Surgical First Assistant
About the Role
The Surgical First Assist (SFA) is accountable for all activities related to the surgical recovery and safe preservation of organs from donors. SFAs perform diverse surgical roles to facilitate organ donation, including bringing essential equipment to surgery and directly assisting Surgical Organ Recovery Specialists. Responsibilities include assisting in the recovery of organs such as the kidney, liver, pancreas, heart, lungs, and bowel, and ensuring their preservation and packaging for transplantation.
- Comprehensive anatomy training
- Surgical first assist, including sharp dissection
- Vascular dissection for cannulation of kidneys placed on perfusion devices
- Renal pulsatile perfusion
- Independent recovery of research thoracic and abdominal organs
- Independent recovery of heart for valve tissue processing
- Logistics around organ recovery and transplantation
This position has three career levels, with increased knowledge required at each level. We hire at all levels commensurate with relevant experience, and those with more experience can advance faster while meeting the goals of each level.
Responsibilities
- Work a 24-hour on-call schedule
- Travel by personal automobile, commercial, and chartered aircraft throughout LifeCenter’s donation service area (Alaska, Montana, Northern Idaho, and Washington)
- Provide rapid on-site response
- Act as Surgical First Assist to the Surgical Organ Recovery Specialist or visiting surgeon
- Perform renal pulsatile perfusion of suitable kidneys for optimal transplantation outcomes
- Recover organs independently for research and heart for valve processing
- Preserve and package organs for optimal transplantation outcomes
- Document case data and complete recovery documentation within assigned timeframe
- Ensure effective communication and collaboration with hospital personnel, physicians, donation agencies, transplant centers, and LifeCenter staff
- Assist thoracic recovery teams with recovery, perfusion, and packaging
Requirements
- Previous Operating Room (O.R.) experience
- Certification or relevant surgical training
- Hands-on experience with tissue manipulation, sharp and blunt dissection skills, tying, and suturing
- Ability to meet schedule and travel requirements
- Ability to lift up to 75 pounds with or without assistance
- Knowledge of anatomy and aseptic technique
- Proof of COVID-19 vaccination or applicable medical/religious exemption (required as a condition of employment)
Preferred Experience
Someone who shares our values: Integrity, Collaboration, Service, and Courage. Experience that translates well into this role includes:
- Surgical First Assist experience
- First Assist, OR RN, Surgical Physician Assistant (PA), or Surgical Research experience
- Experience working in travel assignments as a CST
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Basic life insurance, accidental death & dismemberment insurance, and long-term disability insurance
- Travel accident insurance
- Optional supplemental plans: life insurance, short-term disability, accident insurance, hospital indemnity, critical illness coverage, and pet insurance
- 403(b) retirement plan with employer match of up to 7% after one year (auto-enrollment at 3%)
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and quarterly Wellness Reimbursement
- Paid holidays and 119 hours of PTO annually (to start)
- Health Time Off (earned at 1 hour per 30 worked)
- Paid living donor leave
- Two weeks paid jury duty leave after 6 months of service
- Three weeks of paid parental leave after one year of service
Pay
Pay ranges for this role are as follows (based on experience, tenure, and specialized knowledge):
- SFA I: $91,429 - $132,608
- SFA II: $94,560 - $141,840
- SFA III: $99,200 - $148,800
This position is eligible for additional compensation, including Extra Call Pay, Extra Call Worked, Overnight Differential, and Holiday Stipend Pay.
Schedule
- 24-hour on-call schedule
- Travel required throughout Alaska, Montana, Northern Idaho, and Washington