Surgical First Assist

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent GED
• Graduate from a surgical assisting program accredited through ARC/STSA, a collaborative effort of ASA, ACS, and SASA, by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). CAAHEP is a recognized accreditation agency of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Experience/Skills

• Has at least two years of surgical technician experience with additional experience as Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA)
• Exhibits verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrates a working knowledge of general computer skills and applications
• Understands specialized first assistant techniques, procedures, and adequate equipment related to hemostasis, retracting and suturing skills
• Demonstrates self-motivation
• Works effectively in collaboration with others
• Multitasks effectively
• Adaptable

Required Licenses/Certifications

• Operating Room Technician/First Assistant Certification
• CPR

Working Conditions

• Works in a clean, well-lit working environment
• Occupational exposure

ROUTINE RESPONSIBILITIES

Patient Positioning

• The surgeon shall convey the exact position that will give the best exposure for the surgical procedure. The surgical assistant will collaborate with the RN Circulator to carry out the order with consideration to the patient’s comfort and safety
• Points of pressure shall be padded: elbows, heels, knees, eyes, face, and axillary region
• Circulation shall not be impaired
• Nerve damage shall be guarded against
• The temperature of the patient should be discussed with the anesthesia personnel and methods employed to maintain the desired temperature range
• Familiar with common position related to surgical procedure and will be able to use the equipment necessary to provide the position. Competencies will include the following: fracture tables; head stabilizers; body stabilizers; C-arm extensions; any other equipment needed
• Upon completion of the procedure, the patient shall be evaluated for any possible damage from positioning which will include assessment of the skin. The abnormal condition shall be reported to the surgeon and treatment and documentation shall be carried out

Visualization of the Operative Site

• Appropriate placement and securing of retractors with or without padding
• Packing with sponges
• Digital manipulation of tissue
• Suctioning, irrigating, or sponging
• Manipulation of suture materials (e.g., loops, tags, running sutures)

Appropriate Hemostasis Assisting Techniques

• Permanent: clamping and/or cauterizing vessels or tissue; tying and/or ligating clamped vessels or tissue; applying hemostatic clips; placing local hemostatic agents
• Temporary: applying tourniquets and demonstrating awareness of the indications/contraindications for use with knowledge of side effects of extended use; applying vessel loops; applying non crushing clamps; applying direct digital pressure

Appropriate Closure of Body Planes Assisting Techniques

• Utilizing running or interrupted sutures with absorbable or nonabsorbable material of wound layers, including muscle and fascia
• Utilizing subcuticular closure technique with or without adhesive skin closure strips
• Closing skin with method per surgeon’s directive (suture, staples, etc.)
• Postoperative subcutaneous injection of local anesthetic per surgeon’s directive

Appropriate Wound Dressings Selection and Application

• Liquid or spray occlusive materials
• Absorbent material affixed with tape or circumferential wrapping
• Immobilizing dressing (soft or rigid)
• Provides assistance in securing drainage systems to tissue

Miscellaneous

• In addition to the responsibilities outlined in this job description, the Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) is also expected to perform all duties described under the Surgical Technologist duties outlined in policy # 215.69.

Day Shift

80 hours/Bi-Weekly