Surgical First Assistant

Major Responsibilities:
Provide first or second assisting for specified surgical procedures as needed and assigned for patients of all ages:
1)Incises tissue.
2)Provides surgical field exposure by providing retraction.
3)Assists with maintaining a dry surgical field-hemostasis.
4)Clamps, cauterizes, and/or ligates bleeders.
5)Assists with the identification of anatomical structures.
6)Utilizes surgical instruments for the purpose they were intended.
7)Assists with or performs wound closure.
8)Assists with or applies skin sutures, staples.
9)Assists with or applies dressings.
10)Provides assistance in preparation and maintenance of sterile O.R. environment utilizing aseptic techniques.

Accountability A continued…
1)Robotic Surgery

Performs duties in the scrub role as assigned:
1)Completely prepares sterile field in a timely manner.
2)Performs surgical draping of incision site on patients of all ages.
3)Complies with departmental policy and procedures regarding specimens, counts, and disposition of contaminated instruments.
4)Maintains sterile field and boundaries prior to and during procedure.
5)Acts as preceptor, sharing knowledge in a supportive/educational manner.
6)Maintains on-call availability.
7)Assists in emergency situations as assigned.
8)Maintains a safe work environment according to regulatory agency standards.
9)Maintains educational records and timecard.
10)Maintains competencies.

Accountability C continued…
1)Inserts foley catheter when indicated.

Responsible for the preparation of the surgical field and supplies/instruments delivered to the field:
1)Verifies instrument/supply/equipment available and ready per physician preference card
2)Verifies specific needs of physician by completely reading scrub tips
3)Assists in opening sterile supplies and instruments
4)Assists with clean-up and turnover upon completion of case
5)Efficiently utilizes supplies to avoid waste and decrease costs.
6)Assists with positioning of the surgical patient of all ages as directed by the circulating nurse.
7)Assists with patients of all ages with skim preparation, i.e., shave, scrub, painter per MD preference.

In collaboration with health care team, assists in providing for a cooperative work environment:
1)Assists with maintaining goals of Surgical Services and Advocate.
2)Shares clinical and professional knowledge in a supportive/educational manner
3)Demonstrates self-direction in utilizing work time appropriately.
4)Accepts and completes team responsibilities as assigned.

Responsible for maintenance of professional growth:
1)Demonstrates self-direction in maintaining professional skills
2)Independently completes assignments/projects
3)Participates in unit/hospital committees and projects.
4)Maintains certification

Responsible for compliance with hospital policies and procedures:
1)Maintains patient confidentiality
2)Utilizes guest relation techniques with members of health care team and patients

Education/Experience Required:

-High school graduate or GED. -Completion of ST program in an accredited school approved by NBSTSA (National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting). -Current state licensure. -CST Certification approved by NBSTSA (National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting). -Completion of First Assisting Program from school accredited by CAAHEP (Commission Accreditation of Allied Health Education Program).

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Required:

good communication skills ability to independently perform scrub duties
CPR certification Certification as Surgical Tech (CST). Certification as a Surg Asst

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• may be exposed to body fluids, waste and chemicals, anesthesia gases, hazardous materials, radiation, and life-threatening diseases • this position will need to recognize the needs and behaviors of a variety of age groups of patients treated, i.e., understand child growth and development, normal patterns of adolescent behavior and look for signs of normal aging; prior experience with various age groups is preferred • ability to stand for long periods of time • ability to lift 50 pounds • ability to cooperate and work well with others • ability to communicate with mask on and not facing others • ability to work in a stressful, changing environment • ability to respond quickly to emergencies. • ability to respond to fire and other codes (e.g. evacuate patients) • ability to work designated shifts including weekends and holidays • ability to assume on-call responsibility
If position has direct patient care or direct patient contact the following lifting requirement supersedes any previous lifting requirement effective 06/01/2015. Ability to lift up to 35 pounds without assistance. For patient lifts of over 35 pounds, or when patient is unable to assist with the lift, patient handling equipment is expected to be used, with at least one other associate, when available. Unique patient lifting/movement situations will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected of the incumbent. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the incumbent. Incumbent may be required to perform other related duties.