POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to a clinical manager in the Operating Room and under the direct guidance and supervision of a licensed surgeon, The Surgical Assistant serves as a First Assistant during operative and other invasive procedures and facilitates the technical aspects of surgery in accordance with credentials, privileges, experience, education, and competency.

1. Moves, stabilizes and positions patient as ordered by the surgeon.

2. Identifies and pads points of pressure, e.g., elbows, heels, knees, eyes, face, and axillary region.

3. Inserts and removes Foley urinary bladder catheter.

4. Places pneumatic tourniquets.

5. Harvests endovein..

6. Inserts central lines.

7. Inserts balloon pumps.

8. Evaluates patient post-surgery and reports abnormal findings to surgeon and documents according to hospital policy.

9. Provides visualization of the operative site by:

a. Appropriate placement and securing of retractors with or without padding

b. Packing with sponges

c. Digital manipulation of tissue

d. Suctioning, irrigating, or sponging. Manipulation of suture materials (e.g., loops, tags, running sutures)

e. Proper use of body mechanics to prevent obstruction of the surgeon's view.

10. Utilizing appropriate techniques to assist with hemostasis:

a. Permanent

(1) Clamping and/or cauterizing vessels or tissue

(2) Tying and/or ligating clamped vessels or tissue

(3) Applying hemostatic clips

(4) Placing local hemostatic agents

b. Temporary

(1) Applying tourniquets and demonstrating awareness of the indications

/Contraindications for use with knowledge of side effects of extended use

(2) Applying vessel loops

(3) Applying noncrushing clamps

(4) Applying direct digital pressure

11. Utilizes appropriate techniques to assist with closure of body plane:

a. Utilizing running or interrupted sutures with absorbable or nonabsorbable material of wound layers, including muscle and fascia.

b. Utilizing subcuticular closure technique with or without adhesive skin closure strips

c. Closing skin with method per surgeon's directive (suture, staples, etc.).

d. Postoperative subcutaneous injection of local anesthetic per surgeon's directive

12. Selects and applies appropriate wound dressings, including the following:

a. Liquid or spray occlusive materials

b. Absorbent material affixed with tape or circumferential wrapping.

c. Immobilizing dressing (soft or rigid)

13. Provides assistance in securing drainage systems to tissue

14. Uses the mono-polar, and bi-polar, electro-surgery unit

15. Maintains integrity of sterile field.

16. Reviews consent to confirm procedure, and special needs.

17. Selects and places x-rays for reference.

18. Determines and obtains equipment needed for the procedure.

19. Harvests (Endoscopic or open) saphenous vein including skin incision per surgeon's directive.

20. Assists with resuscitation of patient during cardiac arrest or other life-threatening events in the operating room.

21. Performs any other duties or procedures incident to the surgical procedure deemed necessary and directed by the surgeon.

Customer Service:

1. Greets customers in courteous, friendly, respectful and professional manner at all times, including maintaining eye contact when appropriate.

2. Follows communication protocols to both internal and external customers, including introducing him/herself with job title and experience, asking open ended questions, such as "How may I be of help to you?" using the customer's name as soon as it is learned.

3. Responds promptly and appropriately to customer questions/concerns/complaints and attempts immediate resolution.

4. Keeps customer's information confidential, including public places such as elevators or the cafeteria.

5. Provides assistance and offers help immediately, including finding someone else to meet the request, if unable to do so him/herself. Introduce other staff to customers when a hand-off occurs and explain that the person will provide excellent service.

6. Demonstrates commitment to excellent service recovery when a customer's expectations have not been met.

Commitment to Co-Workers:

1. Offers assistance to colleagues and other departments when needed.

2. Takes responsibility for solving problems regardless of origin; completes assignments, and respects deadlines.

3. Resolves conflict directly with colleagues and seeks assistance from others if the issue cannot be resolved. Refrains from criticism in public.

4. Mindful and respectful of others' time and schedules. Attends meetings on time and communicates any absences.

5. Provides co-workers with a status report for continuity of workflow when planning to be out of the office, off the unit, or away from the department

Communication Etiquette:

1. Respectful, courteous and professional in all forms of communication and follows facility's service communication protocol in all interactions.

2. Refrains from use of personal cell phone in patient care areas and keeps usage to a minimum at all other times while on duty.

3. Does not text or use e-mail during meetings (except for exigent or emergency situations).

4. Limits use of business cell phone during meetings (remain on vibrate and/or calls go to voicemail).

5. Makes every effort to answer telephone calls within three rings, introducing him/herself, department and title (if appropriate). Asks permission before placing the caller on hold or using the speakerphone. If caller is transferred, gives the caller the extension number of the person he or she is being transferred to. Offers further assistance to the caller upon completing the conversation.

6. Maintains an appropriate voicemail message and when away from the office has an out-of-office email message that is brief, current, and includes name and department and offers the caller options if possible.

7. Returns email and voicemail messages promptly but no later than within one business day (24 hours).

8. Always mindful of voice and language in public.

Self Management:

1. Reports to work appropriately groomed and in compliance with the Hospital's dress code. Wears identification badge at all times at chest level and facing outwards so identification is clearly visible.

2. Complete all assignments within deadlines or negotiates alternative actions and time frames in order to achieve desired outcomes.

3. Completes mandatory, annual education and competency requirements.

4. Follows UMCAP safety, infection control and employee health standards.

5. Demonstrates responsibility for personal growth, development and professional knowledge and competency.

6. Adhere to all UMCAP and department policies and procedures, including Code of Conduct and professional behavior standards. Does not exceed Hospital guidelines in reference to attendance, punctuality, and use of sick and unplanned absences. Provides notification of absences, lateness and vacation requests according to department guidelines. Respects length of time for lunch and break times.

7. Reviews, signs, and adheres to UMCAP and/or departmental confidentiality statement.