Licensed Surgical First Assistant

General Summary

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 as personally supervised while physician is physically present in the room. Assists the perioperative nurse with patient care. Prepares and maintains supplies in the operating room (OR) while maintaining a professional and efficient manner, ensuring that procedure preparations are based on individual patient and anticipating the needs of the surgeon.

Principal Job Functions

• Commits to the mission, vision, beliefs and consistently demonstrates our core values.
• Functions in the scrub role by preparing, organizing, and anticipating needed instruments, supplies, and equipment for safe patient care and operative procedure.
• 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 operating room (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 procedure.
• 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; participates and practices safety through active prevention and precautions; assures personal/visitor safety through measures of prevention and universal precautions.
• Participates in unit-based activities, staff meetings, and committees.
• Performs other tasks during a surgical procedure delegated by and under the personal supervision of a physician appropriate to the level of competence of the surgical first assistant.

Examples of Tasks Performed During a Surgical Procedure

• Assists with hemostasis by use of electrocautery, mono-and-bi-polar;
• Clamp, ligate and cut tissue per surgeon direction;
• Closes skin with method indicated by physician, including but not limited to, suture and staples;
• Applies appropriate wound dressings;
• 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.

Required Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• 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 patient’s family members, multi-disciplinary 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 customer/patient safety.
• Ability to maintain regular and punctual attendance.

Education And Experience

• Graduation/completion of an approved surgical first assistant education program approved by the board of medicine or other experiential or training program as approved by the board of medicine required.
• Current Surgical First Assistant licensure from the State of Nebraska required.
• Graduation from a Surgical Technology program required.
• Surgical Technology Certification desired.
• High School diploma or the equivalent required.

Other Credentials / Certifications

• Basic Life Support (CPR) certification required.