Trinity Health·Mishawaka, Indiana
The surgical assistant supports surgeons throughout preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative procedures, including patient positioning and surgical site closure. They also perform specialized tasks such as vein harvesting and graft preparation while ensuring adherence to safety and asepsis standards.
Employment type: Full time
The surgical assistant is responsible for assisting the surgeon under direct and indirect supervision throughout preoperative, intraoperative and post-operative duties and procedures at all times.
Job duties 1.
Actively demonstrates the organization’s mission and core values, and conducts oneself at all times in a manner consistent with these values.
2.
Knows and adheres to all laws and regulations pertaining to patient health, safety and medical information.
3.
Preoperative – The surgical assistant facilitates the safe positioning of the patient according to the surgeon's preference, patient's anatomical and physiological limits and surgical procedure to be performed.
A preoperative introduction visit may be done to assess the surgical site to better aid in positioning.
Assists circulator and anesthesia provider in preparation of the patient to include but not limited to: Foley catheter placement, tourniquet application, placement of intravenous catheters, cricoid pressure application, and other procedures as needed.
4.
Intraoperative – The surgical assistant performs specific tasks according to individual surgeon preference utilizing appropriate techniques including, but not limited to: incision and layered closure of surgical sites, providing exposure, achieving hemostasis, by means of injection, manual and topical methods and application of appropriate energy sources, manipulation and dissection/removal of tissues, aides in implanting, securing and/or removal of devices and drains and applying appropriate dressing material specific to procedure.
5.
Postoperative – The surgical assistant applies any other specific dressing material such as splints or casts, assesses skin integrity, assists in transfer of the patient and follows the patient to recovery if needed or directed by surgeon.
6.
Specialty Procedures – The surgical assistant who has appropriate training also performs under surgeon supervision other procedures including but not limited to: vein and graft harvesting and graft and implant preparation.
7.
Practices performance improvement standards and promotes staff participation in PI activities.
8.
Evaluates the patient’s response to care delivered and the level of outcome achievement.
9.
Applies theoretical knowledge of asepsis, wound healing, infectious diseases process, surgical anatomy and physiology, safety issues and operative techniques for surgical procedures on which he/she assists.
10.
Additional Duties – The surgical assistant performs additional duties as delegated by the surgeon or facility in cooperation with state and local policy.
11.
Performs other related duties as assigned or as workload or staffing variations require.
Rooted in our Mission and Core Values, we honor the dignity of every person and recognize the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents each colleague brings. By finding common ground and embracing our differences, we grow stronger together and deliver more compassionate, person-centered care. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.
Candidates must be graduates of an accredited surgical assisting program and hold a CSFA, CSA, or SA-C certification. A minimum of 2 years of experience in an operating room as a surgical technologist is required.
Market context
Indiana employers typically seek Surgical Tech First Assist candidates for operating room teams in hospitals and surgical centers, especially where procedure volume and staffing needs are steady. This role is competitive because accredited training, CSFA/CSA/SA-C certification, and at least 2 years of OR surgical technologist experience are often expected. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your certification and OR experience align before applying.
