Surgical First Assistant - Surgical Services

Description

Job Summary:

A Surgical First Assistant assists in operations, under the supervision of surgeons. May, in accordance with state laws, help surgeons to make incisions and close surgical sites, manipulate or remove tissues, implant surgical devices or drains, suction the surgical site, place catheters, clamp or cauterize vessels or tissue, and apply dressings to surgical site. This position also provides medical care in the orthopedic clinic and assists with administrative tasks.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership and direction to the perioperative team, where needed.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Work closely with the surgeon during procedures and pass needed instruments, provide retraction, cut suture, and other duties within the scope of practice.
• Demonstrate strict aseptic technique during intraoperative phase including surgical hand scrub, gown and gloving (open and closed) of self and other team members.
• Demonstrate ability to administer local anesthetic and use various block techniques.
• Drape or assist in draping of the patient for surgical procedures.
• Identify and safely and correctly handle instruments during procedures.
• Verify integrity of sterile packages and verify expiration dates of all items introduced into the sterile field.
• Open sterile instrument packs, drapes, solutions, and supplies while maintaining sterility during transfer into the sterile field.
• Properly connect sterile devices and equipment from sterile field to non-sterile sources (suction, bovie, camera, light, etc.).
• Safely handle and prepare medications used in the sterile field.
• Identify, prepare, and pass suture to surgeon.
• Participate in counting of sponges, needles, and instruments according to departmental policy.
• Recognize and verbalize breaks in sterile technique by self and others.
• Properly care for tissue specimens, including packaging.
• Apply sterile dressings at the end of procedure without contamination of the dressing or the operative site.
• Properly prep the operative site when necessary.
• Assist in circulating in the operating suite under the direct supervision of a registered nurse.
• Properly utilize electrocautery unit according to departmental policy.
• Responsible for positioning patient to maintain circulation and access for surgeon, to include immobilizing patients on the operating table.
• Perform or aid in patient suction, draining and irrigation.
• Provide medical care under the supervision of an orthopedic surgeon in clinic setting to include wound care and casting/splinting/bracing applications.
• Ensure patients are cleared for surgery to including scheduling of appointments and surgery, obtaining surgical consents, and analyzing/ensuring all lab work and medical clearances are received timely, and coordinating patient care with other healthcare professionals.
• Coordinate with medical device representatives to ensure equipment and implants are available.
• Order medical supplies.
• Provide exemplary customer service.
• Maintain confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA.
• Cooperate with other personnel to achieve departmental objectives and maintain good employee relations, inter-departmental objectives and infection control policies.
• Cordially demonstrate timeliness and professionalism in appearance, communications, and actions during all interactions and with all individuals and entities.
• Solve practical problems, dealing with a variety of issues, and interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written and oral form.
• Attend meetings as required.
• Perform other related duties to benefit the mission of the organization. 

Requirements

Required Skills/Abilities: 

• Must be committed to quality and patient safety at all times.
• Proficient in spoken and written English.
• Must be effective at adjusting to change, prioritizing duties, handling stress and effectively communicating face-to-face and/or over the telephone.
• Must be able to work independently, and flexibly, and as a part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Must be able to manage several interruptions throughout the shift.
• Must have strong interpersonal and communication skills, verbal and written.
• Must have strong time management skills.
• Must be able to work under pressure while interacting in a helpful, courteous manner with a high degree of patient contact.
• Sufficient hearing, vision and dexterity to perform duties safely.

Job-related Skills and Abilities: 

• Intermediate computer skills, including but not limited to: Microsoft Office, scheduling systems, electronic medical documentation, and email.
• Apply knowledge of surgical anatomy, physiology, and operative technique relative to operative procedures.

Education and Experience:

• OR-tech graduate of an accredited surgical first assistant program.
• One year of experience in orthopedics or general surgery preferred.
• BLS certification required.

Physical and Mental Requirements: 

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Prolonged periods standing in an operative room.
• Ability to work in cold temperatures common to operating rooms.
• Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at times.
• Must be able to navigate various departments of the organization’s physical premises.
• Stress Level: Moderate to High

OSHA Classification:

__x___ Category I: Tasks that involve exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues.

All procedures or other job-related tasks involve an inherent potential for mucous membrane or skin contact with blood, body fluids or tissues or a potential for spills or splashes of them are Category I tasks. Use of appropriate protective measures, such as gloves, masks, goggles, and gown are required for every employee engaged in Category I tasks.