Clinical Assistant – Surgical Assistance and Postoperative Care

Job Description

Position Overview

The Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) is seeking a Clinical Assistant to support the safe, timely and coordinated delivery of elective and emergency surgical services at Cypress Regional Hospital in Swift Current. Working under the clinical supervision of designated surgeons and within an approved scope of practice, the Clinical Assistant will provide first-assist support for surgical procedures across Gynecology, Urology, General Surgery and other surgical services as required. The role will also support inpatient postoperative assessment, monitoring and management, in collaboration with the responsible surgical team.

The position is intended to strengthen continuity of surgical care, improve the availability of surgical assistance and support local surgical service capacity. The Clinical Assistant will coordinate with existing surgical assistants, locum providers and multi-disciplinary teams to address coverage needs, clarify responsibilities and avoid duplication.

All clinical activities are subject to applicable College of Physicians and Surgeons requirements, approved supervision arrangements and SHA credentialing and privileging requirements.

Reporting and Clinical Accountability

The Clinical Assistant will report through the designated SHA reporting structure and work under the clinical supervision of designated surgeons in accordance with the approved practice and supervision arrangements. surgeons. The role will collaborate with Surgical Services leadership, Operating Room Services, Acute Care, nursing teams, existing physician assistants, family physicians and locum providers. The designated supervising surgeon(s) and SHA physician leadership will establish clear expectations for work assignment, clinical consultation, escalation and coverage.

Key Responsibilities

Under the direction and supervision of the responsible surgeon, the Clinical Assistant will:

• Provide first-assist support for scheduled and emergency procedures across general surgery, gynecology, urology and other surgical services as required. Duties may include patient positioning and preparation, retraction and exposure, hemostasis, tissue handling, suturing and wound closure, dressing application, and assistance with equipment and instrumentation, consistent with the approved scope of practice and demonstrated competence.
• Support pre-operative and perioperative care under the direction of the supervising surgeon, including reviewing relevant clinical information and investigations, assisting with patient assessment and preparation, identifying potential clinical concerns and communicating findings to the responsible surgeon.
• Support post-operative assessment and inpatient management under the direction of the responsible surgical team. Duties may include monitoring clinical progress, assessing wounds and dressings, reviewing relevant investigations, recognizing potential complications or deterioration and promptly escalating concerns to the appropriate clinician.
• Participate in surgical rounds and contribute to postoperative care planning, coordination with nursing and other multidisciplinary team members, discharge planning and clinical handover to support continuity of care.
• Maintain timely, accurate and complete clinical documentation, including relevant assessment findings, actions taken, communications and escalations of clinical concerns, in accordance with SHA documentation standards and applicable policies.
• Provide surgical assistance and related clinical support across specialties according to operational needs. Coordinate with existing physician assistants, locum providers and surgical teams to support coverage during leave, competing assignments, staffing shortages and additional operating room time, with clear prioritization of competing service requirements.
• Practice within the applicable College of Physicians and Surgeons authorization, approved practice description, supervision arrangements and SHA credentialing and privileging requirements. Seek clinical direction when a requested activity falls outside the authorized scope or individual competence.
• Participate in patient safety, quality improvement and surgical-access planning initiatives. Communicate anticipated coverage gaps and uncovered call dates in a timely manner to support effective scheduling and continuity of surgical services.

Job Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Medical degree from a recognized medical school, meeting applicable CPSS requirements.
• Eligibility for the applicable College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan registration or license and approval to practice in the proposed Clinical Assistant role
• Clinical experience relevant to surgical assistance and perioperative care
• Demonstrated ability to assess patients, recognize clinical deterioration, communicate concerns and seek appropriate supervision
• Strong clinical documentation, communication, teamwork and organizational skills
• Ability to meet the confirmed elective, emergency and on-call coverage requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience providing intraoperative surgical assistance in general surgery, gynecology, urology or other relevant surgical specialties
• Experience in postoperative assessment and management of hospitalized surgical patients
• Experience working within a multidisciplinary hospital environment and a supervised clinical practice arrangement