Certified Surgical First Assistant - Chicago - Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush

Description

Office of Dr. Richard A. Berger, Orthopedic Surgery

Midwest Orthopaedics at RUSH

Locations

Primary travel to offsite surgical facilities in:

• Chesterton, IN
• Munster, IN
• Oakbrook, IL
• Lincoln Park, IL
• Pleasant Prairie, WI

(Note: occasional work may also occur at main offices / facilities as needed in the Chicago / greater metro area.)

Position Summary

The OR Surgical Assistant will provide intraoperative, perioperative, and supporting services to Dr. Berger in orthopedic surgical cases across multiple offsite locations. The role requires frequent travel, flexibility, and ability to work seamlessly across different surgical facilities. The Surgical Assistant works under the direct supervision of the orthopedic surgeon, collaborating with operating room teams, anesthesia, nursing, and support staff to ensure safe, efficient, and high‑quality patient care.

Key Responsibilities & Duties:

Preoperative / Preparation

• Review the surgical schedule in advance, obtain the case history, imaging, special instrumentation or implant needs
• Coordinate with the surgical facility / hospital staff to ensure OR setup, sterile instruments, implants, and disposables are available
• Assist with patient positioning, prepping, skin sterilization, and draping
• Verify patient identity, operative site, and consent documentation in conjunction with surgeon
• Maintain sterile field protocols and assist with gowning/gloving of surgical team

Intraoperative Assistance

• Serve as the first or second assistant (as permitted by state/facility) — help retract, suction, maintain exposure, assist with instrumentation, suture / close layers, place drains or devices, apply dressings
• Anticipate surgeon's needs, pass instruments, manage implants, and maintain operative efficiency
• Monitor tissue handling, maintain hemostasis, assist with cautery, irrigation, and suction
• Assist in the insertion, positioning, and securing of orthopedic fixation devices, grafts, screws, plates, etc.
• Coordinate with scrub techs, circulators, anesthesia, and other OR staff
• Assist during intraoperative imaging (fluoroscopy) and navigation if applicable
• Document intraoperative events, counts, and implant usage as required

Postoperative / Turnover

• Assist in applying final dressings, splints, or immobilization devices
• Aid with patient transfer to recovery area (PACU)
• Clean, decontaminate, and turnover the OR between cases as needed
• Ensure surgical instruments and trays are properly handled, cleaned, and returned

Cross‑Site Logistics & Coordination

• Liaise with facility staff, vendors, and implant reps to ensure appropriate setup
• Manage scheduling logistics, travel time, and resource mobilization between sites
• Communicate proactively about delays, equipment needs, or facility constraints
• Assist in coordinating staff coverage or backup support across sites

Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Adhere strictly to aseptic technique, sterile field integrity, infection control, and OR safety protocols
• Participate in preoperative time-outs, surgical checklists, and site verification
• Comply with facility, state, and federal regulatory requirements (e.g. OSHA, HIPAA, JCAHO)
• Report adverse events, near misses, or safety issues promptly
• Maintain professional continuing education, certification, and skills competency

Qualifications & Skills

Education / Training

• Graduate of an accredited Surgical Technology program, or equivalent training (certified surgical technologist preferred)
• Additional training or experience as a First Assistant / surgical assistant in orthopedic cases preferred
• Current BLS (Basic Life Support) certification; additional ACLS or specialty certifications a plus

Experience

• Minimum 1–4 years of surgical assisting or scrub tech experience, ideally in orthopedic surgery
• Experience with orthopedic instrumentation, implant systems, fixation hardware, and grafts
• Prior exposure to multiple surgical facility settings or mobile/rotating OR assignments preferred
• Competence in intraoperative imaging, navigation, or fluoroscopy assistance is a plus

Technical & Clinical Skills

• Excellent manual dexterity, hand‑eye coordination, and instrument handling
• Strong understanding of musculoskeletal anatomy, orthopedic techniques, and implant systems
• Ability to anticipate surgeon needs and adapt to changing procedural demands
• Familiarity with surgical safety checklists, sterile technique, and OR protocols
• Proficient in surgical count procedures, documentation, and implant tracking

Personal & Interpersonal Skills

• Highly dependable, flexible, and comfortable with frequent travel and variable work sites
• Strong communication and teamwork skills; ability to integrate into different OR teams
• Excellent time management, organizational, and multitasking capabilities
• Ability to work under pressure, in a fast-paced surgical environment
• Professional demeanor, strong patient care orientation, and attention to detail

Physical Requirements

• Able to stand for extended periods (many hours)
• Capable of lifting and maneuvering surgical instrument trays, equipment, and implants (e.g. up to 50‑75 lbs)
• Bending, reaching, stretching, and fine motor work throughout procedures
• Good visual acuity, manual dexterity, and tactile sensitivity

Travel & Logistics

• Must be willing to travel regularly to offsite surgical facilities (Chesterton, Oakbrook, Lincoln Park, Pleasant Prairie)
• Valid driver's license and ability to drive between sites
• Flexibility to accommodate variable OR start times, occasional overnight stays, or extended hours

Reporting & Supervision

• Reports directly to Dr. Richard A. Berger (
• Works collaboratively with OR leadership, facility surgical directors, and nursing teams
• No direct supervisory responsibility (unless evolving to lead role)

Working Conditions & Schedule

• Full‑time position
• Variable schedule according to surgical case volume and site assignments
• May require early start times, late finishes, occasional weekends or call when needed
• Work across different hospital/ambulatory surgery centers with variable facility protocols

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary or hourly compensation with travel premium
• Health, dental, vision insurance
• Retirement plan / 401(k)
• Paid time off, CME
• Professional liability / malpractice coverage
• Support for specialty certification, licensing, and training

Performance Metrics & Goals

• Surgical case efficiency and turnover times
• Reduction in delays caused by instrument/implant logistics
• Error-free implant tracking, count reconciliation, and documentation
• Positive feedback from surgical teams and facility staff
• Adherence to safety and quality protocols
• Reliability in cross-site logistics, minimal downtime