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.

** Sign On Bonus Eligible**

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, endoscopic vein harvesting, 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.
• 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 equipment needs for patient populations.
• Demonstrates knowledge of patients’ rights and responsibilities according to the patients age and 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 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 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.

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)

If Physician Assistant, an OR licensure as Physician 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 Assistant (required) or equivalent including a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies

Work Experience

2 years of recent experience in perioperative experience (required)

Experience in cardiovascular and/or thoracic operating room (preferred)

Training

EPIC Electronic Health Record (preferred)

Endoscopic Vein Harvest (preferred)

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