Surgical Assistant

Job description

Be a part of a world-class academic healthcare system, UChicago Medicine, as a Surgical Assistant in our CCD Operating Room at our Hyde Park location.
In this role, you will work directly with attending surgeons and the perioperative team to provide specialized assistance during surgical procedures. The Surgical Assistant plays an essential role in supporting safe, efficient surgical care, maintaining patient safety, and ensuring optimal surgical outcomes.
This is a full-time, 1.0 FTE, onsite opportunity.
What You'll Do
• Provide direct surgical assistance under the supervision and direction of the attending surgeon.
• Prepare and identify specialized instruments, equipment, and supplies needed for surgical procedures.
• Assist with patient positioning, preparation, and draping.
• Provide tissue and organ retraction to maintain optimal surgical visualization.
• Assist with maintaining hemostasis using appropriate surgical techniques, including direct pressure, cauterization, and suture ligatures.
• Assist with incisions, trocar placement, and minimally invasive or robotic procedures as directed by the surgeon.
• Assist with clamping, ligating, and cutting tissue as appropriate.
• Assist with placement of surgical drains, tubes, and wound dressings.
• Support the surgical team with patient transfers, anesthesia-related activities, and emergency response when needed.
• Assist with the selection and display of surgical imaging during procedures.
• Perform additional surgical and perioperative duties within the scope of practice and under the direction of the attending surgeon.
• Maintain compliance with infection prevention, patient safety, and regulatory standards.
• Collaborate with surgeons, nurses, anesthesia professionals, and other perioperative team members to support quality patient care.

What You'll Need
• Completion of a formal Surgical Assistant educational or training program.
• Clinical education and training specific to surgical assisting responsibilities.
• Current Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) certification through NBSTSA or Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) certification through NCCSA.
• Surgical Assistant licensure through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Demonstrated knowledge of surgical instruments, equipment, sterile technique, and surgical procedures.
• Strong clinical judgment, communication, teamwork, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced operating room environment.

Preferred Qualifications
• Three to five years of experience in a clinical surgical specialty.
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) certification.
• Experience supporting complex surgical procedures, including minimally invasive or robotic surgery.

Position Details
• Location: UChicago Medicine – Hyde Park
• Department: CCD Operating Room / Perioperative Services
• Position Type: Full-Time, Regular
• FTE: 1.0
• Shift: Days
• Work Schedule: 40 hours per week
• Work Location: Onsite