A surgical medical assistant works alongside surgeons in an operating room capacity. His or her main work is to help surgeons in performing their work. The work has both simple and complex aspects, both of which need to be handled in a proper manner.
Typically, a degree in medicine is sufficient to work as a surgical medical assistant. However, training in a surgical capacity is required. An internship in a surgical room will also go a long way in making you a good contender for the position.
As far as work duties are concerned, a surgical medical assistant assists patients prepare for the surgery, and provides education on procedures, and what to expect. He or she also takes and records vitals, such as temperature, pulse, and blood pressure readings.
It is also the work of a surgical medical assistant to ensure that all surgical instruments and equipment are made available to the surgeon. Providing assistance during the surgical procedure is also the work of a person at this position.
A list of duties particular to the position of a surgical medical assistant is provided below:
Surgical Medical Assistant Job Description
• Greet patients as they arrive at the surgical room in a pleasant manner.
• Compare identification bands with their files.
• Check patients’ notes in order to determine their specific conditions.
• Make notes of surgical procedures required.
• Take and record medical histories.
• Engage patients in conversation in order to make them comfortable.
• Provide patients with information on what to expect during prep and surgery.
• Assist patients in getting ready for surgeries by providing them with gowns and helping them into them.
• Respond to questions asked by patients.
• Confer with surgeons in order to determine which surgical equipment and instruments are required for the surgery.
• Arrange for both instruments and equipment to be made available.
• Assist surgeons by handing them instruments during surgery.
• Support dressing processes.
• Provide after-visit information to patients and their families.
• Arrange for patients to be transported to recovery rooms.
• Complete patients’ charts.
• Dispose of instruments not needed.
• Sterilize equipment and instruments according to protocol.
• Ensure the cleanliness and sanitization of surgery rooms.
• Create and maintain records of patients.
• Clean and stock surgical rooms.
• Oversee surgical instruments inventory.
• Document care provided to patients during their time in the surgical room.
• Recognize and respond to emergencies before, during, and after surgeries.