The Surgical Assistant provides direct support to providers during surgical procedures, including scrubbing, gowning, and acting as a first or second assist. Responsibilities include maintaining the sterile field, handling specimens, and performing wound closure under surgeon supervision.
Requirements summary
Candidates must have a high school diploma and completion of a Surgical Assistant Program. A Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) certification is required, along with BLS certification.
high schoolprofessional certificateTeamworkAttention To DetailPatient MonitoringRelationship BuildingProfessionalismCritical ThinkingConflict ResolutionActive ListeningPatient PositioningAseptic TechniqueSterile TechniqueSuturingInstrument HandlingSurgical AssistingSurgical Hand ScrubWound Closure
Job description
Mercy Health West Hospital Surgical Assistant Full Time Days Sign on Bonus Available Job Summary: 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.
The Surgical Assistant is an entry-level practitioner and focused on learning and growing in this role.
Essential Functions: 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 information is kept confidential.
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 indication of any compromise to sterility.
Reports any implants device, catheters, drains and packing 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; Cauterization processes; Appropriately place and manipulate retractors (with or without padding); Irrigate the wound site(s); Cut suture material, handle hemostats, and tie suture; Provides assistance securing drains to tissue.
Benefits
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Medical insurance
Paid time off
Referral bonuses
Short-term disability
Long-term disability
Life insurance
Tuition assistance
Parental leave
Competitive pay
Professional development
Prescription coverage
Continuing education support
Incentives
403(b) with employer contributions
Mental health resources
FMLA leave
Backup care for children and elders
HSA/FSA options
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.
This document is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job.
Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as required by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.
Education
High school diploma or equivalent (required) Completion of a Surgical
Assistant
Program (required)
Required
Licensing &
Certifications: 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) or 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, preferred; if hired in Cincinnati, preferred). If employed in Virginia, must be registered with the Virginia Board of Medicine. (required)
Experience:
One year health care experience (preferred)
Skills &
Abilities:
Hard/Tech/Clinical
Skills: Monitor patient conditions during treatment Completes specific, routine task Requires basic reading, writing, or simple arithmetic skill May operate basic equipment/machinery.
Ability to
Follow
Instructions
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 health care team. Possess Surgical Conscience Anticipate Needs Flexible Assists with performing circulator skills and tasks Takes direction Able to work under pressure
Professionalism
Move with a sense of urgency
Training: None As a Bon Secours Mercy Health associate, you're part of a Mission that matters. We support your well-being—personally and professionally. Our benefits are built to grow with you and meet your unique needs, every step of the way.
What We Offer
Competitive pay, incentives, referral bonuses and 403(b) with employer contributions (when eligible) Medical, dental, vision, prescription coverage, 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. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you'd like to view a copy of the affirmative action plan or policy statement for Bon secours Mercy Health – Youngstown, Ohio or Bon Secours – Franklin, Virginia; Petersburg, Virginia; and Emporia, Virginia, which are Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employers, please email recruitment@mercy.com. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact The Talent Acquisition Team at recruitment@mercy.com
