Surgical Assistant

Cleveland Clinic; Akron (OH); On-site; USD 51,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

Cleveland Clinic Akron General's Operating Room team seeks a PRN Surgical Assistant to support procedures and patient care in a high‑caliber perioperative environment.

The role requires an Associate’s Degree, formal Surgical Assistant training, appropriate certifications within the first year, and at least two years of peri‑operative experience in an acute care setting. Eligible candidates must be able to work varied daytime hours and maintain strict sterile technique.

Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree required.
• Graduate of a formal Surgical Assistant program.
• Certification within first year of hire (CSFA/CSA/SA-C/BLS).
• Two years of peri-operative practice in an acute care facility.

Responsibilities

• Assist with critical procedures and training-related tasks.
• Anticipate needs of surgeon and team for procedures.
• Maintain sterile technique and infection control.
• Prepare for procedures by safety checks and equipment prep.
• Support Surgeon during procedures with instrumentation and hemostasis.
• Maintain sterile field and manage wound closure and drains.
• Perform duties incident to the surgical procedure under supervision.

Skills

Surgical teamwork

Attention to sterile technique

Patient advocacy

Communication

Education

Associate’s Degree

Graduate of a formal Surgical Assistant program

Job description

Join Cleveland Clinic Akron General where we have been providing world-class care to the community for over 100 years. At Akron General, you will work and learn from some of the best caregivers, provide and receive multitudes of support and appreciation, and create the steppingstones toward a rewarding career with one of the world's most respected healthcare organizations. We strive for patient-centered care and comfort, and we are committed to serving the community and treating our patients as family.

Akron General’s Operating Room (O.R.) department has a team of dedicated caregivers that work collaboratively to provide the best possible care for their surgical patients. Akron General operates a Level I Trauma Center servicing the specialties of Heart, Vascular, Neurology, Orthopedics, Urology, Gynecology, General, Gastroenterology, Plastics, Pulmonary, Robotics, Life Banc, Eye, Maxillofacial and traumas. The caregivers in the O.R. are eager and excited to add a Surgical Assistant to their team. As a Surgical Assistant, you will assist with critical procedures and tasks related to specific training, score and orientation. You will act as a patient advocate, ensuring sterile technique to prevent infections and that every qualifying measure is done. This is a great hands‑on role that will allow you to advance your skills while getting to celebrate patient successes each and every day.

A PRN caregiver in this position works varying days between 8:00AM – 4:30PM. Mondays will be required.

A caregiver who excels in this role will:

• Assist with critical procedures and tasks related to specific training, score and orientation.
• Anticipate the needs of the surgeon and other team members with respect to the requirements for the surgical procedure.
• Use knowledge of OR procedures with respect to attire, infection control and compliance practices.
• Prepare for the procedure or surgery by participating in the performance of the safety check/universal protocol determining the specific equipment needed, reviewing permits to confirm procedures and special needs, assisting in moving and positioning the patient, selecting x-rays for reference, inserting and removing Foley urinary bladder catheter and draping the patient.
• Support the Surgeon during the procedure or surgery by retracting tissue and organs, maintaining hemostasis by direct pressure, use of appropriate instrumentation, placing ties or ligatures, applying chemical hemostatic agents, using electrocautery mono and bi-polar, clamping and ligating and cutting tissue.
• Maintain integrity of the sterile field, closing all wound layers, inserting drainage tubes, applying wound dressing and assisting with resuscitation or any other events in the OR.
• Perform any other duties or procedures incident to the surgical procedure deemed necessary and directed and supervised by the surgeon.

Minimum qualifications for the ideal future caregiver include:

• Associate’s Degree
• Graduate of a formal Surgical Assistant program
• Certification within first year of hire. Acceptable Certifications include:
  • Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) – National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting
  • Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) – National Commission for the Certification of Surgical Assistants
  • Surgical Assistant – Certified (SA‑C) – American Board of Surgical Assistants
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification through the American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross
• Two years of peri‑operative practice in an acute care facility

Preferred qualifications for the ideal future caregiver include:

• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) Certification through the American Heart Association (AHA) or American Red Cross

Physical Requirements:

• Requires full range of body motion including handling and lifting patient, manual and ginger dexterity and eye‑hand coordination.
• Requires standing and walking for extended periods of time.
• Requires corrected vision and hearing to normal range.
• Requires working under stressful conditions and irregular hours.
• Exposure to communicable diseases and/or body fluids.
• Able to safely transport patients on stretchers to bed using good body mechanics.
• Works extended hours as necessary.

Personal Protective Equipment:

• Follows standard precautions using personal protective equipment as required.

Pay Range

Minimum hourly: $45.00

Maximum hourly: $45.00

The pay range displayed on this job posting reflects the anticipated range for new hires. A successful candidate’s actual compensation will be determined after taking factors into consideration such as the candidate’s work history, experience, skill set and education. The pay range displayed does not include any applicable pay practices (e.g., shift differentials, overtime, etc.). The pay range does not include the value of Cleveland Clinic’s benefits package (e.g., healthcare, dental and vision benefits, retirement savings account contributions, etc.).