Surgical Assistant (PACS Specialist)

Posted:
8/12/2024, 5:00:00 PM

Location(s):
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States ⋅ Pennsylvania, United States

Experience Level(s):
Junior ⋅ Mid Level ⋅ Senior

Field(s):
Medical, Clinical & Veterinary

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By joining the American Red Cross  you will touch millions of lives every year and experience the greatness of the human spirit at its best.  Are you ready to be part of  the world's largest humanitarian network?

Join us—Where your Career is a Force for Good!

Job Description:

WHY CHOOSE US?
As one of the nation’s premier humanitarian organizations, the American Red Cross is dedicated to helping people in need throughout the United States and, in association with other Red Cross networks, throughout the world. When you join our team, you have a direct impact on a meaningful mission, and you can help save lives every day. If you share our passion for helping people, join us in this excellent career opportunity. Work where your career is a force for good.

We are committed to the diversity of our workforce and to delivering our programs and services in a culturally competent manner reflecting the communities we serve.  Our work environment is collaborative, respectful, and inclusive with a focus on building allyship and a culture of belonging that empowers all team members. Come to learn, grow, and succeed while sharing your passion for making a difference. 

The Red Cross supports a variety of cultural and community resource groups for employees and volunteers. From the Ability Network, our Asian American & Pacific Islander Resource Group, the Latino Resource Group, and Red Cross PRIDE, to the Umoja African American Resource Group, our Veterans+ Resource Group, and the Women’s Resource Group, these networks provide connections, mentoring and help give voice to important concerns and opinions.

At the American Red Cross, your uniqueness can shine! 

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW (Job Overview): 

Responsible for performing Perioperative Autologous Cell Salvage (PACS) services according to American Red Cross policies and procedures, including safety policies. Responsible for demonstrating excellence in customer service, and promoting a positive, professional image of the American Red Cross Biomedical Services. Assists with routine departmental tasks as directed. Perform all duties and responsibilities in compliance with standard operating procedures, Safety Quality Identity Potency Purity (SQUIPP), regulations outlined in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and other applicable Federal, state, and local regulations.

WHERE YOUR CAREER IS A FORCE GOOD (Key Responsibilities): 

  • Transports and operates PACS equipment and performs specified salvage procedures which may include Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) sequestration.
  • Assesses patient/surgical procedure for suitability for PACS.
  • Monitors blood loss assesses appropriate time for washing of salvaged blood and communicates to anesthesia and/or nursing staff the blood volume processed and available to be returned to the patient.
  • Maintains knowledge of steps of applicable surgical procedures. Notifies the surgeon and/or anesthesiologist in charge if problems occur with the procedure.
  • Maintains accurate, complete, and legible records about the patient and the PACS or Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) procedure.
  • Labels for reinfusion of the autologous product, as appropriate.
  • Removes disposable and cleans equipment at the end of the procedure. Ensures that necessary equipment and disposable are available for the next cell salvage procedure.
  • Reports and removes defective equipment from operation.
  • Assists supervisor in assuring equipment is
    maintained and adequate supplies are stocked.
  • Reports incidents and adverse reactions and completes appropriate paperwork.
  • Collects samples of the salvaged blood product for quality assurance purposes.
  • Supports Supervisor in reviewing department paperwork and monthly reports.
  • May assist in training new staff.
  • May assume “designee” duties at the direction the of Supervisor/ Medical Director. These duties may include but are not limited to retrieval and confirmation of requests for service, scheduling and assigning cases, and coordinating the importing of operators from other ARC facilities.
  • Works closely with Hospital Services, Collections, and Materials Management staff. Establishes and maintains good working relationships with hospital personnel. Works independently in non-Red Cross facilities, performing many tasks autonomously and without direct supervision.

Pay Information:


WHAT YOU NEED TO SUCCEED (Minimum Qualifications):

  • Job knowledge equivalent to that gained through the completion of an associate degree or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience as determined by the PACS Program Physician required.
  • Minimum one-year experience in the health care or blood banking industry required.
  • Excellent communication skills, basic computer skills, and attention to detail required.
  • Ability to work independently, react quickly, and work effectively in a surgical setting required.
  • Familiar with basic aseptic technique preferred.
  • Demonstrated technical skills; ability to operate medical equipment required.
  • Must be willing to work a varied schedule including some evenings as well as on-call responsibilities
  • May be required to have own vehicle, a valid and current driver’s license and insurance, and a good driving record.
  • Retain a current CPR certification (If an employee does not have current CPR certification, the individual may be allowed into the program, but CPR certification must be obtained within six weeks).
  • Current relevant licensure in the state of practice, if applicable.

Physical Requirements

The duties above indicate the essential functions of the position. Operational flexibility is required to meet sudden and unpredictable needs. A willingness to work a varied schedule including some evenings as well as on-call responsibilities. The ability to lift, load, unload, and transport PACS and PRP equipment. Out-of-town travel may be required.  Exposure levels are based on the essential functions as stated in this position description; however, in some instances, variances may occur due to the applicable nature of this position within a particular work site.  Therefore the work site may determine the exposure level to be greater than or less than the below-stated level.  This position is an exposure determination 1 because normal work involves potential exposure to blood or blood components and/or human body fluids or tissue samples as a result of splashes, spills, and/or needlesticks or performance of or assistance in first aid.

BENEFITS FOR YOU:
We take care of you, while you take care of others. As a mission-based organization, we believe our team needs great support to do great work. Our comprehensive benefits help you in balancing home and work. With our resources and perks, you have amazing possibilities at the American Red Cross to advance your learning.

  • Medical, Dental Vision plans
  • Health Spending Accounts & Flexible Spending Accounts
  • PTO + Holidays
  • 401K with 5% match
  • Paid Family Leave
  • Employee Assistance
  • Disability and Insurance: Short + Long Term
  • Service Awards and recognition

Apply now!  Joining our team will provide you with the opportunity to make a difference every day.

The American Red Cross is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

AmeriCorps, the federal agency that brings people together through service, and its partners — the Peace Corps, AmeriCorps Alums, National Peace Corps Association, and the Service Year Alliance — launched Employers of National Service to connect national service alumni with opportunities in the workforce. American Red Cross is proud to be an EONS partner and share our employment opportunities with the network of organizations.

 

Interested in Volunteering? Visit redcross.org/volunteertoday to learn more, including our most-needed volunteer positions.

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