Job Title: Robotics Surgery First Assistant
Department: Theatre
Job Type: Permanent
Hours: 37.5 per week (Full-Time)
Blackrock Clinic is the leading and longest established private hospital and clinic in Ireland. Since it opened in the mid-1980s, the clinic has consistently built an unparalleled reputation in new high-tech surgical procedures, medical treatments, and ground-breaking diagnostics.
Blackrock Clinic is now part of Blackrock Health private hospital group along with the Hermitage Clinic, Galway Clinic, and Limerick Clinic, some of the most advanced hospitals in Irish private healthcare. As a JCI accredited hospital, Blackrock Clinic is a progressive and pioneering hospital in which care for the patient is central to everything we do.
Role Purpose
The first assistant to the surgeon is a trained and registered perioperative practitioner who, at all times, provides optimal surgical assistance under the direct supervision of the consultant surgeon while not performing any form of surgical intervention.
The fundamental role of the surgical first assistant in robotic-assisted surgery is to act as a vital bridge between the console surgeon and the patient by providing skilled surgical assistance and by working as part of the robotic perioperative team across different specialities.
Qualifications/Experience
Must have an active registration pin with Nursing and Midwifery Board of Ireland (NMBI).
Registered Nurses must have a third level post-graduate perioperative course or equivalent.
Must have completed the Intuitive da Vinci Robot First Assistant Course.
Must have undertaken a comprehensive training programme and have certified competencies.
Evidence of personal professional development.
Essential Requirements
Professional knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and surgical procedures
Excellent observational, organisational, and communication skills
Must be able to function effectively in emergency situations and troubleshooting
Key Responsibilities
1. Assessment, Planning, Implementation, and Evaluation
Utilise assessment skills and techniques in delivering safe and quality patient care during their perioperative phase of care
Understand the surgical procedure, ensure correct patient position, prepare surgical skin antisepsis, drape the patient for the surgery, provide retraction, assist with robotic ergonomics and instrument exchange as directed by surgeon
Recognise robotic limitations and know emergency procedures and equipment
Contribute to quality improvement by applying and promoting best evidence-based practice within own scope of practice
Apply legislation, policies, and procedures correctly
Assemble, check, and prepare the appropriate surgical equipment, instruments, and consumables for a wide range of operative procedures
Treat patients with dignity and respect by exercising discretion and maintaining their confidentiality
Work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team; help and assist the nursing and other clinical staff in the routine work associated with patient care
Obtain, relay, record, and store information relating to delivery of care whilst maintaining patient confidentiality at all times
Undertake a range of administrative and clerical tasks associated with patient care
Contribute to audits and research in clinical areas, help implement Quality Improvements, and enhance a culture of quality and safety
Comply with the policies and procedures at Blackrock Clinic including Health and Safety, Infection Control, Accident and Incident Reporting, Complaints Procedure, and Hospital Fire Policy and Evacuation
2. Communication Skills
Communicate appropriately with colleagues and other members of the health care teams in a manner that avoids antagonism, reduces conflict, and prevents undue anxiety
Recognise limitations and seek assistance where necessary
Attend and contribute to appropriate meetings
Accept constructive advice when appropriate
Report all incidents immediately, which may adversely affect a patient, colleague, or the Blackrock Clinic
Communicate clearly and appropriately with patients, their relatives / friends, colleagues, and all other members of the multidisciplinary team including responding to queries, answering the phone, taking messages, and passing on written and verbal information to patients
3. Professional Expectations
Function within the scope of practice, code of conduct, and limits of NMBI, ISPA, or the Medical Council and Blackrock Clinic's policies, procedures, and standards.
Support the vision and mission statements, philosophy, objectives, and goals of Blackrock Clinic
Observe the appropriate lines of authority
Maintain strict confidentiality regarding all patients and the activities of Blackrock Clinic
Demonstrate flexibility by assisting in all areas of the hospital as required
Develop personal knowledge and skills
Present a professional appearance and attitude
Why work at the Blackrock Clinic?
At the Blackrock Clinic, we are passionate about our people and believe in their development and growth. As a member of the team you can benefit from:
Competitive salary
Onsite parking
Pension
Annual bonus*
Discounted cafe
Sports and Social club
Employee Assistance Programme
Discounted onsite pharmacy
Please Note:
Job descriptions are a reflection of the present service requirements and may be subject to review and amendments to meet the changing needs of the service. Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if sufficient applications are received.
Blackrock Clinic is an Equal Opportunities employer, and we are committed to creating an environment that promotes equality and dignity at work.
Blackrock Clinic is committed to providing reasonable accommodation when needed. Please advise if you have particular requirements, so that we can look into arranging reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process. You can contact us at
It is essential that you have valid work permission for the Republic of Ireland to take up employment for this position, or in the case of critical skills, you must be eligible for a work permit.