Surgical First Assistant (Certified)

Department: Operating Room

Schedule

Full Time, Day/Evening Flex (80 hours biweekly)

Hours: 8 Hour Shifts

Position Function: The Certified Surgical First Assistant is a member of the Surgical Team in the Surgical Suite who works with the Surgeon, Anesthesiologist, Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, Certified Surgical Technologist, and Registered Nurse to deliver direct patient care before, during and after surgery. Essential Functions and Responsibilities include:

• Utilizes appropriate physician preference cards; anticipates supplies and equipment needed for the assigned case.
• Prepares room supplies according to operative procedure.
• Assists with moving, positioning, preparing and draping patients.
• Applies and utilizes special equipment safely.
• Maintains aseptic technique.
• Assists with obtaining specimens and ensures proper preparation and handling.
• Performs correct counts according to hospital policies and procedures.
• Anticipates and adjusts rapidly to the instrument needs of the surgeon.
• Assists in the maintenance of instruments and supplies by proper maintenance, care, cleaning and sterilization.
• Maintains good interpersonal skills.
• Performs all of the above in a safe and efficient manner according to hospital policies and procedures.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Demonstrates involvement in unit by attending 50% of staff/committee meetings and in-services in area.
• Actively supports and participates in new employee orientation.
• Assists in maintaining a neat, safe and clean environment.
• Performs duties accurately, recognizing their importance and relationship to patient care and patient safety.
• Uses supplies and equipment with discretion, being mindful of costs and avoiding waste.
• Adapts to changes in workload or procedure assignment.
• Responds appropriately to emergency situations.
• Plans, prioritizes and organizes the day effectively related to patient care and workload.
• Accurately swipes in and out. Maintains time in accordance with department specifics.
• Utilizes proper body mechanics to prevent injury to self or others. Safely positions, transfers & transports patients.
• Maintains aseptic technique.
• Anticipates and adjusts to needs of the surgeon and surgical team, assisting with radiological procedures and the equipment needs of the surgeon, which includes, but are not limited to, stepping on the pedal.
• Performs correct counts and time out as part of the surgical team.
• Assists in proper specimen collection and hand off.
• Assists in maintenance of instruments and equipment. Removes defective equipment immediately and troubleshoots to finish case, reporting issues to appropriate department for repair.
• Accurately prepares and labels all medications with nurse and surgeon on sterile field.
• Knows own role in case of surgical fire, codes and emergency situations and responds appropriately.
• Demonstrates ability to communicate pertinent information to the RN and surgical team.
• Maintains appropriate safety measures in surgical areas, i.e. strict compliance with all surgical initiatives including but not limited to all steps of Universal Protocol process, parallel processing, sharps safety, no pass zone, PPE protection in the surgical area, medication labeling and specimen handling.
• Maintain competency with common positions related to the surgical procedure and assist with patient positioning in accordance with surgeons instructions to provide the best exposure for the surgical procedure considering the patients comfort and safety.
• Points of pressure requiring additional padding, such as; elbows, heels, knees, eyes, face, and axillary region.
• Circulation shall not be impaired. (A tourniquet may be required for some procedures.)
• Nerve damage shall be guarded against.
• Maintain competency with common positions related to the surgical procedure and can use the equipment necessary to provide safe positioning for surgical cases.
• Competencies will include the following: Fracture tables, head stabilizers, and any other equipment needed.
• Manual dexterity and flexibility adequate for cleaning, processing and sterilizing instruments (according to CDC, OSHA, and hospital policies and procedures) and maintains aseptic technique.
• Acquires operational knowledge of autoclaves and sterilizers; programs, packs and troubleshoots as appropriate.
• Sets up and processes specified trays.
• Picks instruments and supplies for upcoming cases.
• Participates in cross-training as assigned.
• Processes incoming implant instruments/trays from vendors and distributes for scheduled cases. Reprocesses same after completion of case and makes ready for shipment/pick up.
• Appropriate placement and securing of retractors with or without padding.
• Packing with sponges.
• Suctioning, irrigating, or sponging.
• Manipulation of suture materials and tissue; handles tissue appropriately to reduce the potential for injury.
• Uses surgical instruments skillfully in ways consistent with their design and purpose.
• Provides primary surgical assistance to the surgeon during the operative procedure.
• Under the direct supervision of the surgeon, performs a variety of duties in the operative treatment of surgical patients.
• Utilizing appropriate techniques to assist with hemostasis/prevent hemorrhage.
• Applying direct digital pressure.
• Closing skin with method directed by surgeon (suture, staples, etc.)
• Selecting and applying appropriate wound dressings, including:
• Liquid or spray occlusive materials.
• Absorbent material affixed with tape or circumferential wrapping.
• Immobilizing dressing (soft or rigid).
• Providing assistance in securing drainage systems to tissue.
• Assists with Robotics as outlined by additional Intuitive training course.
• Performs tasks as related to the intraoperative harvesting of the saphenous vein.
• Performs tasks related to the intra-operative activation of power equipment and electrosurgery unit as necessary to contribute to quality surgical patient outcomes.
• Performs advanced task functions in the closure of body plains with supervision of the surgeon.
• Facilitates the closure of the skin layer by proper handling of the tissue with forceps.
• Performs venipuncture for the purposes of continuous IV therapy.

Qualifications and Standards

Education: Formal Education and Training: Graduate from a School of Surgical Technology or equivalent training as a Surgical Technician in the Armed Forces with five years of experience.

Informal or Continuing Education: Evidence of participation in educational programs to update and maintain knowledge and clinical skills.

Experience: Experience applying customer service behaviors and communication skills required. Recent experience as an Operating Room Technician preferred. Must possess necessary technical skills and interest in biological care; basic understanding of interpersonal and health concepts.

Certifications/Licensure: Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or Surgical Assistant - Certified (SA-C) by the American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA) required.

Benefits Offered

• Comprehensive health benefits
• Retirement savings plan
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Education assistance
• Financial education and support, including DailyPay

For additional details: Benefits & Incentives | WellSpan Careers (joinwellspan.org)