Minimum 2 years surgical scrub experience Preferred and Prior Cardiovascular Operating Room experience Preferred
Competent in functioning independently in the scrub and first assist role in multiple complex procedures and in life saving situations Required
Competent with scrubbing interventional radiology procedures for hybrid OR cases Preferred
Licensing/Certifications: Certified Surgical Asst, Basic Life Support, ): ABSA (American Board of Surgical Assistants) Certification
Core Responsibilities and Essential Functions:
• In depth knowledge of anatomy and physiology related to cardiac surgery achieved with independence on all CVOR cases, including TAVRS and combined Vascular cases.
• Able to take call independently with advanced cardiac surgery skills required to perform in the First Assist role with all cardiac surgery procedures, including TAVR cases.
• In depth learning or knowledge of cardiac anatomy and physiology, tissue exposure, surgical flow and advanced techniques in cardiac surgery specialty. May second assist and/ or first assist during CV surgery.
• Performs a thorough review of the surgeons preferences prior to each surgical procedure.
• Checks supplies and equipment needed for surgical procedure, assists with selection and opening of sterile supplies.
• Sets up sterile table with instruments, supplies, equipment and medications/solutions needed for procedure.
• May assist RN circulator with patient comfort measures, patient positing, application of electrosurgical grounding pads, external defibrillator pads, EKG monitors and skin preparation.
• Gowns and gloves surgeon and surgical team.
• Drapes patient and sterile field.
• Actively participates in all portions of surgical procedure, anticipating and passing instruments and supplies during the surgical procedure. May hold cameras, retract tissues, stabilize tissue and/or utilize mister blower to expose coronary artery lumens.
• Practices and maintains highest standard of sterile technique during surgical procedures, participates in infection prevention techniques and ensures patient safety throughout procedure.
• Prepares chest drainage systems and sterile dressings.
• Maintains a safe environment throughout procedure regarding patient physical safety, fire prevention, ESU safety, infection control, and maintains highest of sterile field organization throughout procedure.
• Assists with room turnover between cases and participates in terminally cleaning and organization of the department
• Routine opening and/or closing of the surgical site
• Assist in maintaining hemostasis by direct pressure, use and application of appropriate surgical instruments for the task, placement of ties and suture ligatures, application of chemical hemostatic agents, or other measures as directed by the surgeon.
• Assist in retracting tissue per surgeons directive.
• Use of electrocautery both monopolar and bipolar.
• Clamp, ligation, and cutting of tissue. Per surgeons directive.
• Assist in placement and suturing of surgical drains.
• Closure of all wound layers (fascia, subcutaneous and skin) as per surgeons directive
• Prepare ACL graft as directed by the surgeon.
• Assist in all other surgical procedures under the directive of the surgeon. Quality and Patient Safety
• Verifies patient ID using 2 patient identifiers i.e. armband, DOB, verbal identification during pre- procedure time out.
• Follows established drying protocols after skin preparation and before surgical draping.
• Actively participates and follows established guidelines for Safety Time out prior to skin incision * Ensures antibiotics have been acknowledged and initiated during safety time out.
• Understands, complies with and enforces site/ side marking when indicated.
• Interprets, supports, and aids with implementation of departmental SCIP initiatives.
• Actively demonstrates proper hand hygiene and surgical hand scrubs.
• Wears appropriate scrub attire, including head coverings, eyewear, removes and covers jewelry.
Job Responsibilities, Education and Engagement
• Must be flexible with hours and shifts to meet patient care and departmental staffing needs.
• May be required to take high volumes of call and work extended hours to provide patient care in high stakes, high stress environment.
• Utilizes chain of command, practices open communication, promotes an inclusive team environment and supports all initiatives in the cardiac operating room.
• Must have a strong attention to detail and physical stamina to handle long, intense, and high-risk cases.
• Works independently to deliver education and in-services in are of expertise, participates in unit safety, quality and performance improvement projects, and actively engaged in evidence-based practice and participates in the department shared governance committee.
• Performs other duties as assigned Complies with all Wellstar Health System policies, standards of work, and code of conduct.