Surgical Support Associate - Full Time - Days - Heart Hospital

Mercy; Springfield (MO); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Mercy is seeking a Surgical Support Associate to join the Heart Hospital perioperative team. The role involves clinical and non-clinical support to ensure safe, efficient patient care, including patient transport, room turnover, and equipment readiness.

You will collaborate with physicians, nurses, and ancillary staff to promote positive outcomes and a seamless perioperative experience. A high school diploma and BLS are required, with CNA potentially needed based on location.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• No prior healthcare experience required; healthcare experience is a plus but not mandatory.
• BLS certification is required within 90 days of hire; CNA may be required depending on location.

Responsibilities

• Deliver individualized patient care to support patients' highest level of wellness.
• Assist with patient transport, positioning, vital signs collection, and point-of-care testing.
• Observe and promptly report changes or unusual findings to clinical staff; maintain patient safety and privacy.
• Assist in operating room turnover, equipment maintenance, and clerical tasks to support daily operations.

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Surgical Support Associate - Full Time - Days - Heart Hospital

Find your calling at Mercy! Under the direction of the perioperative leader, assists in the individualized care of the patient to achieve the patient's highest level of wellness. Works cooperatively with others as part of a team; recognizes the importance of group goals. Performs designated clinical procedures and non-clinical support tasks essential to providing care to the patient.

Position Details

Surgical Support Associate (Full-Time, Days) Position Overview

The Surgical Support Associate is an integral member of the perioperative team, providing both clinical and non-clinical support to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality patient care. Under the direction of the perioperative leadership team, this role assists with patient care activities, operating room preparation, equipment maintenance, and department operations. The Surgical Support Associate works collaboratively with healthcare professionals to promote positive patient outcomes and an exceptional care experience.

Key Responsibilities Patient Care Support

• Assist in delivering individualized patient care to support patients' highest level of wellness.
• Perform routine patient care activities, including patient transport, positioning, vital signs collection, and point-of-care (POC) testing.
• Observe and promptly report changes or unusual findings in patient condition to appropriate clinical personnel.
• Maintain patient safety, dignity, privacy, and comfort throughout the perioperative experience.

Operating Room & Department Support

• Assist with cleaning and turnover of operating and procedure rooms between cases.
• Help maintain department equipment, supplies, and inventory to ensure operational readiness.
• Prepare rooms and equipment to support efficient patient flow and surgical schedules.
• Perform clerical and administrative duties as needed to support daily operations.

Team Collaboration & Communication

• Collaborate effectively with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare team members to optimize patient care and departmental workflows.
• Assist in onboarding and training new team members based on established competencies.
• Communicate professionally and effectively in a fast-paced healthcare environment.
• Demonstrate flexibility in accepting assignments and delegated responsibilities within scope of practice.

Operational Excellence

• Utilize sound clinical judgment and effective time-management skills.
• Demonstrate responsible stewardship of resources and supplies.
• Complete charge reconciliation processes and accurately document charges as required.
• Maintain compliance with required certifications, departmental education, and eLearning assignments.
• Support department staffing needs and perform additional duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.

Experience

• No prior experience required.
• Healthcare or patient care experience is preferred but not required.

Licensure

• No licensure required.

Certifications

• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required within 90 days of hire.
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification may be required based on location.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to regularly push, pull, and/or lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout each shift.
• Ability to perform repetitive physical movements including gripping, reaching, bending, kneeling, twisting, and squatting.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, patient-focused environment.

Why Join Us?

This is an excellent opportunity for individuals interested in healthcare, perioperative services, or advancing a clinical career. You'll work alongside a highly skilled surgical team while making a direct impact on patient care and the overall surgical experience.

Join our team and help create a safe, efficient, and compassionate environment for every patient we serve.

Safety/Risk Management:

• Follows Mercy policy and procedures related to safety, confidentiality, and patient rights/regulations.
• Demonstrates knowledge of and practices sound infection prevention techniques.
• Assesses safety needs and provides for a safe environment: ex: Fall Precautions; Restraint Management; Patient Identification; Unit/Departmental Specific Policies; Safe Patient Handling
• Participates in Quality Improvement activities that ensure and enhance quality of patient care.

Technology:

• Utilizes unit specific technology to perform daily tasks and maintain appropriate communications (ex: computer, pagers, zone phones, Rover, etc.).

Why Mercy?

From day one, Mercy offers outstanding benefits - including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, tuition support, and matched retirement plans for team members working 32+ hours per pay period.

Join a caring, collaborative team where your voice matters. At Mercy, you'll help shape the future of healthcare through innovation, technology, and compassion. As we grow, you'll grow with us.