Surgical First Assistant- Operating Room

About the role

Functions as the surgeons’ assistant, working directly under his/her supervision throughout the procedures. Assists the nurse, surgeon, anesthesiologist and/or CRNA in the care of patients in the preoperative, intraoperative, and post-operative phases.

Minimum Qualifications

• Current Surgical Technologist Certification through ONE of the following boards:
  • National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
  • National Center for Competencies Testing (NCCT)
  • American Allied Health Association (AAHA)
• Must have ONE of the following certifications:
  • Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
  • Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) through the National Commission for the Certification of Surgical Assistants (NCCSA)
  • Surgical Assistant-Certified (SA-C) through the American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA)
• Obtain Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification within 30 days of hire.
• Two (2) years of progressive clinical scrub experience in a CST role.

Preferred Qualifications

• Recommendation from three (3) different multi-specialty surgeons to validate skill competency.

Responsibilities

• Performs technical skills required to prepare for surgical procedures.
• Assists other perioperative team members in the care of the surgical patient.
• Provides direct patient care, identified and meets patient needs under the direct supervision of a registered nurse.
• Under direction/supervision of surgeon, assists the surgeon in the perioperative care of patients and perform duties as assigned.
• Assesses the needs of the patient as related to specific surgical procedures and collects supplies and equipment as related to the procedure.
• Delivers age appropriate care which addresses patients’ cultural, spiritual, and psychosocial needs.
• Promotes a safe environment conducive to the patient’s well-being.
• Observes for potential patient complications and reports observations to the Registered Nurse.
• May assist in scheduling OR cases, recording information, and revising and updating surgeon preference cards via the information management system.
• Able to utilize the electronic medical record when applicable.
• Functions in Central Reprocessing: decontamination of instruments, preparation of instruments for sterilization, demonstrates skill in the use of all equipment within CRP and maintains records for all equipment in accordance with policy/procedure.
• Utilizes proper positioning of the patient with consideration of patient’s comfort and safety points of pressure padded without impairment of circulation.
• Provides visualization of the operative site by the following: appropriate placement and securement of retractions; packing with sponges; digital manipulation and tissue; suctioning, irrigating, sponging; manipulation of suture materials; proper use of body mechanics to prevent obstruction of surgeon’s view.
• Utilizes appropriate techniques with hemostasis for permanent and temporary techniques.
• Utilizes appropriate techniques to assist with closure of body planes.
• Selects and applies appropriate wound dressings.
• Provides assistance in securing drainage systems to tissues.
• For Facilities With Specialty Accreditation Requirements: completion of annual required education related to specialty accreditation as defined by accreditation standards.

Physical Requirements

• Capable of prolonged periods of standing and walking.
• Ability to lift up to 40-pounds and push/pull heavy loaded carts up to 200 lbs.
• Possess visual, hearing, and oral acuity along with manual dexterity and technical ability.
• Ability to wear personal protective equipment and lead for extended periods of time.

Working Environment

• May be exposed to communicable diseases, toxic gas, fume and odor.
• Exposure to electrical current and radiation from x-rays.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to perform concentrated and complex mental activity with frequent involvement in complex and highly technical situations.
• Ability to work successfully under stressful conditions and adapt to varying workloads and work assignments on a constant basis.
• Ability to make sound judgments based on scientific principles and collaborate with other multidisciplinary team members.
• Ability to comprehend and perform oral and written instructions and procedures.
• Thorough knowledge/scrub skills for all surgical specialties.