Surgical First Assistant — Precision in the OR

Ochsner Health; Slidell (LA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Ochsner Health seeks a qualified Surgical First Assistant to collaborate with surgeons and healthcare teams for safe operative care. You will assist in vein harvesting for grafting, maintain sterile technique, and support patient preparation and postoperative care. Requires 5 years in surgery and active certification as a Surgical Assistant.

Preferred: Endoscopic saphenous vein harvesting certification. Excellent communication and computer skills are essential, along with willingness to travel

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent and completion of an accredited Surgical First Assistant program.
• Certified Surgical Assistant or Certified First Assistant required.
• Endoscopic Saphenous Vein Harvesting preferred.

Responsibilities

• Maintain strict sterile technique throughout procedures.
• Prepare and position patient for surgery and provide visualization of the operative field.
• Harvest saphenous vein under surgeon's supervision for coronary grafting.
• Assist with closure of body planes and wound drainage management.
• Adapt communication and approach for diverse patient populations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills

Suturing

Sterile technique

Communication

Analytical skills

Computers

Travel

Education

High school diploma or equivalent; Surgical First Assistant program

Certified Surgical Assistant or Certified First Assistant

Endoscopic Saphenous Vein Harvesting (preferred)

Job description

Exceptional care starts with exceptional people.

For us, this is more than a job– it’s a calling. It’s waking up each day, looking for ways to make a difference with a compassionate, inclusive and talented team. Ochsner empowers you to discover your passion, reach your potential, and Pursue Your Purpose. Exceptional care starts with exceptional people and teams. Together we are leading the way.

This job collaborates with the surgeon and the healthcare team in performing a safe operation with optimal results for the patient. Performs these functions under the direction and supervision of the surgeon and in accordance with hospital policy and appropriate laws and regulations. In collaboration with surgical technologist performs separate roles which is defined by job description and advanced education which requires knowledge in the use of surgical instruments on tissues versus the handling of instruments.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at the company's discretion.

Education

Required -High school diploma or equivalent and graduate of an accredited Surgical First Assistant program.

Preferred- Certified course in Endoscopic Saphenous Vein Harvesting.

Work Experience

Required - 5 years of experience working in surgery.

Preferred - 2years of experience in Surgical First Assisting.

Certifications

Required -Certified Surgical Assistant or Certified First Assistant

Basic Life Support(BLS) from American HeartAssociation.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

• Skilled in suturing and saphenous vein harvesting.

• Strong knowledge of sterile technique.

• Conflict resolution skills and ability to demonstrate good judgement.

• Basic analytical skills.

• Proficiency in using computers, software, and web-based applications.

• Effective verbal and written communication skills and ability to present information clearly and professionally to varying levels of individuals throughout the patient care process.

• Ability to travel throughout and between facilities.

Job Duties

• Practices strict adherence to sterile technique.

• Facilitates preparation of the patient for surgery.

• Provides visualization of the operative field.

• Under the direct supervision of the surgeon, harvests the saphenous vein for coronary artery grafting purposes.

• Utilizes appropriate techniques to assist with closure of body planes.

• Selects and applies appropriate wound dressing and secures drainage system or intra aortic balloon pump to tissue.

• Adapts behavior to the specific patient population, including but not limited to respect for privacy, method of introduction to the patient, adapting explanation of services or procedures to be performed, requesting permissions and communication style.

• Performs other related duties as required.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work only. They are not an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties, and skills. Other duties may be added, or this description amended at any time.

Remains knowledgeable on current federal, state and local laws, accreditation standards or regulatory agency requirements that apply to the assigned area of responsibility and ensures compliance with all such laws, regulations and standards.

This employer maintains and complies with its Compliance & Privacy Program and Standards of Conduct, including the immediate reporting of any known or suspected unethical or questionable behaviors or conduct; patient/employee safety, patient privacy, and/or other compliance-related concerns.
The employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Physical and Environmental Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Heavy Work - Exerting 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. (Constantly: activity or condition exists 2/3 or more of the time) to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Sedentary Work. Even though the weight lifted may be only a negligible amount, a job should be rated Light Work: (1) when it requires walking or standing to a significant degree; or (2) when it requires sitting most of the time but entails pushing and/or pulling of arm or leg controls; and/or (3) when the job requires working at a production rate pace entailing the constant pushing and/or pulling of materials even though the weight of those materials is negligible. NOTE: The constant stress and strain of maintaining a production rate pace, especially in an industrial setting, can be and is physically demanding of a worker even though the amount of force exerted is negligible.

Duties performed routinely require exposure to blood, body fluid and tissue.
The incumbent works in a patient care area; works in an area where patients enter; works directly with patients; and/or works with specimens that could contain communicable diseases. There may be an occupational risk for exposure to communicable diseases.

Because the incumbent works within a healthcare setting, there may be occupational risk for exposure to hazardous medications or hazardous waste within the environment through receipt, transport, storage, preparation, dispensing, administration, cleaning and/or disposal of contaminated waste. The risk level of exposure may increase depending on the essential job duties of the role.

Are you ready to make a difference? Apply Today!

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Please refer to the job description to determine whether the position you are interested in is remote or on-site. Individuals who reside in and will work from the following areas are not eligible for remote work position: Colorado, California, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, Washington, and Washington D.C.

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Ochsner is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any legally protected class, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.