First Surgical Assistant, Full-time, Rotating

Benefits

• $10,000 Tuition Reimbursement per year ($5,700 part-time)
• $10,000 Student Loan Repayment ($5,000 part-time)
• $1,000 Professional Development per year ($500 part-time)
• $250 Wellbeing Fund per year($125 for part-time)
• Matching 401(k)
• Excellent medical, dental and vision coverage
• Life insurance
• Annual Employee Salary Increase and Incentive Bonus
• Paid time off and Holiday pay

Northwestern Medicine is powered by a community of colleagues who are purpose-driven and committed to our mission to deliver world-class care. Here, you'll work alongside some of the best clinical talent in the nation leading the way in medical innovation and breakthrough research with Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

We recognize where you've been, and we support where you're headed. We celebrate diverse perspectives and experiences, which fuel our commitment to equity and culture of service.

Grow your career with comprehensive training and development opportunities, mentorship programs, educational support and student loan repayment.

• Create the life you envision for yourself with flexible work options, a Reimbursable Well-Being Fund and a Total Rewards package that support your physical, mental, emotional and financial well-being.
• Make a difference through volunteer opportunities we offer in local communities and drive inclusive change through our workforce-led resource groups.

From discovery to delivery, come help us shape the future of medicine.

Description

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.

Qualifications

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

Equal Opportunity

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.