Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant Trainee

Overview
As a patient-focused organization, University of Utah Health exists to enhance the health and well-being of people through patient care, research and education. Success in this mission requires a culture of collaboration, excellence, leadership, and respect. University of Utah Health seeks staff that are committed to the values of compassion, collaboration, innovation, responsibility, diversity, integrity, quality and trust that are integral to our mission. EO/AA
This position is a temporary training position for COA, COT, or COMT's to become certified as an Ophthalmology Surgical Assistant (OSA). As an OSA Trainee the individual under the direct supervision of the ophthalmologist, primary scrub, and circulating nurse is responsible for assisting the surgical team during ophthalmology procedures. The primary role of the OSA is to handle instruments, supplies, and equipment in a sterile environment. They must maintain constant vigilance to ensure the maintenance of a sterile field and continuously update their knowledge of new techniques in the field of ophthalmology. In addition to assisting in surgeries, the OSA is also responsible for maintaining equipment and instruments, as well as managing supply inventory. Depending on the location, the position may require mandatory on-call duty during nights, weekends, and holidays. It's important to note that the OSA may be required to administer medications within their scope of practice and according to state law. The OSA trainee will have 5 months to complete the training requirements and pass the OSA examination.
Corporate Overview: The University of Utah is a Level 1 Trauma Center and is nationally ranked and recognized for our academic research, quality standards and overall patient experience. Our five hospitals and eleven clinics provide excellence in our comprehensive services, medical advancement, and overall patient outcomes.
Responsibilities

• Participates in the certification requirements for an OSA under iJACHPO.
• Checks supplies/instrumentation and equipment needed for surgical procedures and ensures they are in working order.
• Opens sterile supplies and sets up the back table for each surgical procedure.
• Assists in the maintenance of the sterile field by applying principles of sterile techniques and informing the surgeon/surgical team of infractions.
• Anticipates the needs of the ophthalmologist and other team members with respect to the requirements for the ophthalmological surgeries.
• Maintain a safe pace while working with multiple surgeons.
• Prepares for the procedure by participating in the performance of the safety check/Time-out/universal protocol determining the specific equipment needed, reviewing permits to confirm procedures and special needs, assisting in moving and positioning the patient, verifying correct laterality and implants of the procedure, and draping the patient.
• Supports the ophthalmologist during the procedure.
• Maintains integrity of sterile field, applying wound dressing and assisting with resuscitation or any other events in the OR.
• Ability to ensure the proper care and maintenance of surgical instruments and supplies.
• Performs any other duties or procedures incident to the surgical procedure deemed necessary and directed and supervised by the surgeon.
• Follows standard precautions using personal protective equipment as required.
• Follows the perioperative count policy which includes counting sharps, instruments, sponges, etc. in collaboration with the circulating nurse.
• Cleans, wraps, and prepares the instruments for sterilization.
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

• Requires critical thinking, decisive judgment.

• Must be able to work in a dynamic, ever changing environment, and take appropriate action.

• Must be able to read, write, and perform arithmetic functions such as percentages and discounts in order to maintain accurate recordkeeping.

• Must have the ability to identify when there is a break in the sterile field and use appropriate corrective measures which requires good interpersonal skills and diplomacy.

• Knowledge of medical terminology, physiology, and anatomy.

Qualifications
Qualifications
Required

• Enrolled in International Council of Accreditation (ICA) accredited training program for allied ophthalmic personnel.
• 5 months to complete the International Joint Commission on Allied Health Professional in Ophthalmology- Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant Certification.

Licenses Required

• Current RQI Healthcare Provider eCredential through the University of Utah Health RQI system. The eCredential is to be obtained within 30 days of hire.

• Current certification as an Ophthalmic Surgical Assistant through IJACAHPO.

• One of the following
  • JCAHPO certification as an Ophthalmic Assistant (COA).
  • JCAHPO certification as an Ophthalmic Technician (COT).
  • A current JCAHPO certification as a Certified Ophthalmic Medical Technologist (COMT).

* Additional license requirements as determined by the hiring department.
Qualifications (Preferred)
Preferred

• One year work experience as a COA, COT, or COMT.
• Prior assisting experience with ophthalmology procedures.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands
Employee must be able to meet the following requirements with or without an accommodation.

• This position involves intermediate working conditions in a healthcare setting that may exert up to 50 pounds and may consistently require lifting, carrying pushing, pulling, or otherwise moving objects. Workers in this position may be exposed to infectious diseases and may be required to function around prisoners and behavioral health patients. Personal Protective Equipment must be worn. The position requires standing or walking for long periods of times.

Physical Requirements
Lifting, Listening, Sitting, Standing