Everyone who works with Mercy Health is united under one purpose: to help our patients be well in mind, body and spirit. This drive, along with our history of faith, is a powerful combination. It gives us a shared calling to work toward every day. Join our exceptional team and help us continue to provide the highest quality of health care possible to our communities.

Primary Function/General Purpose of Position

The Cardiovascular & Thoracic Surgical Assistant is responsible for preparing the Cardiovascular & Thoracic (CVT) surgical room, gathering patient and case specific supplies and equipment. Under the direct supervision of a surgeon, performs first, second or third assistant tasks during an intra-operative procedure to include: providing exposure, retracts to expose anatomy without causing undue pressure on organs and tissue, performs surgical wound repair technique(s) and controls blood loss during surgical entry, dissection and closure in Open Heart, Thoracic, and Vascular cases. May be called upon to perform duties in Main OR during normal working hours when not in conflict with CVT responsibilities.

Essential Job Functions

• Plans surgical intervention activities to meet the identified patient outcomes.

• Implements plan for case with skill and efficiency and adjusts plan throughout case as needed.

• Effectively communicates and exchanges, either orally or in writing, pertinent case and department information.

• Promotes and maintains a safe, comfortable, and therapeutic environment for patients, staff, and visitors.

• Reports any implanted devices, catheters, drains, and packing to circulator.

• Provides complete case preparation and has knowledge, with the ability to adapt, of special instruments, supplies, and equipment needs for patient populations. 

• Demonstrates knowledge of patients’ rights and responsibilities according to the patients age and understanding.

• Demonstrates understanding of patients Advance Directives.

• Assists in CPR as needed.

• Assists with pre and post procedure cleaning of the operative or invasive procedure room and necessary instruments. 

• Participates in ongoing educational and competency verification opportunities.

• Participates in financial accountability by utilizing resources in a cost-conscious manner and offers performance improvement initiatives. 

• Participates in all patient safety care measures.

• Accessible for "on call" as scheduled and is available within the time frames as indicated by the department.

• Participates in the orientation of new staff and students as assigned.

• Demonstrates flexibility regarding unit/area staffing and scheduling needs.

• Maintains personal grooming and attire consistent with BSMH policy.

• Assists in inventory of supplies and places orders as necessary. 

• Monitors instrument sets and orders replacements or requests repairs as needed and per market guidelines.

• Provides clinical instruction, direction and in-service training to department staff and serves as a preceptor.

• Additional responsibilities may include room sanitation, patient transport/transfer, surgical positioning, establishing, and maintaining sterile fields, equipment and instrument operation.

•  The Surgical Assistant demonstrates expertise in patient care activities under the supervision of a Registered Nurse.

• Anticipates and performs tasks that help provide a safe work environment for staff, patients, and self.

• Complete case setup/room turnover as part of surgical team in an accurate and timely manner.

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.

Licensing/Certification

Certified in one of the following (required): Certified Surgical Assistant, The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or Certified Surgical First Assistant - National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)

If employed in Virginia, registered with the Virginia Board of Medicine as a Surgical Assistant (required)
BLS (Preferred upon hire, must obtain from an approved source prior to direct patient care)
ACLS (Preferred upon hire, must obtain within 90 days of start from an approved source)

Education

High School Diploma or GED (required)

Associates, Vocational Certification or Military Certificate, Surgical Tech (preferred)

Work Experience

2 years' experience in an Operating Room (required)

Experience in cardiovascular and thoracic operating room (preferred)

Language

None

Patient Population

Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his or her assigned unit.

Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development of the life span and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interprets the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his or her age, specific needs and to provide the care needed as described in departmental policies and procedures.​

Adolescents (13-17 years)

Adults (18-64 years)

Geriatrics (65 years and older)

Working Conditions

Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur.

General office environment.

 May be exposed to high noise levels and bright lights.

May be exposed to limited hazardous substances or body fluids.*

May be exposed to human blood and other potentially infectious materials.*

* Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn the policies concerning infection control.

Physical Requirements

Physical Demands

Frequency 0% 1-33%  34-66% 67-100%

Lifting/ Carrying (0-50 lbs.) x 

Lifting/ Carrying (50-100 lbs.) x

Push/ Pull (0-50 lbs.) x

Push/ Pull (50-100 lbs.) x

Stoop, Kneel x

Crawling x

Climbing x

Balance x

Bending x

Work Position

Frequency 0% 1-33%  34-66% 67-100%

Sitting x

Walking x

Standing  x

Additional Physical Requirements/Hazards

Physical Requirements

Manual dexterity (eye/hand coordination)

Perform shift work

Maneuver weight of patients

Hear alarms/telephone/audio recordings

Repetitive arm/hand movements

Finger Dexterity

Hazards

Use of Latex products

Exposure to toxic/caustic/chemicals/detergents

Skills
Knowledge of contemporary nursing practice and future innovationsNursing judgment and skill based on principles of the biological, physical, behavioral, and social sciencesApplication of the nursing process in patient care deliveryCoordination of patient care deliveryHealth teaching and health promotionPatient advocacy and partnershipInterprofessional collaboration and leadershipUnderstanding and utilization of office and clinical technologiesIntegration of quality improvement, evidence based practices and research in practice

Compassionate, relationship-based approach to help find meaning in illness, suffering, pain, and existence

Accountability for professional actionsEffective stewardship of available resourcesConflict management and resilienceAbility to delegate activities to others, while remaining responsible and accountable for outcomes

Many of our opportunities reward* your hard work with:
Comprehensive, affordable medical, dental and vision plans
Prescription drug coverage
Flexible spending accounts
Life insurance w/AD&D
Employer contributions to retirement savings plan when eligible
Paid time off
Educational Assistance
And much more
*Benefits offerings vary according to employment status

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 Employers, please email 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