Mercy Health·Springfield, Ohio
The Surgical Assistant provides direct care to patients undergoing surgical procedures under provider supervision, performing roles as first or second assist. Responsibilities include maintaining the sterile field, preparing the OR, and assisting with wound closure and dressing application.
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Scheduled Weekly Hours: 24
Work Shift: Days/Evenings (United States of America)
Mercy Health: Intro paragraph
As a faith-based and patient-focused organization, Mercy Health exists to enhance the health and well-being of all people in mind, body and spirit through exceptional patient care. Success in this goal requires a culture of compassion, collaboration, excellence and respect. Mercy Health seeks people that are committed to our values of compassion, human dignity, integrity, service and stewardship to create an environment where associates want to work and help communities thrive.
The Surgical Assistant serves in the assistant role in the provision of care to patients undergoing a surgical procedure under the supervision of the provider in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations and within the policies, procedures, and guidelines of the organization. The Surgical Assistant is an entry-level practitioner and focused on learning and growing in this role.
Performs surgical hand scrub, gowning, and gloving according to policy. Routinely functions as first or second assist on assigned cases. Functions in the Surgical Tech capacity fulfilling the scrub role as assigned, demonstrating knowledge and implementation of sterile technique. Checks all instruments to ensure they are in proper working order prior to use. Assists with sponge, sharps, and instrument counts per policy and procedures. Handles specimens in accordance with hospital policy and procedure.
Protects patient information based on hospital policy and government regulations to assure information is kept confidential. Participates in unit and hospital efforts to reduce adverse patient care events. Actively participates in the Universal Protocol procedures that assure correct site surgery.
Communicates effectively with the circulating nurse upon observance of any missing or malfunctioning instruments and/or indication of any compromise to sterility. Reports any implants device, catheters, drains and packing circulator.
Assists with
OR case preparation: Utilizes surgeon’s preference list to procure equipment and arrange proper placement in the OR; Utilizes aseptic technique when establishing the sterile field, opening supplies and instruments; Assists with monitoring and maintaining the sterile field.
Assists with patient positioning, skin clipping and prepping, foley catheterization and draping.
Under the direct observation of the surgeon, may: Insert secondary trocars; Place instruments through trocars; Utilize power equipment and stapling devices (other than skin stapling); Inject infiltration local anesthetic medications excluding Exparel.
During surgical procedures: Use sponges and suction; Cauterization processes; Appropriately place and manipulate retractors (with or without padding); Irrigate the wound site(s); Cut suture material, handle hemostats, and tie suture; Provides assistance securing drains to tissue.
Closes the surgical wound: May assist suture closing of fascia layer under the direct observation of the surgeon; Sutures the subcutaneous tissues and skin including with the use of a skin stapler if needed. Applies appropriate wound dressings, including medicated dressings.
This document is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as required by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.
BLS Basic Life Support – American Heart Association (preferred upon hire, must obtain from approved source prior to direct patient care)
Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) - National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or National Surgical Assistant Association (NSAA), or National Commission for the Certification of Surgical Assistants (NCCSA) (required) (if hired in Virginia prior to July 1, 2020, preferred; if hired in Cincinnati, preferred).
If employed in Virginia, must be registered with the Virginia Board of Medicine. (required)
• One year health care experience (preferred)
Mercy Health is an equal opportunity employer.
As a Mercy Health [https://careers.mercy.com/us/en/lifeatmercy?utm_source=job_description] associate, you’re part of a Misson that matters. We support your well-being – personally and professionally. Our benefits are built to grow with you and meet your unique needs, every step of the way.
may vary based on the market and employment status.
Inpatient Surgery - Springfield
It is our policy to abide by all Federal and State laws, as well as, the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). Accordingly, all applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you’d like to view a copy of the affirmative action plan or policy statement for Mercy Health– Youngstown, Ohio or Bon Secours – Franklin, Virginia; Petersburg, Virginia; and Emporia, Virginia, which are Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer, please email recruitment@mercy.com [recruitment@mercy.com]. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact The Talent Acquisition Team at recruitment@mercy.com [recruitment@mercy.com].
Candidates must have a high school diploma, completion of a Surgical Assistant Program, and a Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) certification. BLS certification is preferred, and registration with the Virginia Board of Medicine is required if employed in Virginia.
Market context
Surgical assistant openings in Ohio hospitals are often tied to operating room staffing needs and can be competitive because employers look for formal training, current CSA certification, and sometimes BLS. Benefits such as medical, dental, vision, life insurance, and paid time off are common parts of the package. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your program completion and certification status before applying.
