Certified Surgical First Assistant

General Summary of PositionServes as first or second assistant to the surgeon during all surgical operations with the exception of craniotomies, open heart surgery, epicardial pacemakers, neurosurgery, with the exception of laminectomies, carpal tunnel, and sympathectomies. The Surgical Assistant will act under the direct supervision of the surgeon at all times.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Contributes to the achievement of established department goals and objectives and adheres to department policies, procedures, quality standards and safety standards. Complies with governmental and accreditation regulations.

Demonstrates integrity in technical and aseptic practice with knowledge of the principles and consistently adapts them in an appropriate manner according to the situation.

Assists surgeon with safe positioning and draping of the patient, evaluates skin integrity post operatively and reports any abnormalities to the surgeon and circulating RN for proper documentation.

Assists in providing the best possible exposure of the anatomy incident to the operative procedure, maintaining controlled retraction with hand held retractors with regard to surrounding tissue, anticipating the needs and moves of the surgeon, and managing instruments in the operative field to prevent obstruction of the operative site.

Performs homeostasis by placing and removing clamps on vessels, applying electrocautery tip to clamp vessels, tying clamped vessels, placing suture ligatures in the tissue, and placing hemoclips on vessels, as directed by the surgeon.

Closes fascia, subcutaneous tissue, and skin by correctly approximating layers of tissue, utilizing both interrupted and continuous suturing techniques and correct knot typing techniques, and correctly approximating the skin edges, utilizing either suture material or skin stapling devices.

Assists at the completion of the surgical procedure by suturing drains in place, cleaning surrounding areas and wound, applying the dressings, and assisting with cast or splint application.

Handles specimens according to established procedures.

Performs duties of the surgical tech as needed and assists other personnel with room turn-over and removal of medications from the Pyxis with accuracy.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
Education

• Associate's degree required
• Completion of formal training from an AMA approved Surgeon's Assistant Program or directly equivalent discipline required

Licenses and Certifications

• CPR - Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation
• Health Services/ACLS
• Certification as a First Assistant preferred

Why MedStar Health?
At MedStar Health, we understand that our ability to treat others well begins with how we treat each other. We work hard to foster an inclusive and positive environment where our associates feel valued, connected, and empowered. We live up to this promise through:

• Strong emphasis on teamwork-our associates feel connected to each other and our mission as an organization. In return, our effective team environment generates positive patient outcomes and high associate satisfaction ratings that exceed the national benchmark.
• Strategic focus on equity, inclusion, & diversity-we are committed to equity for all people and communities. We continue to build a diverse and inclusive workplace where people feel a sense of belonging and the ability to contribute to equitable care delivery and improved community health outcomes at all levels of the organization.
• Comprehensive total rewards package-including competitive pay, generous paid time off, great health and wellness benefits, retirement savings, education assistance, and so much more.
• More career opportunities closer to home-as the largest healthcare provider in the Baltimore-Washington, D.C. region, there are countless opportunities to grow your career and fulfill your aspirations.

About MedStar Health
MedStar Health is dedicated to providing the highest quality care for people in Maryland and the Washington, D.C., region, while advancing the practice of medicine through education, innovation, and research. Our team of 32,000 includes physicians, nurses, residents, fellows, and many other clinical and non-clinical associates working in a variety of settings across our health system, including 10 hospitals and more than 300 community-based locations, the largest home health provider in the region, and highly respected institutes dedicated to research and innovation. As the medical education and clinical partner of Georgetown University for more than 20 years, MedStar Health is dedicated not only to teaching the next generation of doctors, but also to the continuing education, professional development, and personal fulfillment of our whole team. Together, we use the best of our minds and the best of our hearts to serve our patients, those who care for them, and our communities. It's how we treat people.
MedStar Health is an Equal Opportunity (EO) Employer and assures equal opportunity for all applicants and employees. We hire people to work in different locations, and we comply with the federal, state and local laws governing each of those locations. MedStar Health makes all decisions regarding employment, including for example, hiring, transfer, promotion, compensation, benefit eligibility, discipline, and discharge without regard to any protected status, including race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship status, sex, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, political affiliations, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local EO laws. If you receive an offer of employment, it is MedStar Health's policy to hire its employees on an at-will basis, which means you or MedStar Health may terminate this relationship at any time, for any reason.