Licensed Surgical First Assistant

About the Role

Functions as a member of the multidisciplinary team providing a safe environment for all age groups of surgical patients. Assists the proceduralist as directed with surgical care while the physician is physically present in the room. Assists the perioperative nurse with patient care and prepares and maintains supplies in the operating room (OR). Ensures procedure preparations are based on individual patient needs and anticipates the needs of the surgeon.

Responsibilities

• Commits to the mission, vision, beliefs, and core values of the organization.
• Functions in the scrub role by preparing, organizing, and anticipating needed instruments, supplies, and equipment for safe patient care and operative procedures.
• Defines and practices aseptic technique and infection control principles as they apply to the Operating Room (OR).
• Safely and efficiently passes surgical instruments and supplies in the OR and labor and delivery room (LDR); properly identifies, preserves, and manages tissue and fluid specimens and cultures.
• Manages supplies, instruments, and equipment appropriately according to Medical Center procedures.
• Assists the nurse in perioperative care of the patient, including transporting and positioning; counts/preps surgical instruments and supplies.
• Participates in continuous quality improvement measures to achieve positive patient outcomes; provides patient care in accordance with patient’s rights; ensures personal/visitor safety through prevention and universal precautions.
• Participates in unit-based activities, staff meetings, and committees.
• Performs tasks during surgical procedures delegated by and under the personal supervision of a physician, including but not limited to:
  • Assists with hemostasis using electrocautery, mono- and bipolar devices.
  • Clamps, ligates, and cuts tissue per surgeon direction.
  • Assists with closure of body planes, including inserting sutures, utilizing subcuticular closure techniques, and closing skin with sutures or staples.
  • Applies appropriate wound dressings.
  • Secures drainage systems to tissue.
  • Prepares specimens, such as grafts.
  • Inserts/removes bladder catheters as directed by a Licensed Independent Practitioner (LIP) or Registered Nurse (RN).
  • Exchanges instruments via established trocars.
  • Injects postoperative subcutaneous local anesthetic agent per physician order.
  • Presents medications onto the sterile field as directed by the LIP and/or RN.
• Advances work knowledge by participating in continuing education in-services, reading periodicals/literature, and seeking ongoing development opportunities.
• Performs other related projects and duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of aseptic technique.
• Knowledge of computer hardware equipment and software applications relevant to work functions.
• Knowledge of all types of OR procedures.
• Knowledge of equipment, instruments, and supplies used in the OR.
• Ability to prioritize work demands and work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to react quickly and respond appropriately in emergency situations.
• Ability to effectively interact with patients’ family members, multidisciplinary team members, and students.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality relevant to sensitive information.
• Ability to practice proper body mechanics to ensure personal and patient safety.
• Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance.

Qualifications

• Graduation/completion of an approved surgical first assistant education program approved by the board of medicine or other experiential/training program as approved by the board of medicine.
• Current Surgical First Assistant licensure from the State of Nebraska.
• Graduation from a Surgical Technology program.
• Surgical Technology Certification desired.
• High School diploma or equivalent.
• Basic Life Support (CPR) certification (American Heart Association, American Red Cross, or Military Training Network).

Physical Requirements

Characterized as medium work requiring exertion of 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10 to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or a greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.