Surgical Assistant (FLEXI)

Summary The Surgical Assistant is responsible for assisting the surgeon in all phases of surgery in order to increase the productivity of surgeons by alleviating the need for a second physician to assist in a surgical procedure. Responsibilities Determine specific equipment needed for the procedure and request extra instruments, supplies, and equipment as needed; always ensure equipment is functioning properly prior to use with a patientObtain supplies for the circulator as neededDetermine if there is a conflict in the specific equipment needs between scheduled casesReview surgical permit to confirm specific procedures and special equipment needs and position; check/confirm with the surgeon as neededCheck schedule assignments for types of casesAssist in the transfer of the patient from the table to the stretcherMaintain awareness of environment to ensure that the surgeon hears communication involving patient status, equipment change, and sponge, needle, and instrument counts Observe intraoperative changes and react appropriately Serve as the First Assistant to the surgeon by performing the following:Demonstrating competency in the following practices: patient transport, surgical positioning, surgical asepsis, materials/instrument count, pneumatic tourniquet, Electrocautery, specimen preparation and transport, flash sterilization, chemical disinfection, CO2 laser safety, and urethral catheterizationDemonstrating competency in the following equipment: fracture table, contraves microscope, hip positioners, shoulder positioner, Mayfield attachments, and spinal framesDemonstrate competency in the following tools: drills; saws; compression instruments; mallets; stapling, clipping, and cutting instruments; cameras; endoscopes; and microscopesDemonstrate competency in the set up of the following equipment: A.M.S.C.O. Fracture Table, microscopes, tourniquets, Montreal Frame, and hand table Education And Experience Minimum Required Education: Successful completion of a Surgical Assistant program Experience: Each Surgical Assistant must have actively practiced within the 12 months prior to application for employment; applicants must be familiar with prosthetic devices and care, medical terminology, surgical anatomy, care practices for surgical instruments and supplies, various surgical procedures, application of castings and dressing materials, safety principles, and how to operate biomedical equipment Certificates, Licenses, Registrations Applicants must have successfully completed the Board certification exam; Additionally, all applicants must hold and maintain an up-to-date BLS certification.