Job 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 needsCoordinate with the surgical facility / hospital staff to ensure OR setup, sterile instruments, implants, and disposables are availableAssist with patient positioning, prepping, skin sterilization, and drapingVerify patient identity, operative site, and consent documentation in conjunction with surgeonMaintain sterile field protocols and assist with gowning / gloving of surgical teamIntraoperative 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 dressingsAnticipate surgeon’s needs, pass instruments, manage implants, and maintain operative efficiencyMonitor tissue handling, maintain hemostasis, assist with cautery, irrigation, and suctionAssist in the insertion, positioning, and securing of orthopedic fixation devices, grafts, screws, plates, etc.Coordinate with scrub techs, circulators, anesthesia, and other OR staffAssist during intraoperative imaging (fluoroscopy) and navigation if applicableDocument intraoperative events, counts, and implant usage as requiredPostoperative / Turnover
Assist in applying final dressings, splints, or immobilization devicesAid with patient transfer to recovery area (PACU)Clean, decontaminate, and turnover the OR between cases as neededEnsure surgical instruments and trays are properly handled, cleaned, and returnedCross‑Site Logistics & Coordination
Liaise with facility staff, vendors, and implant reps to ensure appropriate setupManage scheduling logistics, travel time, and resource mobilization between sitesCommunicate proactively about delays, equipment needs, or facility constraintsAssist in coordinating staff coverage or backup support across sitesQuality, Safety & Compliance
Adhere strictly to aseptic technique, sterile field integrity, infection control, and OR safety protocolsParticipate in preoperative time-outs, surgical checklists, and site verificationComply with facility, state, and federal regulatory requirements (e.g. OSHA, HIPAA, JCAHO)Report adverse events, near misses, or safety issues promptlyMaintain professional continuing education, certification, and skills competencyQualifications & 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 preferredCurrent BLS (Basic Life Support) certification; additional ACLS or specialty certifications a plusExperience
Minimum 1–4 years of surgical assisting or scrub tech experience, ideally in orthopedic surgeryExperience with orthopedic instrumentation, implant systems, fixation hardware, and graftsPrior exposure to multiple surgical facility settings or mobile / rotating OR assignments preferredCompetence in intraoperative imaging, navigation, or fluoroscopy assistance is a plusTechnical & Clinical Skills
Excellent manual dexterity, hand‑eye coordination, and instrument handlingStrong understanding of musculoskeletal anatomy, orthopedic techniques, and implant systemsAbility to anticipate surgeon needs and adapt to changing procedural demandsFamiliarity with surgical safety checklists, sterile technique, and OR protocolsProficient in surgical count procedures, documentation, and implant trackingPersonal & Interpersonal Skills
Highly dependable, flexible, and comfortable with frequent travel and variable work sitesStrong communication and teamwork skills; ability to integrate into different OR teamsExcellent time management, organizational, and multitasking capabilitiesAbility to work under pressure, in a fast-paced surgical environmentProfessional demeanor, strong patient care orientation, and attention to detailPhysical 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 proceduresGood visual acuity, manual dexterity, and tactile sensitivityTravel & 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 sitesFlexibility to accommodate variable OR start times, occasional overnight stays, or extended hoursReporting & Supervision
Reports directly to Dr. Richard A. Berger (Works collaboratively with OR leadership, facility surgical directors, and nursing teamsNo direct supervisory responsibility (unless evolving to lead role)Working Conditions & Schedule
Full‑time positionVariable schedule according to surgical case volume and site assignmentsMay require early start times, late finishes, occasional weekends or call when neededWork across different hospital / ambulatory surgery centers with variable facility protocolsCompensation & Benefits
Competitive salary or hourly compensation with travel premiumHealth, dental, vision insuranceRetirement plan / 401(k)Paid time off, CMEProfessional liability / malpractice coverageSupport for specialty certification, licensing, and trainingPerformance Metrics & Goals
Surgical case efficiency and turnover timesReduction in delays caused by instrument / implant logisticsError-free implant tracking, count reconciliation, and documentationPositive feedback from surgical teams and facility staffAdherence to safety and quality protocolsReliability in cross-site logistics, minimal downtime