Certified Surg Tech-First Assist -- FT

About the role

Functions as the surgeons’ assistant, working directly under his/her supervision throughout the procedures. Assists the nurse, surgeon, anesthesiologist and/or CRNA in the care of patients in the preoperative, intraoperative, and post-operative phase.

Responsibilities

• Performs technical skills required to prepare for surgical procedures.
• Affords direct patient care, identified and meets patient needs under the direct supervision of a registered nurse.
• Assists other perioperative team members in the care of the surgical patient.
• Provides direct patient care, identified and meets patient needs under the direct supervision of a registered nurse.
• Affords direct patient care, identified and meets patient needs under the direct supervision of a registered nurse.
• Assesses the needs of the patient as related to specific surgical procedures and collects supplies and equipment as related to the procedure.
• Promotes a safe environment conducive to the patient’s well-being.
• Observes for potential patient complications and reports observations to the Registered Nurse.
• May assist in scheduling OR cases, recording information, and revising and updating surgeon preference cards via the information management system.
• Able to utilize the electronic medical record when applicable.
• Functions in Central Reprocessing: decontamination of instruments, preparation of instruments for sterilization, demonstrates skill in the use of all equipment within CRP and maintains records for all equipment in accordance with policy/ procedure.
• Selects and applies appropriate wound dressings.
• Provides assistance in securing drainage systems to tissues.

Requirements

• Minimum qualifications: Current Surgical Technologist Certification through ONE of the following boards: National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), National Center for Competencies Testing (NCCT), American Allied Health Association (AAHA).
• Must have one of the following certifications: Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) through the National Commission for the Certification of Surgical Assistants (NCCSA), Surgical Assistant-Certified (SA-C) through the American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA).
• Obtain Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification within 30 days of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Education, certification, and/or licensure: Recommendation from three (3) different multi-specialty surgeons to validate skill competency.

Core Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Performs technical skills required to prepare for surgical procedures.
• Affords direct patient care, identified and meets patient needs under the direct supervision of a registered nurse.
• Assists other perioperative team members in the care of the surgical patient.
• Provides direct patient care, identified and meets patient needs under the direct supervision of a registered nurse.
• Assesses the needs of the patient as related to specific surgical procedures and collects supplies and equipment as related to the procedure.
• Promotes a safe environment conducive to the patient’s well-being.
• Observes for potential patient complications and reports observations to the Registered Nurse.
• May assist in scheduling OR cases, recording information, and revising and updating surgeon preference cards via the information management system.
• Able to utilize the electronic medical record when applicable.
• Functions in Central Reprocessing: decontamination of instruments, preparation of instruments for sterilization, demonstrates skill in the use of all equipment within CRP and maintains records for all equipment in accordance with policy/ procedure.
• Selects and applies appropriate wound dressings.
• Provides assistance in securing drainage systems to tissues.

Physical Requirements

• Capable of prolonged periods of standing and walking.
• Ability to lift up to 40-pounds and push/pull heavy loaded carts up to 200 lbs.
• Possess visual, hearing, and oral acuity along with manual dexterity and technical ability.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment and lead for extended periods of time.

Skills and Abilities

• Must have the ability to perform concentrated and complex mental activity with frequent involvement in complex and highly technical situations.
• Must have the ability to work successfully under stressful condition, and must be capable of adapting to varying workloads and work assignments on a constant basis.
• Must have the ability to make sound judgments based on scientific principles, and also be able to collaborate with other multidisciplinary team members in an appropriate fashion.
• Must have the ability to comprehend and perform oral and written instructions and procedures.
• Must have thorough knowledge/scrub skills for all surgical specialties.

Additional Job Description

• Education, certification, and/or licensure: Graduate of a surgical technology accredited surgical assisting program, as well as CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs). Current Certified Surgical Technologist (CST). Current Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA). Obtain Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification within 30 days of hire.

Work Environment

• May be exposed to communicable diseases, toxic gas, fume and odor.
• Exposure to electrical current and radiation from x-rays.

Skills and Abilities

• Must have the ability to perform concentrated and complex mental activity with frequent involvement in complex and highly technical situations.
• Must have the ability to work successfully under stressful condition, and must be capable of adapting to varying workloads and work assignments on a constant basis.
• Must have the ability to make sound judgments based on scientific principles, and also be able to collaborate with other multidisciplinary team members in an appropriate fashion.
• Must have the ability to comprehend and perform oral and written instructions and procedures.
• Must have thorough knowledge/scrub skills for all surgical specialties.

Mandatory Weekly and Holiday Call

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40
Shift: Day (United States of America)
Exempt/Non-Exempt: United States of America (Non-Exempt)

Company Information

West Virginia University Health System and its subsidiaries (collectively "WVUHS") is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. WVUHS strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. All WVUHS employees, other workers, and representatives are prohibited from engaging in unlawful discrimination. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, training, promotion, discipline, compensation, benefits, and termination of employment.