CVOR Surgical Assistant
Milwaukee, WI
GHR Healthcare - PH Division
3x12 hrs

Job Opportunity: CVOR Surgical Assistant (Contract)

Location

• Milwaukee, WI
• Level III Trauma Center
• Magnet Designation
• Comprehensive Stroke Center
• Facility has 938 beds, with 8 CVOR beds

Position Details

• Role: CVOR Surgical Assistant (not a surgical tech)
• Employment Type: Contractor
• Contract Length: 12 weeks

Experience & Skills Required

• Minimum 2 years surgical assist experience
• Strong CVOR background across specialties including:

  • CABG
  • TAVR
  • Valve replacements
  • Robotic thoracic cases (lobectomy, hernia repair)
  • Generator exchanges
  • Lead extractions
  • Heart transplants
  • Fem-pop bypass
• Ability to work independently with minimal guidance
• Experience in a fast-paced environment
• Not recommended for first-time travelers

Patient & Case Information

• Average 10 cases per day
• Patient types: Cardio and thoracic surgeries
• Surgical team includes 2 RNs per case (Circulator and Med RN); travelers will circulate only
• Patient ratio: 1:1

Certifications & Education

• Graduation from an accredited school (required)
• BLS certification (required)
• CSFA certification (preferred)

Orientation & Scheduling

• 2 weeks orientation
• Start times for Tech/SA: 5:30 AM - 6:30 AM
• Weekend rotation: On-call only
• On-call expectations:

  • Once per month weekend 24-hour call (Sat/Sun 7:00 AM - 7:00 AM)
  • End of shift call up to once per week with 30-minute response time
  • No sleep room available during on-call
• Time off: Up to 7 days approved; additional time requires approval
• Holidays: On-call only, as needed
• Fatigue policy: Maximum 60 hours per week or 5 consecutive 12-hour shifts

Support & Team Structure

• Department Supervisor and Manager available
• Team Lead present but without case assignment
• 24/7 anesthesia support
• Surgical Assistant Lead assists with instrumentation and preference cards
• 24/7 House Supervisor
• Weekend support includes a small weekend program staff and shared supervisor for all ORs

Equipment & Systems

• EPIC charting system (required)
• Alaris infusion pumps
• Pyxis medication dispensing system
• Da Vinci XI robotic system

Additional Information

• No floating required for Surgical Assistant
• Scrub color provided
• Pain medication administration requires documentation of pain level before and after, with adherence to pain score protocols
• Free parking available
• On-site cafeteria and Starbucks for staff

This position is ideal for experienced CVOR Surgical Assistants comfortable in a high-acuity, fast-paced surgical environment with a strong cardio-thoracic focus.