First Assist Surgical Technician

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The Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) or Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) is an allied health professional who is an integral part of the team of medical practitioners providing surgical care to patients. The CSA or CSFA works under the supervision of a surgeon to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of invasive surgical procedures, ensuring that the operating room environment is safe, that equipment functions properly, and that the surgical procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety.

Demonstrates expertise in the theory and application of sterile and aseptic technique, as well as combines the knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation tools and technologies to facilitate a physician's performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.

• In depth knowledge of anatomy and physiology related to surgery achieved with independence on all surgical cases, including general, orthopedic, neuro/vascular, robotic, etc.
• Able to take call with advanced surgical skills required to perform in the CSA or CSFA role with all surgical procedures.
• In depth learning or knowledge of anatomy and physiology, tissue exposure, surgical flow and advanced techniques in surgery.
• Performs a thorough review of the surgeons preferences prior to each surgical procedure.
• Checks supplies and equipment needed for surgical procedure, assists with selection and opening of sterile supplies.
• Sets up sterile table with instruments, supplies, equipment and medications/solutions needed for procedure.
• May assist RN circulator with patient comfort measures, patient positing, application of electrosurgical grounding pads, external defibrillator pads, EKG monitors and skin preparation.
• Gowns and gloves surgeon and surgical team.
• Drapes patient and sterile field.
• Actively participates in all portions of surgical procedure, anticipating and passing instruments and supplies during the surgical procedure.
• May hold cameras, retract tissue, and/or stabilize tissue, clamp, cauterize, suture, insert retracting, cutting, ligating, etc, all under the physician guidance and direction.
• Practices and maintains highest standard of sterile technique during surgical procedures, participates in infection prevention techniques and ensures patient safety throughout procedure.
• Prepares/applies sterile dressings, splints, casts, immobilizers/stabilizers.
• Maintains a safe environment throughout procedure regarding patient physical safety, fire prevention, ESU safety, infection control, and maintains highest of sterile field organization throughout procedure.
• Assists with room turnover between cases and participates in terminal cleaning and organization of the department.
• Routine opening and/or closing of the surgical site.
• Assist in maintaining hemostasis by direct pressure, use and application of appropriate surgical instruments for the task, placement of ties and suture ligatures, application of chemical hemostatic agents, or other measures as directed by the surgeon.
• Assist in retracting tissue per surgeons directive.
• Use of electrocautery both monopolar and bipolar.
• Clamp, ligation, and cutting of tissue per surgeons directive.
• Assist in placement and suturing of surgical drains.
• Closure of all wound layers (fascia, subcutaneous and skin) as per surgeons directive.
• Prepare any grafts as directed by the surgeon.
• Assist in all other surgical procedures under the directive of the surgeon.
• Utilizes appropriate suturing techniques, according to surgeon preference and guidance, with closure of body planes and utilizing proper manipulation of suture.
• Verifies patient  2 patient identifiers i.e. armband, DOB, verbal identification during pre- procedure time out.
• Follows established drying protocols after skin preparation and before surgical draping.
• Actively participates and follows established guidelines for Safety Time out prior to skin incision.
• Ensures antibiotics have been acknowledged and initiated…