First Assistant IV

Summary

This position prepares the surgical suite for the procedure by assisting the surgical technologist along with the registered nurse in gathering equipment, instruments, and supplies to perform the procedure. Assure all supplies and equipment are available for the procedure and in working condition. Assists the RN circulator and anesthesia provider in preparation of the patient to include foley catheter placement, tourniquet placement, placement of intravenous catheters, cricoid pressure application, and other procedures as needed.

This position assists the surgeon by providing exposure, aid in hemostasis, closure and other intraoperative technical functions that help the surgeon carry out a safe operation with maximum results for the patient. In providing proper draping, retracting, suctioning, sponging, suturing, tissue handling and cautery techniques. The assistant will apply appropriate dressing material specific to procedure. This position assists the surgeon in the care of the patient while in the operating room through utilization of the operating room team concept.

• (50%) Demonstrates knowledge of surgical procedure, anatomy and physiology, and operative techniques related to specific procedure.
• (20%) Assures all necessary supplies, equipment or instruments are opened or available. Ensure items are charged for appropriately by confirming with nurse and surgical technologist.
• (20%) Assists physician as directed with proper positioning, draping, retracting, suctioning, sponging, tissue handling, cautery techniques, stapling devices, suturing, and selecting along with applying the appropriate wound dressings.
• (10%) Assists team members in transportation, positioning and total care of patients.

OTHER

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Demonstrates a broad range of knowledge with proficiency in preparation of surgical procedures and has versatility in staffing as a surgical technologist if needed.
• Participates in orientation, ongoing competencies, education, and staff development. (including staff meetings).
• Participates in regulatory surveys.
• Participates in performance improvement activities.
• Fulfills on‑call responsibilities and extra shift coverage as needed.
• Demonstrates a positive, courteous, and helpful attitude toward patients, visitors, physicians, and co‑workers.
• Remains calm and efficient when working in stressful situations.
• Shares information and reports significant changes and/or abnormal findings to appropriate team members.
• Attend and/or participate in professional association activities and programs to assure being current on regulations, guidelines, and professional standards of care.
• Remain current on new developments in healthcare by reading professional journals and attending seminars when applicable.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Credential: BLS:
  Basic Life Support
• Equivalent
  
  Experience:
  
  Within 3 months of hire or transfer.
• Credential: CSFA:
  Cert Surgical First Assistant
• Equivalent
  
  Experience:
  
  Certification is conferred by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), and the National Surgical Assistant Association (NSAA), and American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA). Initial certification as a Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA), Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA), and Surgical Assistant Certified (SA
  
  C) is based upon satisfactory performance of the national certifying examination from each organization’s credentialing body, following completion of an accredited program in surgical assisting or another pathway acceptable to the NBSTSA, NSAA, AND ABSA. Maintained CSFA or CSA or SA
  
  C. If not obtained, must be obtained within two years of signing job description. If career ladder implemented at medical center, first assistant must complete skills/practice competency as described in the career ladder for current first assistant level.

• Education:
  
  HIGH
• Equivalent
  
  Experience:
  
  Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Education:
  
  TECH
• Equivalent
  
  Experience:
  
  Knowledge of surgical procedures and standards of practice acquired through a surgical technology program accredited through Commission on Accreditation of…