Surgical Assistant

Job Summary:

MedStar Health is looking for a Surgical Assistant to join our team at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital! The ideal candidate will possess knowledge of multiple surgical specialties, instruments, techniques, procedures, anatomy/physiology, multiple specialties essential, and the ability to work as part of a team in the Operating Room.

As defined by the American College of Surgeons (ACS), the surgical assistant provides aid in exposure, hemostasis, closure, and other intraoperative technical functions that help the surgeon carry out a safe operation with optimal results for the patient. The surgical assistant is under the direction and supervision of the attending surgeon. These functions are performed in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations and MedStar Georgetown's philosophy, policies, procedures, and standards.

Join one of the largest healthcare systems in the Baltimore-Washington metro region, also recognized as one of the "Healthiest Maryland Businesses". Apply today and learn how MedStar Health can be your next great career move!

Primary Duties:

• Performs as a First or Second Assistant to the Attending surgeon during surgical procedures in the Operating Room. Ensures/maintains a sterile field during surgical procedures by adhering to AORN (Association of Operating Room Registered Nurses) standards and other regulatory standards.

• Adheres to all MedStar Georgetown University Hospital departmental, Perioperative, and Operating Room Policies & Procedures. Positions the patient during surgical procedures: surgeon shall convey the exact position that will give the best exposure for the surgical procedure, the SA assistant will assist in moving and positioning the patient; SA must be familiar with common positions related to the surgical procedure and be able to use the necessary equipment to provide the position; competencies would include fracture tables, head stabilizers, body stabilizers, c-arm extensions, and any other positioning equipment necessary.

• Drapes patients per surgeon's specific instructions. Provides visualization of the operative site by the following: appropriate placement and securing of retractor with or without padding; packing with sponges; digital manipulation of tissue; suctioning, irrigating, or sponging; manipulation of suture materials (e.g., loops, tags, running sutures); proper use of body mechanics to prevent obstruction of the surgeon's view.

• Assists in maintaining hemostasis by direct pressure, use and application of appropriate surgical instrument for the task, placement of ties, placement of surgical ligatures, application of chemical hemostatic agents, utilizing appropriate techniques to assist with hemostasis, or other measures as directed by the attending surgeon. Clamps, ligates, and cuts tissue per surgeon's directive. Utilizes appropriate techniques to assist with closure of body planes; utilizes running or interrupted subcutaneous sutures with absorbable or nonabsorbable material; utilizes subcuticular closure technique with or without adhesive skin closure strips; closes skin with method indicated by surgeon (suture, staples, etc.); postoperative subcutaneous injection of local anesthetic agent as directed by the surgeon; participates in count processes as appropriate.

• Selects and applies appropriate wound dressings under the direction of the attending surgeon, including the following: liquid or spray occlusive materials; absorbent material affixed with tape or circumferential wrapping; immobilizing dressing (soft or rigid). Provides help securing drainage systems to tissue.

Qualifications:

• Associate degree from a surgical assisting program accredited through ARC-ST, a collaborative effort of AST, ACS, and SASA, and by CAAHEP (CHEA).

• 2 years as a Surgical Technologist and 1 year with a documented minimum of 350 surgical cases as a First Assistant.

• Certified
  Surgical Assist - CSA-Required

• Licensed
  Surgical Assistant in
  the District of Columbia Required

• Experience in an academic medical center setting preferred.