Surgical Aide/ Per Diem- Cardiovascular Center

Brigham and Women's Hospital - Newton, MA

Hybrid - Newton, MA

Hospitals

About the position

The CVC Surgical Aide works as an integral part of the healthcare team, responsible for maintaining a safe environment in which quality patient care is delivered. He/she works under the direct supervision of the registered professional nurse and the Charge Nurse. The CVC Surgical Aide is responsible for the transportation of patients to and from the CVC and other locations. As needed and directed, he/she assists nursing staff in the rooms with patient care which includes positioning and transfer of anesthetized patients as well as supporting limbs during a surgical skin prep. He/she is also responsible for performing a shave prep of the patient prior to surgery, according to established guidelines, and the delivery of specimens and blood products to and from the Laboratory and Radiology. Other duties include between-case cleaning, the handling of infectious waste, sharps, and maintaining order and cleanliness in the procedural areas. The CVC Surgical Aide is responsible for maintaining inventory levels of specified stock items in the CVC, and the preparation of stretchers and oxygen tanks to see that both are ready and available when needed for patient transport. Prioritization of patient care tasks at hand and communication with health care team members is an important factor in performing the duties of this role.

Responsibilities

• Identification and transportation of patients to and from the CVC and to other locations within the hospital.
• Understand the importance and practice of Isolation/Precautions in patient care.
• Maintain inventory level of specified stock items within the CVC according to established guidelines.
• Assist nursing staff in the rooms as needed and directed (i.e. turning, moving anesthetized patients, holding of extremities for surgical prep, gathering of equipment, etc.).
• Perform between-case cleaning in order to minimize turnaround between surgical procedures.
• Check status of stretchers to assure they are ready and available when needed for patient transport.
• Perform the Balancing of the Total Care Bed for specific patient populations prior to patient use.
• Check status of oxygen tanks on stretchers to assure O2 is always available for patient transport.
• Maintain inventory of medical gases for patient care, i.e. oxygen.
• Delivery of specimens and blood products to the Laboratory or Radiology, as directed by nursing personnel.
• Clean CVC equipment at end of surgical procedures, including surgical table, mayo stands, ring stands, instrument tables, kick buckets and IV poles, according to established infection control policies and procedures.
• Run errands as needed and directed by registered professional nurse and/or charge nurse.
• Collaborate with other members of the surgical team to see that each procedural room is clean and all equipment is in place.
• Perform shave prep on surgical patient as directed, according to established guidelines, policy and procedure.
• Determine specific waste type for proper disposal of trash.
• Maintain order and cleanliness in soiled room where linen, trash, and infectious waste are stored prior to disposal.
• Communicate pertinent information with regard to patient care concerns to appropriate personnel.
• Apply the principles of asepsis to maintain integrity of the sterile field.
• Assist and collaborate with the RN and technologist to set up for surgical procedures with proper instrumentation, equipment and supplies.
• Assist in the care, cleaning and maintenance of all general and specialty instruments, equipment and supplies according to established guidelines, policies and procedures.
• Maintain confidentiality of information related to individual patients and patient care units.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent education.
• Satisfactory references.
• CPR training required.
• Neat and clean in appearance.
• Good physical dexterity.
• Able to communicate effectively; verbal and non-verbal communication skills important.
• Willingness to initiate communication/conversation with patients and families.
• Ability to work in a fast paced environment.