First Assist Surg Tech I

About the Role

This position prepares the surgical suite for procedures by assisting the surgical technologist and registered nurse in gathering equipment, instruments, and supplies. The role ensures all supplies and equipment are available and in working condition, and assists the surgeon in patient care during operations through exposure, hemostasis, closure, and other intraoperative technical functions. Responsibilities include proper draping, retracting, suctioning, sponging, suturing, tissue handling, and cautery techniques, as well as applying appropriate dressing materials.

The operating room features a career ladder for First Assistants, with the following levels:

• FA I: A surgical technologist on-the-job trained as a First Assistant, with no formal training (grandfathered).
• FA II: A certified surgical technologist (CST) with on-the-job training as a First Assistant.
• FA III: A certified surgical technologist (CST) with certification as a CSFA or CSA but on-the-job trained.
• FA IV: A certified surgical technologist (CST) and/or formally educated by an accredited program as a First Assistant, including Master’s-prepared First Assistants.

Responsibilities

• 50%: Demonstrates knowledge of surgical procedures, anatomy, physiology, and operative techniques.
• 20%: Ensures all necessary supplies, equipment, or instruments are opened or available; confirms appropriate charging with the nurse and surgical technologist.
• 20%: Assists the physician with positioning, draping, retracting, suctioning, sponging, tissue handling, cautery techniques, stapling devices, and suturing.
• 10%: Assists team members in transportation, positioning, and total care of patients.

Additional duties include:

• Demonstrating proficiency in surgical procedure preparation and versatility in surgical technologist duties as needed.
• Participating in orientation, ongoing competencies, education, staff development, and regulatory surveys.
• Engaging in performance improvement activities and fulfilling on-call responsibilities or extra shift coverage.
• Maintaining a positive, courteous, and helpful attitude toward patients, visitors, physicians, and co-workers.
• Remaining calm and efficient in stressful situations and communicating significant changes or findings to the team.
• Attending professional association activities and staying current on regulations, guidelines, and standards of care.
• Keeping up with new developments in healthcare through professional journals and seminars.
• Performing other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Knowledge of surgical procedures and standards of practice acquired through a surgical technology program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or a certified Surgical Technology program (NCCT certification eligible).
• Certifications must be valid with the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT).
• Five years of experience as a surgical technologist.
• On-the-job training as a First Assistant at MyMichigan or five years of experience as a First Assistant.
• Completion of skills/practice competency as described in the career ladder for the current First Assistant level.
• Manual dexterity and mechanical skills for proper use and handling of surgical instruments.
• Strong interpersonal skills for effective communication with individuals and groups at all levels.
• Competency in Microsoft Windows, with potential for further learning opportunities.

Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) certification is preferred.

Certifications and Licensure

• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association (AHA) required within 1 month of hire or transfer.

Physical and Mental Requirements

• Exposure to stressful situations, including public contact, trauma, grief, and death.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment, including latex materials or substitutes.
• Capability to move freely about the facility with or without an assisted device.
• Overall vision and hearing, with or without assisted devices.
• Frequent sitting, standing, or walking for long periods; may require postural changes such as stooping, kneeling, or crouching.
• Exposure to bloodborne pathogens and other potentially infectious materials; must follow MyMichigan Health’s bloodborne pathogen and TB testing requirements.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, work independently, maintain regular attendance, and stay awake.
• Dexterity for handling, reaching, grasping, fingering, and feeling, with potential repetition of these movements.

Physical Demand Level: Medium. Must be able to occasionally (0-33% of the workday) lift or carry 21-50 lbs., frequently (34-66% of the workday) 20 lbs., and constantly (67-100% of the workday) 10 lbs.