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Primary Function/General Purpose of Position
The Lead Surgical Assistant serves in the assistant role in the provision of care to patients undergoing a surgical procedure under the supervision of the provider in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations and within the policies, procedures, and guidelines of the organization. The Lead Surgical Assistant is an expert level practitioner who may function as a Service Line Coordinator and is a resource to teammates.

Essential Job Functions

Routinely functions as first assist on assigned cases within multiple and complex

service lines. May function in the Surgical Tech capacity fulfilling the scrub role

as assigned, demonstrating knowledge and implementation of sterile

technique. Based on market operating room design, may serve as the Service

Line Coordinator for a specific service line or may serve as the lead for the

department, coordinating daily activities of the operating room suites in

collaboration with the surgeons, anesthesiologists, Certified Nurse Anesthetists

Performs all essential job functions of a Surgical Assistant II including but not

limited to operating room preparation and set-up, assisting the nurse with

patient care in preparation for surgery, communicating effectively with all

members of the patient care team, participating in various hospital and unit

initiatives, assisting with room turnover and cleanup after surgery, and under the

direct supervision of the surgeon may: Insert secondary trocars; Place

instruments through trocars; Utilize power equipment and stapling devices

(other than skin stapling); Inject infiltration local anesthetic medications

excluding Exparel. During surgical procedures: Use sponges and suction;

Cauterization processes; Appropriately place and manipulate retractors (with or

without padding); Irrigate the wound site(s); Cut suture material, handle

hemostats, and tie suture; Provides assistance securing drains to tissue. Closes

the surgical wound: May assist suture closing of fascia layer under the direct

observation of the surgeon; Sutures the subcutaneous tissues and skin including

with the use of a skin stapler if needed. Applies appropriate wound dressings,

including medicated dressings.

Coordinates with surgeons, vendors, and hospital leadership to coordinate and

procure supplies, instruments, equipment, and/or specialty items as requested

by surgeons for patient care. Based on market design and with leadership approval, places orders as necessary. Escalating issues and collaborating with
nursing department leadership as appropriate.

Maintains and updates surgeons' preference cards.

Participates in the continuing development of personnel in the Operating
Room. Provides clinical instruction, direction to staff, and provides or sets up inservices
for the staff. Functions as a resource person for equipment issues and
maintains equipment in working condition, taking immediate action to facilitate,
needed repairs and/or replacement in collaboration with Biomed.
and personnel from other departments.
Maintains equipment in working condition taking immediate action to facilitate
May submit performance-based appraisals summaries to assist Director in
thorough employee evaluation and provides ongoing appraisal through notes.
Assists the Director Perioperative Services or designee in the preparation of the
fiscal budget, long range planning, and major equipment budgeting for the
operation rooms. May collaborate with billing coordinator/charge master to
ensure proper patient charging is accomplished in a timely manner.
Assists the Director Perioperative Services or designee with continued
communications with physicians, sales representatives, public, and other
departments.
Participates in financial accountability by utilizing resources in a cost-conscious
manner and offers performance improvement initiatives
Participates in and coordinates the orientation of new staff and students as
assigned and serves as a preceptor for the department.
Demonstrates flexibility regarding unit/area staffing and scheduling needs. May
assist with or oversee overall daily operations to include making daily staffing
assignments, preparing staff schedules to include call and holiday schedules, and
reviewing the surgery schedule and adjusting optimize efficiencies.
Participates in performance improvement and quality initiatives.
Takes call as required by department.

Work Experience

Two years of clinical work experience as a Surgical First Assistant (required)

Education

High school diploma or equivalent (required)

Completion of a Surgical Assistant Program (required)

Certifications

BLS Basic Life Support American Heart Association (preferred upon hire, must obtain from approved source prior to direct patient care)

Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) - National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or
National Surgical Assistant Association (NSAA), or
National Commission for the Certification of Surgical Assistants (NCCSA) (required; if hired in Virginia prior to July 1, 2020, preferred; if hired in Cincinnati prior to June 1, 2025, 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