First Surgical Assistant, Full-time, Rotating

At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better healthcare, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. At Northwestern Medicine, we pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, we take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

The First Surgical Assistant  reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

Demonstrates clinical expertise and in-depth knowledge in direct patient care activities. Recognizes safety hazards and initiates appropriate corrective action. Applies principles of a sepsis and infection control in a skillful manner. Applies knowledge of surgical anatomy, physiology, and operative technique relative to operative procedures. 

Responsibilities:

• Performs positioning, prepping, and draping of the patient, including placement of urinary drainage catheter. 
• Provides homeostasis by clamping blood vessels, coagulating bleeding points, ligating vessels, and by other means as directed by the surgeon. 
• Provides exposure through appropriate use of instruments, retractors, suctioning, and sponging techniques. 
• Handles tissue as directed by the surgeon during the operative procedure. 
• Performs wound closure as directed by the surgeon 
• Utilizes appropriate techniques to assist with closure of body planes. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Postoperative subcutaneous injection of local anesthetic agent as directed by surgeon. Applies surgical dressings, liquid or spray occlusive materials. Provides assistance in securing drainage systems to tissue. Assists with transfer of the patient from the operating room. Assist with room turnover. Practices within limitations of preparation and experience. Clinical Works in collaboration with the surgeon and health care team to achieve optimal patient outcomes. Practices at the direction of the surgeon and does not concurrently function as a scrub person. Maintains surgical participation log. Maintains competency consistent with ABSA competency statements. Utilizes recognized expert sources and incorporates appropriate research and related literature into practice. Integrates theoretical knowledge base and clinical expertise in decision making. Maintains current First Assistant certification as defined by the ABSA or LLC-ST. Proof of suturing and tying competence through a hospital competency every two years. Currency in BLS/CPR. Documentation of continuing education in the first assistant related topics. Demonstrates the following professional attributes: Exemplifies a professional image in appearance, manner and presentation. Is an advocate for patients and their significant key others, co-workers, the community, and the nursing profession. Consistently demonstrates accountability. Demonstrates effective interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with others. Assumes a leadership role in professional activities. Collaborates with management in problem solving and decision making. Serves as a role model for "Patients First." Serves as subject matter expert and resource for OR staff members. Participates in formal and informal education of students, and non-nursing personnel. Integrates research and related literature into formal and informal education of others.

Required: 

• Current or pending certification from the ABSA for Surgical Assistants preferred. 
• NBTSA certification acceptable with surgical first assist work experience.
• Graduate of a formal FA Certificate Degree Program that is approved by the LLC-ST or ABSA, or a foreign trained MD not licensed to practice in this country. 
• Current in BLS, CPR. 
• Minimum of two letters of recommendation from surgeons who have recently observed the applicants professional behavior. 
• Associate degree in surgical technology, health science field or 8 years of professional experience in the role of first assistant. 
• Documentation of participating in a minimum of 150 surgical cases within the defined specialty area. Documentation or demonstration of other advanced-level expertise related to the defined specialty area. 

Preferred: 

• ACLS

Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.