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The Cardiac Surgical Specialist provides assistance to the primary surgeon during a surgical procedure. As defined by the American College of Surgeons (ACS), surgical assistants provide aid in exposure, hemostasis, closure, and other intraoperative technical functions that help the surgeon carry out a safe operation with optimal results for the patient. In addition to intraoperative duties, the surgical assistant also performs preoperative and postoperative duties to better facilitate proper patient care. The Cardiac Surgical Specialist performs these functions during the operation under the direction and supervision of the surgeon and in accordance with hospital policy and appropriate laws and regulations. It is understood and acknowledged that certification through the American Board of Surgical Assistants, ABSA (SA-C) does not allow for any independent performance of any medical or surgical procedures.

CORE JOB FUNCTIONS
1. Positions the patient
a. The surgeon shall convey the exact position that will give the best exposure for the surgical procedure. The Cardiac Surgical Specialist will carry out this order. Consideration will be given to the patient’s comfort and safety.
b. Points of pressure shall be padded: elbows, heels, knees, eyes, face, and axillary region.
c. Circulation shall not be impaired. (A tourniquet may be required for some procedures.)
d. Nerve damage shall be guarded against.
e. The temperature of the patient should be discussed with the anesthesia personnel and methods employed to maintain the desired temperature range.
f. The Cardiac Surgical Specialist shall be familiar with common positions related to the surgical procedure and will be able to use the equipment necessary to provide the position. Competencies will include the following:
i. Fracture tables
ii. Head stabilizers
iii. Body stabilizers
iv. C-arm extensions
v. Any other equipment needed
g. Upon completion of the procedure, the patient shall be evaluated for any possible damage from positioning which will include assessment of the skin. The abnormal condition shall be reported to the surgeon and treatment and documentation shall be carried out.
2. Provides visualization of the operative site by the following:
a. Appropriate placement and securing of retractors with or without padding
b. Packing with sponges
c. Digital manipulation of tissue
d. Suctioning, irrigating, or sponging
e. Manipulation of suture materials (e.g., loops, tags, running sutures)
f. Proper use of body mechanics to prevent obstruction of the surgeon’s view
3. Utilizes appropriate techniques to assist with hemostasis:
a. Permanent
i. Clamps and/or cauterizes vessels or tissue
ii. Ties and/or ligates clamped vessels or tissue
iii. Applies hemostatic clips
iv. Places local hemostatic agents
b. Temporary
i. Applies tourniquets and demonstrating awareness of the indications/contraindications for use with knowledge of side effects of extended use
ii. Applies vessel loops
iii. Applies non-crushing clamps
iv. Applies direct digital pressure
4. Participates in volume replacement or auto-transfusion techniques as appropriate.
5. Utilizes appropriate techniques to assist with closure of body planes:
a. Utilizing running or interrupted sutures with absorbable or non-absorbable material of wound layers, including muscle and fascia.
b. Utilizing subcuticular closure technique with or without adhesive skin closure strips
c. Closing skin with method per surgeon’s directive (suture, staples, etc.)
d. Postoperative subcutaneous injection of local anesthetic per surgeon’s directive
6. Selects and applies appropriate wound dressings, including the following:
a. Liquid or spray occlusive materials
b. Absorbent material affixed with tape or circumferential wrapping
c. Immobilizing dressing (soft or rigid)
7. Provides assistance in securing drainage systems to tissue.
8. Performs other duties as required.
9. Maintains established hospital policies, procedures, directives, quality, safety, environmental and infection control standards appropriate for this position.
10. Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets.
This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities as necessary.
 

CORE QUALIFICATIONS
 

Education:
Bachelor’s degree in relevant field
Certification and Licensing:
Valid Basis Life Support (BLS) certification
Valid Surgical Assistant (SA-C) by the American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA) certification
Experience:
Minimum 2 years of relevant experience

Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes:
• Skill in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail.
• Ability to analyze, organize and prioritize work under pressure while meeting deadlines.
• Ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion.
• Ability to work evenings, nights, and weekends as necessary.
• Commitment to the University’s core values.
• Ability to work independently and/or in a collaborative environment.

The University of Miami offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, tuition remission and more.

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