Physician Assistant - Surgical jobs in Norfolk, VA

Summary

The Surgical Assistant is responsible for assisting the surgeon in all phases of surgery in order to increase the productivity of surgeons by alleviating the need for a second physician to assist in a surgical procedure.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

These duties and responsibilities described below represent the general tasks performed on a daily basis; other tasks may be assigned.

• Determine specific equipment needed for the procedure and request extra instruments, supplies, and equipment as needed; always ensure equipment is functioning properly prior to use with a patient
• Obtain supplies for the circulator as needed
• Determine if there is a conflict in the specific equipment needs between scheduled cases
• Review surgical permit to confirm specific procedures and special equipment needs and position; check/confirm with the surgeon as needed
• Check schedule assignments for types of cases
• Assist in the transfer of the patient from the table to the stretcher
• Serve as the First Assistant to the surgeon by performing the following:

• Demonstrating competency in the following practices: patient transport, surgical positioning, surgical asepsis, materials/instrument count, pneumatic tourniquet, Electrocautery, specimen preparation and transport, flash sterilization, chemical disinfection, CO2 laser safety, and urethral catheterization
• Demonstrating competency in the following equipment: fracture table, contraves microscope, hip positioners, shoulder positioner, Mayfield attachments, and spinal frames
• Demonstrate competency in the following tools: drills; saws; compression instruments; mallets; stapling, clipping, and cutting instruments; cameras; endoscopes; and microscopes
• Demonstrate competency in the set up of the following equipment: A.M.S.C.O. Fracture Table, microscopes, tourniquets, Montreal Frame, and hand table
• Properly drape the patient
• Provide retraction for optimal visibility
• Maintain homeostasis by sponging, applying hemostats, Electrocautery, applying chemical homeostasis, and tying and cutting suture ligatures
• Maintain a blood-free operating field by properly using suctioning techniques
• Properly assist in joint reductions
• Clamp and cut internal tissue as directed by the surgeon
• Close fascia, subcutaneous tissue, and skin with supervision of the surgeon
• Help to select and apply wound dressing

• Serve as the Second Assistant to the surgeon when requested
• Assist in the application of casts, slings, traction, and post-op positioning devices
• Handle tissue according to type and condition; keep live tissue irrigated to keep moist
• Assist in CPR as needed
• Assist in room turnover
• Communicate the needs and requirements of the surgeon and procedure to all team members in a timely manner
• Observe intraoperative changes and react appropriately
• Maintain awareness of environment to ensure that the surgeon hears communication involving patient status, equipment change, and sponge, needle, and instrument counts
• Maintain sterile/aseptic techniques by using the proper scrub down procedures and hand washing techniques; call attention to breaks in technique at the time of occurrence
• Assist in the training of new personnel
• Take messages
• Ensure safety regulations are met by ensuring that hallways remain clear
• Check supplies in specialty carts and replenish as needed
• Conserve organizational resources whenever possible; share suggestions with the Unit Director concerning efficient and effective use of all equipment and/or resources used within the designated department
• Check assignments no more that 5 minutes after the beginning of a shift
• Appropriately delegate assignments effectively, professionally, and courteously; communicate assignments with the Unit Director, Director, staff, physicians, patients, and visitors as necessary
• Attend required hospital-wide orientations, meetings, and in-services
• Demonstrate a commitment to flexible work scheduling when necessary to ensure patient care

Supervisory Responsibilities

Reports to: Unit Director, OR & Perioperative Service Line Administrator

Supervises: None

Responsibilities: Not applicable

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and Experience

Minimum Required Education: Successful completion of a Surgical Assistant program

Preferred Education: Not applicable

Experience: Each Surgical Assistant must have actively practiced within the 12 months prior to application for employment; applicants must be familiar with prosthetic devices and care, medical terminology, surgical anatomy, care practices for surgical instruments and supplies, various surgical procedures, application of castings and dressing materials, safety principles, and how to operate biomedical equipment

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

Applicants must have successfully completed the Board certification exam; Surgical Assistant students must achieve Board Certification within 1 year of the date of eligibility to take the Certification Examination. BLS Certification within 90 days of hire.