SURGICAL TECHFIRST ASST CSFA - FT

Overall Responsibility:

Provides aid in exposure, hemostasis, wound closure, and other intraoperative technical functions that help the surgeon carry out a safe operation with optimal results for the surgical patient. Performs these functions under the direction and supervision of the surgeon and in accordance with OneCore Health policy and appropriate laws and regulations. Provides for assistance of the physician during the surgical case, including gathering and preparing supplies/equipment for case. Ensures aseptic and sterile technique throughout procedure. Maintains cleanliness of room for turnover between cases, pulls instruments with damaged or improper function and notifies Clinical Lead RN of needed replacement/repair.

Key tasks and responsibilities (essential functions):

• Pre-operatively, works with operating room staff to verify correct patient information, operative procedure and surgical site and checks the patients chart for any abnormalities.
• Responsible for gathering and preparing supplies/equipment for surgical cases.
• Verifies that the correct equipment and instrumentation is prepared and ready for use. The surgeon determines the exact position for the best exposure for the surgical procedure, and the surgical first assistant carries out this order.
• Assists in maintaining a clean and safe environment according to Surgical Standards.
• Ensures that points of pressure are padded, including elbows, heels, knees, eyes, face, and the axillary region. Verifies that circulation is not impaired, and nerves are protected from damage. Discusses with anesthesia personnel the patients temperature and identifies the particular methods that will be implemented to maintain the desired temperature.
• Assists the physician with surgical cases under the direct supervision of the OR Circulating RN.
• Intraoperatively, provides visualization of the operative site by appropriately placing and securing retractors, with or without padding; packing with sponges; digitally manipulating tissue; suctioning, irrigating, or sponging; manipulating suture materials (loops, tags, running sutures); and employing the proper use of body mechanics to prevent obstruction of the surgeons view.
• Utilizes appropriate permanent or temporary techniques to help achieve hemostasis by
  clamping and/or cauterizing vessels or tissue, tying and/or ligating clamped vessels or tissue, applying hemostatic clips, applying tourniquets, applying vessel loops, non-crushing clamps, and direct digital pressure.

• Employs appropriate techniques to assist with the closure of body planes, including utilizing running or interrupted subcutaneous sutures; utilizing subcuticular closure technique; closing skin as directed by the surgeon.
• Selects and applies appropriate wound dressings, including liquid or spray occlusive materials; absorbent material; and immobilizing dressing. Secures drainage systems to tissue.
• Post-operatively, evaluates the patient for any possible damage resulting from positioning, including assessment of the skin. Reports any abnormal condition to the surgeon and assists with patient transfer from the operating room. Other postoperative treatment and documentation is carried out as necessary under the direction of the surgeon and in accordance with job description and local and facility policy.
• Assist Purchasing and Clinical Lead RN in maintaining adequate level of supplies and instruments for use by OneCore Health.
• Adheres to established OneCore Healths safety requirements and procedures to ensure a safe working environment.
• Demonstrates the importance of continuing education to the performance of responsibilities and growth in profession.
• Demonstrates the safe operation of equipment and machinery and follows procedures for reporting and correcting an unsafe situation.

Licensure and Certification: Certification by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. Must maintain current BLS, if not current when hired, must complete training within 90 days.

Experience/Education: High School Diploma or equivalent. Completion of Surgical Technician training at approved training Hospital or equivalent experience.

Environmental and physical requirements - Requires physical ability for long term standing, occasional sitting, crouching, kneeling, frequent walking, reaching with reaching above head and below waist. The employee must be able to read, write and speak English fluently, have cognitive skills for math, reading, filing and sterile technique skills. Requires communication skills to deal well with employees, patients, families and physicians. Vision for near, mid-range, far and accommodation. Hearing for low, medium, and high pitch. Job risk include exposure to blood and body fluids (high), contact with laser and chemicals, lifting of 30 - 75 pounds, and exposure to infectious disease.