Veterinary Surgery Scrub Assistant

Location: Durham, North Carolina

Schedule: Full-time, First Shift with On-Call Requirements

About Us

The Triangle’s premier emergency and specialty hospital is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Surgery Scrub Assistant to join our surgery team.

We provide 24/7 emergency services and specialty referrals in surgery, internal medicine, cardiology, oncology, radiology, and rehabilitation. Our culture is fast-paced, collaborative, and supportive, with an emphasis on professional growth and utilizing your skills to their fullest potential.

Job Summary

The primary focus of this role is working closely alongside the surgeon in the operating room by sterile scrubbing into procedures and providing direct intraoperative support.

The Surgery Scrub Assistant also plays an essential role in supporting the surgery department by assisting with patient flow, surgical preparation, sterile processing, and client communication. This position helps ensure the surgery service runs efficiently by supporting both clinical and operational workflows.

This role requires a proactive individual who is organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable working in a fast-paced specialty environment. Candidates should possess strong communication skills, a positive attitude, and the ability to work independently while supporting a collaborative team.

The Surgery Scrub Assistant works closely with surgeons, anesthesia technicians, surgery technicians, sterile processing, rehabilitation, and client care teams to maintain a high standard of patient care and surgical efficiency.

Essential Job Functions

Scrub Assistant & Intraoperative Support

• Sterile scrub into surgical procedures and provide direct assistance to the surgeon throughout procedures.
• Maintain sterile technique and preserve the integrity of the sterile field during all procedures.
• Prepare, organize, and pass surgical instruments, supplies, sutures, and implants during surgery.
• Anticipate surgeon needs and ensure instruments and materials are readily available throughout procedures.
• Assist with surgical draping, patient positioning, and maintaining surgical workflow efficiency.
• Perform surgical counts of instruments, sharps, and sponges according to department protocols.
• Support intraoperative efficiency by assisting with equipment setup, troubleshooting, and room readiness.
• Ensure operating room organization and preparedness prior to procedures.
  
  
  

Patient & Appointment Support

• Assist with patient intake for surgery appointments, including consults, rechecks, and drop-offs.
• Prepare patients for discharge, including reviewing discharge instructions with clients.
• Assist with patient restraint and handling for treatments and procedures.
• Support patient care and husbandry while maintaining proper infectious disease protocols.
  
  
  

Surgical Preparation & Workflow Support

• Perform dirty preparation and sterile preparation for surgical patients.
• Flip and prepare surgery prep tables between procedures.
• Set up post-operative recovery kennels to ensure readiness for incoming patients.
• Assist in preparing patients for surgery, including shaving and basic prep duties.
• Help maintain efficient patient flow throughout the surgery department.
  
  
  

Operating Room & Sterile Processing Support

• Set up, break down, and clean operating rooms between procedures.
• Clean, disinfect, wrap, and sterilize surgical instruments.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of surgery prep areas and OR suites.
• Stock surgery areas, prep spaces, and operating rooms with necessary supplies.
• Assist with maintaining surgical equipment and identifying supply needs.
• Ensure proper cleaning protocols are followed for surgical instruments and equipment.
  
  
  

Department Support

• Assist surgery technicians and clinicians with daily workflow needs.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and well-stocked surgery department.
• Communicate effectively with team members to support department efficiency.
• Assist with additional departmental tasks as needed to support patient care and workflow.
  
  
  

Competencies

• Teamwork and Collaboration
• Initiative and Self-Motivation
• Technical Competency
• Flexibility and Adaptability
• Problem Solving and Analytical Skills
• Strong Written and Verbal Communication Skills
  
  
  

Qualifications

Required:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent
• 1 years of veterinary assistant or veterinary support experience preferred
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced clinical environment
• Ability to lift, restrain, and handle animals safely
• Strong organizational, communication, and multitasking skills
  
  
  

Preferred:

• Previous experience in surgery, anesthesia, sterile processing, or specialty veterinary medicine
• Interest in pursuing a veterinary technician or animal science career path
• Familiarity with veterinary medical records and hospital software systems
  
  
  

Benefits:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance
• HSA and FSA options
• Short-term & long-term disability, life, accident, and critical illness coverage
• 401(k) with employer match
• Paid Parental Leave
• PTO, CE allowance, CE PTO, uniform allowance
• Veterinary service discounts