The Robotic Scrub Assistant, under the guidance of the OperatingSurgeon,  and RN, provides services to surgical patients, maintaining an aseptic environment. The Robotic Scrub Assistant functions in all traditional duties of a scrub assistant as well as the scrub assistant for robotic surgery, in all areas (facilities) that a robot is utilized.

• Prepares equipment and supplies for use in the procedure.
• Determine room readiness and OR suite is stocked for case.
• Scrubs, gown and gloves self and other team members for the procedures, prepares sterile tables
and instruments, utilizing proper aseptic technique.
• Prepares instruments and supplies on sterile field in a timely manner.
• Passes instruments accurately during case.
• Counts sponges, needles and instruments with RN Circulator according to established procedure,
labels all solutions/medications as they are added to the sterile field.
• Handles instruments and supplies correctly and ensure their proper functioning.
• Collects and maintains specimens, and assures proper identification by the staff nurse.
• Anticipates the surgeon’s needs and request additional items from RN Circulator in sufficient time
for surgical teams use.
• Utilizes physician preference cards in preparing for specific operative procedures and updates
after each case.
• Utilizes principles of standard precautions during surgical procedures.
• Direct and assist with between case clean-up and proceed with preparation for the next case,
restock supplies and equipment after surgical procedures.
• Performs first assistant duties as outlined by Huntsville Hospital policy.
• Performs secondary placement of trocars for robotic surgery, as deemed competent to perform by
the attending surgeon who is within proximity of the sterile field.
• Trouble shoots and take steps to resolve problems.
• Performs instrument reprocessing and sterilization procedures.
• Identifies instruments and places in instrument sets appropriately.
• Operates sterilizers.
• Maintains sterilization records through documentation of the sterilization process.
• Reports problems with sterilization immediately to the O.R. Charge Nurse.
• Performs Attest (biological test) appropriately.
• Assists in orientation of new employee and provides support as needed.
• Demonstrates accountability by staying informed of current changes in practice, new equipment,
and quality initiatives.
• Attends/completes all required in-services.
• Stays current in changing technologies in the field of robotic surgery.

Education Required
• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Completion of Robotic Assistant Skills Checklist.

License, Certification and/or Registration
• BLS certification required before the completion of the orientation period.

Experience
• Successful completion of a Scrub Tech program or previous Scrub Assistant experience required.

DeKalb Regional Medical Center celebrated its 35th anniversary in October 2021. Throughout its history, the team of healthcare providers here have been proud to serve the people of Fort Payne, Alabama.

Today, DeKalb Regional is 134-beds and offers comprehensive services including cardiac catheterization, geriatric psychiatric services, women’s and children’s services, bariatric services, orthopedics services, and many more. DeKalb Regional and its physicians serve patients from throughout Northeast Alabama and Western Georgia.

DeKalb Regional is committed to providing quality care close to home. The hospital is accredited by The Joint Commission and the American College of Cardiology as a Primary Stroke Center and Chest Pain Center. It was also awarded the 2023 Get with the Guidelines Rural Stroke Bronze Quality Award from the American Heart Association. In fall of 2023, DeKalb Regional was one of seven hospitals in Alabama to receive an “A” grade from The Leapfrog Group.

DeKalb Regional Medical Center has 500 employees and more than 100 members of the medical staff.