Surgical Assistant

JOB SUMMARY
Under the general supervision of a Registered Nurse, this position is responsible for performing various perioperative tasks to facilitate efficient and smooth management of surgical patients and procedures in a safe and timely manner; and, performs direct and indirect patient care in the perioperative setting and assists in maintaining a clean and safe environment. Strives for superior performance by consistently providing a product or service to leadership and staff that is recognized as ultimately contributing to the patient and family experience. Recognizes and demonstrates understanding of patient and family centered care.
PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Maintains confidentiality of all patient, employee, and physician information.
2. Maintains positive, courteous, and helpful approach in relationship with visitors, sales representatives, physicians, and fellow employees.
3. Assists OR team in preparing the patient for the surgical procedure.
4. Assists nursing in patient positioning.
5. Assists and facilitates room turnover, anticipates and gathers supplies/equipment upcoming cases.
6. Assists with patient transportation.
7. Completely cleans and disinfects operating rooms and procedure rooms between cases. Cleans lights, equipment and floors, etc. and disposes of waste materials.
8. Transports specimens, frozen sections, cultures, etc. to lab.
9. Obtains blood products from blood bank.
10. Assists with stocking operating rooms and outdating supplies.
11. Assist with cleaning and organizing Surgical Services equipment.
12. Assists with general clerical and other support assistance to staff and physicians.
13. Completes yearly mandatory education requirements in timely manner.
14. Demonstrates job related aspects of patient safety to ensure a safe environment, safe and effective use of equipment and technology, and decreased risk of potential adverse patient occurrences.
15. Demonstrates knowledge of and supports hospital mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality statements, corporate compliance plan, customer service standards, and the code of ethical behavior.

DEPARTMENT AND ADDITIONAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Performs all other job-related duties as assigned.
JOB SPECIFICATIONS
EDUCATION

1. High school graduate.
2. Certified Nurse Assistant preferred.
3. Current certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) required.

EXPERIENCE

1. One - two years of healthcare and/or surgical services related experience preferred.
2. BLS through the American Heart Association.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL ABILITIES / MOTOR SKILLS

1. Motor Coordination: While performing the duties of this job, it is required to regularly perform functions that include using hand and finger movement, handle or feel of objects, be able to use tools or equipment that requires reaching with hands and arms. Must be able to travel independently throughout the hospital; access patients/families including areas confined by space and/or equipment.
2. Standing/Walking: Standing and walking is required for the majority of time spent in the clinical area. Standing in one position is required while performing certain aspects of patient care.
3. Lifting: Regular lifting of medical supplies, positioning devices, patient supplies, etc. Also medical equipment weighing up to 45 pounds is required. It is required to assist in lifting and transferring patients of varying weights and is expected to request assistance when lifting, ambulating, and repositioning patients. One must be able to support at least 75 pounds to reposition, transfer, etc.
4. Carrying: Frequent carrying of medical supplies and other items weighing up to 45 pounds is required, along with occasional carrying of certain medical equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.
5. Pushing/Pulling: Pushing/pulling 70-100 pounds is required when administering patient therapy and care, as well as when pushing equipment such as oxygen tanks and monitors, and when transporting patient beds or gurneys. When administering CPR, enough force to compress the chest 1.5 to 2 inches, which requires 100 to 125 pounds of force. Full manual dexterity of both upper extremities is required.
6. Climbing: No significant climbing is required; one may be required to climb a step stool.
7. Bending: Bending is required when administering patient care. One must be able to bend to touch the floor to remove environmental hazards.
8. Reaching: Reaching above one's head is required when performing some aspects of care.
9. Squatting/Kneeling: Squatting or kneeling is required when operating medical equipment and performing aspects of patient care, such as CPR.
10. Twisting: Twisting at the waist is required when performing some procedures.

ESSENTIAL TECHNICAL ABILITIES

1. Proficiency using modern office, computer and telephone equipment as used by Memorial Healthcare.
2. Ability to utilize computer software program and barcode scanner utilized by Memorial Healthcare.
3. Computer literate with basic typing skills.

ESSENTIAL SENSORY REQUIREMENTS

1. Communicate receptively and expressively in English, both written and spoken, with patients, families, visitors, employees, and volunteers.
2. Able to see for the purpose of reading information received in formats including but not limited to paper, computer, reports, bulletins, updates, manuals.
3. Able to see and hear for work-related purpose.

INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

1. Ability to interact with co-workers, hospital staff, administration, patients, physicians, the public and all internal and external customers in a professional and effective, courteous and tactful manner, at all times, physically, verbally and in all written and electronic communication.
2. Required to remain calm when adversity is encountered.
3. Open, honest and tactful communication skills.
4. Ability to work as a team member in all activities.
5. Positive, cooperative and motivated attitude.

SAFETY

1. Protect patient safety at all times by speaking up whenever a safety issue is discovered
2. Demonstrates job related aspects of safety, including proper body mechanics, work pacing and hand washing, isolation precautions, PPE donning/doffing, emergency code situations and awareness of patient safety at all times.