Surgical Assistant

Surgical Assistant

Assists the Mohs surgeon by providing and controlling surgical instruments and equipment during Mohs stages. Ensures that instruments and supplies are cleaned, sterilized, and available as needed. Provides hands-on assisting with Mohs procedures. Assists with lab/pathology processing of Mohs specimens. In addition, the surgical assistant will assist the dermatologist providers in day-to-day dermatology patient flow.

Job Description

• Opens sterile supplies and sets up for each procedure.
• Performs medical assisting duties which may include, but are not limited to, vital signs, height and weight, and assisting during excisions and Mohs surgical procedures.
• Ensures that all patient care areas are clean, organized, stocked, and ready for patient use.
• Assists Mohs surgeon during procedure according to prescribed standards. Assists and anticipates the needs of the surgeon.
• Performs proper dosing and mixing of medications: Buffered Lidocaine, Kenalog, Sclerotherapy preparations, Botox-Cosmetic & Hyperhidrosis, etc.
• Sets up procedure room according to prescribed standards.
• Assists Mohs surgeon throughout the procedure with instruments and providing hands-on assistance according to prescribed standards.
• Takes appropriate photographs of Mohs stages. Labels and organizes photographs.
• Performs appropriate point of care testing, such as lab tests and specimen collection. Implements quality control standards to ensure proper functioning and accuracy of testing equipment. Provides patients with relevant instructions for specific tests and procedures.
• Sterilizes and packages instruments.
• Demonstrates expertise in safety principles, asepsis, sterile technique, and universal precautions.
• Knowledge of and ability to disinfect, clean, and sterilize surgical instruments, equipment, and supplies.
• Assists in procedure room maintenance, including case preparation, room turnover, and instrument processing.
• Communicates with patients, other teammates, and the general public in a courteous, helpful manner by phone and in person.
• Documents in the electronic medical system (EMR) as needed.
• Assists with inventory and storage of equipment and supplies.
• Performs medical assistant duties as required for non-Mohs patients as part of the dermatology practice as needed.
• Provided demonstrated competency and supervisory agreement is in place, performs injections of subcutaneous and intramuscular medications.
• Assists with OSHA daily and monthly checks. Must have the ability to correctly maintain the OSHA log.
• Completes suture inventory and checks rooms for expiring inventory.
• Records and maintains pathology logbook to ensure that all pathology reports have been properly documented.
• Responsible for cross coverage when needed.
• Must be willing and able to travel to brand or region practice locations to provide clinical coverage when needed. This includes providing coverage when clinicians are on vacation as well as sick calls and PTO coverage.
• Maintains a ONETeam mindset using the foundation of our core values, the 3Ps: Positivity, Productivity, and Professionalism.
• Supports APDerm's mission and culture of high-quality standards by carrying out applicable policies, procedures, and established industry standards, laws, and regulations. Examples include adhering to privacy and data protection practices, ensuring a safe workplace, and reporting observed or suspected behavior and actions that do not meet APDerm standards.
• Completes all assigned required training by the deadline including, but not limited to, the Code of Conduct, Privacy & Data Security, and OSHA.

Requirements

• Education: High school diploma or equivalent (GED) is required.
• Certified Dermatology Technician (CDT), Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), or Registered Medical Assistant (RMA), or equivalent amount of education and experience required.
• Required surgical/OR experience; willing to train on Mohs specific training.
• Two years of experience in an outpatient surgery center, Mohs dermatology practice, or office-based surgery department preferred.
• BLS certification required.

Skills, Knowledge, & Abilities

• Infectious control, HIPAA, and OSHA knowledge is preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and customer service skills required to communicate with patients, family members, physicians, and other health care providers, as well as other colleagues in a positive, professional manner.
• Possesses and displays knowledge of medical terminology.
• Must possess strong problem-solving abilities and analytical skills to ensure patient's needs are met.
• Must possess excellent computer skills to input and retrieve clinical information.
• Utilizes critical thinking and good judgment in performance of tasks.
• Must possess organizational skills and can multitask.
• Must be able to prioritize daily assignments to ensure smooth workflow.