Surgical First Assist

Northern Light Maine Coast Hospital

Department: Operating Room

Position is located: Northern Light Maine Coast Hospital

Work Type: PRN

Hours Per Week: No Hours Assigned

Work Schedule: Variable

Summary :

To carry out the functions that will assist the surgeon in performing a safe operation with optimal results for the patient. The intra-operative practice of the First Assist is inter-department with the surgeon.

Responsibilities :

• Reviews consent to confirm procedure and special needs.
• Communicates with other healthcare providers regarding the patient plan of care.
• Facilitates OR room turnover.
• Assists in the positioning, skin preparation and draping of the patient.
• Inserting and removal of Foley catheter.
• Placing the pneumatic tourniquet.
• Confirming procedure with surgeon. Providing retraction of tissue and organs for optimal visualization with regard to tissue type and appropriate retraction instrument and/or technique.
• Assisting in maintaining hemostasis by direct pressure, using and applying appropriate surgical instrument for the task placement of ties, placement of ligatures, applying chemical hemostatic agents or other measures as directed by the surgeon.
• Uses the electrocautery mono and bipolar appropriately.
• Handles tissue appropriately to reduce the potential for injury.
• Sutures tissue and applies dressing to the wound under the direction of the surgeon.
• Inserts drainage tubes per surgeon's directive.
• Uses surgical instruments skillfully in ways consistent with their design and purpose.
• Assisting with resuscitation of patient during cardiac arrest or other threatening events in the OR.
• Performs any other duties or procedures incident to the surgical procedure deemed necessary and directed by the surgeon.
• Assists in transporting the patient postoperatively.
• Communicates information to the post anesthesia care unit as appropriate.
• Other Duties.

Other Information :

• First Assist certification preferred.

Competencies and Skills

• Effectively Communicates: Listens, speaks and writes appropriately, using clear language. Communication methods are fitting to the message(s), audience, and situation and follow-ups are regular and timely. Shows that important (non-) verbal information is absorbed and understood and asks further questions to clarify when necessary. Expresses ideas and views clearly to others and has ability to adjust use of language to the audiences' level.
• Behaves with Integrity and Builds Trust: Acts consistently in line with the core values, commitments and rules of conduct. Leads by example and tells the truth. Does what they say they will, when and how they say they will, or communicates an alternate plan.
• Cultivates Respect: Treats others fairly, embraces and values differences, and contributes to a culture of belonging, empowerment, and cooperation.
• Fosters Accountability: Creates and participates in a work environment where people hold themselves and others accountable for processes, results and behaviors. Takes appropriate ownership not only of successes but also mistakes and works to correct them in a timely manner. Demonstrates understanding that we all work as a team and the quality and timeliness of work impacts everyone involved.
• Practices Compassion: Exhibits genuine care for people and is available and ready to help; displays a deep awareness of and strong willingness to relieve the suffering of others.

Credentials

• Required Credentialed Provider

Working Conditions

• Work with computers, typing, reading or writing.
• Prolonged periods of standing.
• Prolonged periods of sitting.
• Lifting, moving and loading 20 to 30 pounds.

Northern Light Maine Coast Hospital in Ellsworth, Maine is a full-service hospital, serving both Hancock and western Washington Counties. Our 64-bed facility provides emergency, primary and specialty care, acute inpatient, diagnostic, birthing, and surgical services. At Maine Coast Hospital, we dedicate ourselves to providing exceptional medical care with the personal touch and convenience only a community hospital can offer. Maine Coast has earned both national and state recognition for patient safety, outcomes, and patient satisfaction. Maine Coast Hospital is a member of Northern Light Health, an integrated statewide health delivery system that is raising the bar with no-nonsense solutions that are leading the way to a healthier future for our state . Northern Light Health offers a broad range of services, including nine hospitals, primary care and specialty physician practices, long-term care, home health and hospice agencies, and emergency ground and air transport.

The Ellsworth community is a short drive to the scenic Maine coast and is near Acadia National Park with mountains and exceptional year-round recreation including hiking, biking, fishing, hunting, boating, skiing, golf, and more. Our neighborhoods are safe, friendly, and have outstanding schools. Enjoy the best of both worlds, practicing at a smaller community hospital in one of the most beautiful places in Maine while having the support of a large healthcare system.

Coastal, Ellsworth, Maine, MCH, MCMH, Rural Health Care