CST Cert Surg First Assistant-OR- FT RGV

General Purpose of Job

The certified first assist technologist assists the surgeon and other professional and technical personnel in carrying out Operating Room and Surgical functions. Assisted care is administered under the direct supervision of a Surgeon or Physician. The patient care population includes infants, children, adolescents, and adults.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintains utmost level of confidentiality at all times.
• Adheres to hospital policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates business practices and personal actions that are ethical and adhere to corporate compliance and integrity guidelines.
• Communicates in a manner that encourages a positive work environment.
• Takes problems to appropriate person for help with resolution.
• Refrains from negative talk and gossip.
• Works together to promote teamwork.
• Demonstrates competency in first assist scrub.
• First assists in surgical procedures by providing wound exposure, homeostasis, suturing, and handling tissue appropriately to reduce the potential for injury under the direction of the surgeon.
• Provides skillful use of the surgical instruments in consistence with the purpose they were designed.
• Applies knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and operative technique relative to operative procedures.
• Aids in positioning, prepping, and draping according to procedure, patient size, and surgeons preference.
• Maintains a safe environment for the patient, physician, and staff at sterile field, as well as throughout the OR.
• Sets up room appropriately for procedure.
• Takes into account size of patient in selection of supplies, equipment.
• Breaks down room after procedure utilizing standard precautions.
• Aids the surgical team before, during, and after surgical intervention, including cleanup and getting patients when needed.
• Aids in maintaining, caring, and cleaning of department, supplies, equipment, and instruments.
• Handles instruments, equipment in a manner that minimizes breakage, damage.
• Reports damage, breakage, and removes item from usage.
• Transports instruments back to decontamination in closed carts following cases.
• Is knowledgeable of process improvement activities in unit and assists as requested.
• Participates in staff meetings on a routine basis.
• Utilizes self-directed learning activities to maintain competency and above.

Education and/or Experience

• Successful completion of accredited Surgical Technology First Assist Program or equivalent.
• High school diploma or general education degree (GED).
• Pediatric scrub tech experience preferred.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations

• Current national Certification as a Surgical First Assistant.
• Current national Certification as a Surgical Technologist, Graduation from Surgical Technologist program, and 10+ years of critical care/high acuity experience.
• CPR certified (American Heart Assoc.).