What are the responsibilities and job description for the Surgical Assistant, Surgery Unit - PRN Days position at Watertown Regional Medical Center?
Description
Be part of Watertown Regional Medical Center, an acute-care hospital in southeastern Wisconsin that consistently earns national awards for its high-quality care from the likes of Becker's Hospital Review, Chartis, Healthgrades, The Leapfrog Group, and parent company ScionHealth. Watertown Regional's exceptional care across multiple specialty services is also reflected in its numerous accreditations and certifications. Join our team and grow your career in a hospital where everyday excellence meets or exceeds expectations.
Job Summary
The Surgical Technician supports the surgical team in the safe and efficient performance of operative and invasive procedures. This role is responsible for preparing the operating room, maintaining sterile technique, anticipating the needs of the surgical team, and assisting throughout procedures to promote optimal patient outcomes and safety across all age populations.
Essential Functions
- Prepares the operating room by ensuring cleanliness, sterility, and proper setup of instruments, equipment, and supplies.
- Assists with preparing, transporting, positioning, and draping patients for surgical procedures.
- Maintains aseptic technique and a sterile field throughout surgical procedures.
- Passes instruments, supplies, and equipment to surgeons and other members of the surgical team as directed.
- Anticipates surgical team needs based on knowledge of procedures and instrumentation.
- Performs accurate counts of instruments, sponges, sharps, and supplies before, during, and after procedures in accordance with policy.
- Handles, labels, and processes surgical specimens per facility protocol.
- Assists with room turnover, including post-procedure cleanup, restocking, and preparation for subsequent cases.
- Cleans, decontaminates, and prepares surgical instruments for sterilization in accordance with infection prevention standards.
- Adheres to all safety, infection control, regulatory, and organizational policies and procedures.
- Participates in ongoing education, competency validation, and quality improvement initiatives.
- Performs other duties as assigned within scope of role.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities/Expectations
- Knowledge of surgical instruments, procedures, and sterile technique.
- Ability to function effectively in a fast-paced, high-stress surgical environment.
- Strong attention to detail and commitment to patient safety.
- Effective verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary surgical team.
- Basic computer skills and ability to learn electronic documentation systems.
- Frequent standing, walking, reaching, and handling of surgical instruments and equipment.
- Occasional lifting, pushing, or pulling of equipment and supplies (up to 50 lbs).
- Visual and auditory acuity sufficient to respond to patient and procedural cues.
- Operating room and perioperative service areas.
- Frequent exposure to blood, body fluids, sharps, chemicals, and other biohazards.
- Use of personal protective equipment required.
Qualifications
Education
- High school diploma or equivalent including education equivalent to completion of secondary school or demonstrated ability to perform the essential functions of the role (Required)
- Completion of an accredited Surgical Technology or Operating Room Technician program preferred.
- Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Licenses/Certifications
- Basic Life Support (BLS) required.
- Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) preferred, or ability to obtain certification if eligible, in accordance with facility and state requirements.
Experience
- Prior experience in a surgical or operating room setting preferred.