Surgical Assistant
Cincinnati, Ohio
Christ Hospital

Surgical Assistant

Location: Cincinnati, Ohio
Contract Length: 13 weeks
Shift:

• 4x10-hour shifts or 5x8-hour shifts
• 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM

Job Summary

Perform specific tasks during surgical procedures to assist the surgeon in efficient and safe operations. Responsibilities include identifying anatomy within the operative field, maintaining positive customer relations, and demonstrating technical competence appropriate to assigned cases. Accountable to the manager of Surgical Assistants.

Key Responsibilities

• Position patients as directed by the surgeon for optimal surgical exposure.
• Provide visualization of the operative site by:

  • Proper placement and securing of retractors.
  • Packing with sponges.
  • Digital manipulation of tissue.
  • Suctioning, irrigating, or sponging.
  • Manipulating suture materials (loops, tags, running sutures).
• Use proper body mechanics to avoid obstructing the surgeon’s view.
• Assist with hemostasis using appropriate techniques.
• Perform subcutaneous suturing and skin closure as directed (sutures, staples, adhesive strips).
• Administer postoperative subcutaneous local anesthetic injections as directed.
• Select and apply appropriate wound dressings, including occlusive materials, absorbent materials, and immobilizing dressings.
• Assist in securing drainage systems to tissue.
• Independently harvest veins, radial artery, tendons, bone, skin, and perform plastic closures on plastic surgery cases.
• Provide expert assistance in all major surgical cases under direct surgeon supervision.
• Stay current with new technologies related to specialty areas.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum of 1 year of experience as a Surgical First Assistant.
• Surgical First Assistant experience within the last year.