
reviewing the surgery schedule and adjusting optimize efficiencies.
Participates in performance improvement and quality initiatives.
Takes call as required by department.
Work Experience
Two years of clinical work experience as a Surgical First Assistant (required)
Education
High school diploma or equivalent (required)
Completion of a Surgical Assistant Program (required)
Certifications
BLS Basic Life Support American Heart Association (preferred upon hire, must obtain from approved source prior to direct patient care)
Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) - National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or
National Surgical Assistant Association (NSAA), or
National Commission for the Certification of Surgical Assistants (NCCSA) (required; if hired in Virginia prior to July 1, 2020, preferred; if hired in Cincinnati prior to June 1, 2025, preferred).
All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you'd like to view a copy of the affirmative action plan or policy statement for Mercy Health – Youngstown, Ohio or Bon Secours – Franklin, Virginia; Petersburg, Virginia; and Emporia, Virginia, which are Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employers, please email recruitment@mercy.com. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact The Talent Acquisition Team at recruitment@mercy.com