Surgical Assistant — Operating Room (OR) — Southside Medical Center

As a faith-based and patient-focused organization, Bon Secours exists to enhance the health and well-being of all people in mind, body, and spirit through exceptional patient care. We seek people committed to our values of compassion, human dignity, integrity, service, and stewardship to create an environment where associates want to work and help communities thrive.

About the role

The Surgical Assistant serves in the assistant role in the provision of care to patients undergoing a surgical procedure under the supervision of the provider in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations and within the policies, procedures, and guidelines of the organization. This is an entry-level practitioner role focused on learning and growing.

Scheduling options include 8, 10, or 12-hour shifts. Candidates accepting a full-time offer of employment may be eligible for a sign-on bonus up to $10,000 (rules and restrictions apply; internal BSMH associates are not eligible).

Responsibilities

• Performs surgical hand scrub, gowning, and gloving according to policy.
• Routinely functions as first or second assist on assigned cases.
• Functions in the Surgical Tech capacity fulfilling the scrub role as assigned, demonstrating knowledge and implementation of sterile technique.
• Checks all instruments to ensure they are in proper working order prior to use.
• Assists with sponge, sharps, and instrument counts per policy and procedures.
• Handles specimens in accordance with hospital policy and procedure.
• Protects patient information based on hospital policy and government regulations to assure confidentiality.
• Participates in unit and hospital efforts to reduce adverse patient care events.
• Actively participates in the Universal Protocol procedures that assure correct site surgery.
• Communicates effectively with the circulating nurse upon observance of any missing or malfunctioning instruments and/or compromise to sterility.
• Reports any implants, devices, catheters, drains, and packing to the circulator.
• Assists with OR case preparation:
  • Utilizes surgeon’s preference list to procure equipment and arrange proper placement in the OR.
  • Utilizes aseptic technique when establishing the sterile field, opening supplies, and instruments.
  • Assists with monitoring and maintaining the sterile field.
• Assists with patient positioning, skin clipping and prepping, foley catheterization, and draping.
• Under the direct observation of the surgeon, may:
  • Insert secondary trocars.
  • Place instruments through trocars.
  • Utilize power equipment and stapling devices (other than skin stapling).
  • Inject infiltration local anesthetic medications excluding Exparel.
• During surgical procedures:
  • Use sponges and suction.
  • Perform cauterization processes.
  • Appropriately place and manipulate retractors (with or without padding).
  • Irrigate the wound site(s).
  • Cut suture material, handle hemostats, and tie suture.
  • Provide assistance securing drains to tissue.
• Closes the surgical wound:
  • May assist suture closing of fascia layer under the direct observation of the surgeon.
  • Sutures the subcutaneous tissues and skin, including with the use of a skin stapler if needed.
• Applies appropriate wound dressings, including medicated dressings.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent (required).
• Completion of a Surgical Assistant Program (required).

Qualifications

• BLS Basic Life Support – American Heart Association (preferred upon hire, must obtain from approved source prior to direct patient care).
• Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) – National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), National Surgical Assistant Association (NSAA), or National Commission for the Certification of Surgical Assistants (NCCSA) (required; if hired in Virginia prior to July 1, 2020, or in Cincinnati, preferred).
• If employed in Virginia, must be registered with the Virginia Board of Medicine (required).
• One year of healthcare experience (preferred).

Skills

• Hard/Tech/Clinical Skills:
  • Monitor patient conditions during treatment.
  • Complete specific, routine tasks.
  • Requires basic reading, writing, or simple arithmetic skill.
  • May operate basic equipment/machinery.
• Soft/Interpersonal Skills:
  • Attention to detail.
  • Critical thinking.
  • Teamwork.
  • Conflict resolution.
  • Active listening.
  • Relationship building.
  • Demonstrates a caring attitude and intentional caring behaviors in interpersonal interactions and patient/family care.
  • Communicates clearly all pertinent patient information to other members of the healthcare team.
  • Possesses Surgical Conscience.
  • Anticipates needs.
  • Flexible.
  • Assists with performing circulator skills and tasks.
  • Takes direction.
  • Able to work under pressure.
  • Professionalism.
  • Move with a sense of urgency.

Pay

Range: $35.82 – $55.52 per hour.

Benefits

• Competitive pay, incentives, and referral bonuses.
• 403(b) with employer contributions (when eligible).
• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage, including HSA/FSA options.
• Life insurance, mental health resources, and discounts.
• Paid time off, parental and FMLA leave.
• Short- and long-term disability, backup care for children and elders.
• Tuition assistance, professional development, and continuing education support.

Benefits may vary based on the market and employment status.