Certified Surgical Tech First Assist - Operating Room

Requirements

• Surgical Asst. Cert.BLS - issued by the American Heart Association
• Fingerprint Clearance
• Child Abuse History Clearance

Job Specific Competencies

• Under surgeon supervision is able to apply casts and splints, maintain proper exposure of the surgical field, clamp and ligate blood vessels, utilize appropriate manual and digital pressure to wounds or bleeding vessels.
• Helps in the selection and placement of x-rays for reference and applies clips.
• Functions independently in the area of wound packing, patient positioning, prepping and draping patient, hair removal with clippers, verifying patient allergies, room turnover and cleaning.
• Demonstrates aseptic technique properly.
• Performs all forms of retraction under surgeon supervision.
• Assists with laparoscopic procedures.
• Aids in the injection of local anesthetic.
• Inserts Foley catheter.
• Works as a scrub technician when needed.
• Recognizes and responds to adverse reactions.
• Maintains a therapeutic relationship with patients and family while providing care in a high stress environment with multiple priorities.
• Cares for and maintains dignity of deceased patients (post mortem, medical examiner/autopsy).
• Collects data from schedule and utilizes surgeon’s preference cards for choice of materials necessary to carry out assignments.
• Maintains stock of OR room.
• Maintains consistent communication with charge RN.
• Utilizes available data to initiate and update physician’s preference cards.
• Acts as a resource to other members of the surgical team.
• Demonstrates the ability to respond quickly and efficiently in emergency situations.
• Recognizes changes in patient condition & responds appropriately.
• Re-prioritizes responsibilities during emergency situation in concert with Peri-operative team.
• Recognizes and reports signs of intra-operative complications and emergencies to circulating nurse.
• Initiates appropriate action if surgeon becomes incapacitated.
• Maintains hemostasis.