Certified Surgical Assistant-Exempt

1.0 FTE, 80 hours bi-weekly

Position Overview:

The function of the Surgical Assistant/Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) is to provide specified services in the Operating Room and other patient care areas under the direction of the physician. These positions must conform to the Surgery Department, CMH and Winona Health Policies and Procedures.

These positions function on the surgical team and helps provide the best possible care to the patient during the intra-operative phase. The Surgical Assistant/RNFA is knowledgeable and experienced with the principles of aseptic technique and demonstrates integrity in aseptic practice. They communicate with the physician and nursing staff in a clear and concise manner.

He/she functions effectively as a member of the surgical team by: performing delegated assignments; demonstrating flexibility to adapt to sudden changes and by exhibiting qualities of dependability. The Surgical Assistant/RNFA attends staff meetings and all mandatory in-services and reports to the Director of Surgical Services. The Surgical Assistant/RNFA is credentialed and provides First Assistant duties under the direction of a physician. These duties may include but are not limited to: suture and staple removal, cast applications, repair and removal of drains, sterile dressing application/dressing change, intra-operative wound retracting, clamp/ligate/cauterization of vessels, wound closure, suturing or stapling.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• The Surgical Assistant/RNFA assists with safe transportation of patients in and out of bed and from the bed to the cart. The Surgical Assistant/RNFA is familiar with surgical positions and for which procedure each is used. The Surgical Assistant/RNFA practices safe positioning techniques to prevent injury to the patient.

• In addition to the responsibilities described above, the role may include other duties and responsibilities as assigned, as based on the needs or requirements of Winona Health.

• Is constantly vigilant to the safety needs of patient, taking necessary precautions as warranted.

• Reports malfunctioning equipment promptly and removes from the patient care area to maintain a safe environment.

• Is constantly vigilant to the safety needs of patient, taking necessary precautions as warranted.

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Graduate of an accredited School of Surgical Technology or equivalent training and experience. Possesses a current Surgical Assistant Certification (ORT), or RNFA Certification. BLS certification required.

• Has completed training on all equipment used in the department.

• Completes all mandatory training as required by Winona Health.

• Verbalizes role in codes. Basic computer skills. Patient information database (Cerner, EMR, American Data).

Age Specific Competencies:

Infant (birth to 1 year);#Child (2-12);#Adolescent (13-17);#Adult (18-65);#Geriatric (65 and over)

Physical Demands:

Heavy Work

May lift and hold limbs with one or two hands that weigh 30-50# for a duration of up to 3 hours

Work Environment:

This is a fast paced clinical environment with multitasking, prioritizing and frequent interruptions. Continuous interpersonal communication is required with staff, volunteers and the general public.

Required Work Schedule:

Hours may vary depending on staffing needs. Employees must be willing to work assigned hours, reduce hours, and work overtime as needed. Must be able to take call and respond within 30 minutes.

Internal Applicant Policy:

It is the policy of Winona Health to work with employees in an equitable fashion regarding promotions, transfers, and position reclassifications.

Any employee wishing to apply for another available position at Winona Health must submit an application for consideration through the internal application portal. Employees requesting to change positions should have successfully completed at least six (6) months in their current position.

Employees currently in the formal disciplinary process may be required to meet with the Director of Human Resources to determine eligibility to request transfer. The employee's past performance, experience, training and qualifications will be considered in transfer/hiring decisions. Consideration for transfer or promotion is not a guarantee of transfer or promotion. Employees may be given a chance to interview for a position when they meet the minimum position qualifications.

Disclaimer

Winona Health is an equal opportunity employer. Winona Health does not refuse to hire, discharge, or discriminate against a person with respect to tenure, compensation, terms, upgrading, conditions, facilities, or privileges of employment because of race, color, creed, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, genetic information, status with regard to public assistance, membership in a local discrimination commission, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other prohibited basis of discrimination under applicable local, state, or federal law.

Winona Health does not tolerate retaliation against any employee, patient/resident, physician, or other individuals pursuing concerns regarding Civil Rights issues. Winona Health adheres to ALL pertinent governmental policies and legislation including the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII, as amended, and the Minnesota Human Rights Act.