Certified Surgical First Assistant

TITLE: First Assistant / Certified Surgical Technologist

DEPARTMENT: Surgery

REPORTS TO: Director of Surgery

JOB SUMMARY: Under the supervision of the surgeon, the First Assistant provides aid in patient positioning, operative site visibility, hemostasis, maintaining patient body fluids, closure, drainage and dressings of the surgical site. Sets up equipment and instruments, prepares patient for pre-operative and post-operative care, cleans and re-stocks operating room. Works as a member of the surgical team in delivering patient care and assuming appropriate responsibilities, before, during and after surgery. The First Assistant performs these functions during surgery under the direction and supervision of the surgeon and in accordance with hospital policy and appropriate laws and regulations.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Graduate of a surgical technology program accredited by the Committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation (CAHEA) or another avenue of entry otherwise acceptable to the Liaison Council on Certification for the Surgical Technologist .with additional training or on the job experience to satisfy requirements for certification as a First Assistant.

Licensure: Certification is conferred by the Liaison Council on Certification, the certifying body of the Association of Surgical Technologists, Inc., by passing the national certifying examination. Certification as a Certified First Assistant (CFA) is based upon satisfactory performance on the national certifying examination following completion of an accredited program in surgical assisting or another pathway acceptable to the NBSTSA.

Experience: Must demonstrate application of knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and other cognitive education with additional education in the use of surgical instruments on tissues versus the handling of instruments. The form of this training may be through formal education, continuing education, preceptorship, or any combination of these methods.

Patient Population Served: Serves patient age groups from pediatric to geriatric. Demonstrates knowledge of the principals of growth and development over the life span and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient’s status and interpret the information needed to identify each patient’s requirements relative to his /her age specific needs and to provide the care needed as described in the department’s policies and procedures. Understands and respects patient cultural needs.

Physical and Mental Demands: Required to stand, bend, lift, squat, reach above head, lift and carry equipment. Must be able to stand and walk 80% of the time during duty shift. Able to visualize changes in patient conditions such as levels of consciousness, skin color, breath sounds, heart sounds, bowel sounds, vital signs, and ability to distinguish abnormal odors. Must be able to hear and comprehend surgeon’s request, and rapidly respond to emergency signals and emergency situations. Manual dexterity to operate patient care equipment. Work requires a high level of mental concentration and alertness for extended periods of time while surgery is being performed.

Travel: Not required

Working Conditions: Work is performed in a surgical care setting; conditions rage from moderate to high degree of disagreeable features. Exposure to odors, materials, chemicals and infectious agents are encountered daily. Work is performed with surgical instruments and other sharps. Utilizes standard precautions at all times. Practice of principles of asepsis and sterile technique are critical to maintaining appropriate care environment.

Principle Contacts: Surgeons and surgery staff must communicate as a team in the performance of work. Discusses and plans care with nursing staff. Accurate and timely relay of information is critical. Confidentiality of patient information must be maintained at all times. Demonstrates skills to communicate with all age groups of patients.

Complexity of Duties: Work requires judgment in the application of broad aspects of established practices to problems and situations with critical patient outcomes. Discusses problem situations with other members of the surgical team and adopts or modifies approaches to meet patient needs.

Supervision: No supervisory duties

DRUG FREE WORKPLACE -“all positions/ applicants require drug testing as a condition of employment”

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $71,105 - $99,951