Certified First Assist - PRN

About the Role

The First Assistant works under the direction of the Surgeon and in collaboration with the Coordinator and team, ensuring operations adhere to hospital policy and regulations while aiming for optimal patient outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Act as an integral team member, fostering positive relationships with patients, families, and coworkers both within and across departments.
• Perform all surgical skills as a 1st and/or 2nd assistant during procedures, including circulating, scrubbing, and other assigned duties within licensed scope of practice.
• Provide surgical site exposure, handle and/or cut tissues, and ensure hemostasis.
• Demonstrate expertise in suture types, skin types, and closure of all incisions.
• Serve as a mentor, preceptor, and assist in training others for team development.
• Maintain professional communication with physicians, nurses, and technicians.
• Act as a compassionate, non-judgmental patient caregiver and advocate with active listening skills.
• Incorporate a healthy workforce approach into daily practice.
• Participate in on-call duties as required.
• Assist the Surgical Technician with setting up the operating room prior to surgery.
• Check surgical machines and equipment.
• Pass instruments to surgeons during surgery.
• Assist with moving the patient to the operating room and positioning them on the operating table.

The above duties represent major responsibilities; incumbents may be asked to perform additional job-related tasks.

Requirements

• Successful completion of an Accredited Surgical First Assistant program (RNFA, CFA, or CSA).
• BLS certification required; ACLS preferred.
• Clear and succinct verbal and written communication skills.
• High level of patience, tenacity, and rapid problem-solving ability.
• Emotional stability, maturity, adaptability, decisiveness, and foresight.
• Demonstrated organizational and leadership ability.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

• Moderate lifting and positioning of patients and equipment.
• Frequent walking, prolonged standing or sitting.
• Ability to see objects closely and hear normal sounds amid background noise.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

About the Organization

Lake Charles Memorial Health System is a nationally certified Great Place to Work, committed to exceptional patient care and community support. The organization values employee well-being and professional growth, fostering a culture where contributions are celebrated.