Surgical First Assist

Certified Surgical First Assistant

Qualifications

Education

High school diploma or equivalent GED

Graduate from a surgical assisting program accredited through ARC/STSA, a collaborative effort of ASA, ACS, and SASA, by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). CAAHEP is a recognized accreditation agency of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Experience/Skills

Has at least two years of surgical technician experience with additional experience as Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA)

Exhibits verbal and written communication skills

Demonstrates a working knowledge of general computer skills and applications

Understands specialized first assistant techniques, procedures, and adequate equipment related to hemostasis, retracting and suturing skills

Demonstrates self-motivation

Works effectively in collaboration with others

Multitasks effectively

Adaptable

Required Licenses/Certifications

Operating Room Technician/First Assistant Certification

CPR

Working Conditions

Works in a clean, well-lit working environment

Occupational exposure

Routine Responsibilities

Patient Positioning

The surgeon shall convey the exact position that will give the best exposure for the surgical procedure. The surgical assistant will collaborate with the RN Circulator to carry out the order with consideration to the patient's comfort and safety

Points of pressure shall be padded: elbows, heels, knees, eyes, face, and axillary region

Circulation shall not be impaired

Nerve damage shall be guarded against

The temperature of the patient should be discussed with the anesthesia personnel and methods employed to maintain the desired temperature range

Familiar with common position related to surgical procedure and will be able to use the equipment necessary to provide the position. Competencies will include the following: fracture tables; head stabilizers; body stabilizers; C-arm extensions; any other equipment needed

Upon completion of the procedure, the patient shall be evaluated for any possible damage from positioning which will include assessment of the skin. The abnormal condition shall be reported to the surgeon and treatment and documentation shall be carried out

Visualization of the Operative Site

Appropriate placement and securing of retractors with or without padding

Packing with sponges

Digital manipulation of tissue

Suctioning, irrigating, or sponging

Manipulation of suture materials (e.g., loops, tags, running sutures)

Appropriate Hemostasis Assisting Techniques

Permanent: clamping and/or cauterizing vessels or tissue; tying and/or ligating clamped vessels or tissue; applying hemostatic clips; placing local hemostatic agents

Temporary: applying tourniquets and demonstrating awareness of the indications/contraindications for use with knowledge of side effects of extended use; applying vessel loops; applying non crushing clamps; applying direct digital pressure

Appropriate Closure of Body Planes Assisting Techniques

Utilizing running or interrupted sutures with absorbable or nonabsorbable material of wound layers, including muscle and fascia

Utilizing subcuticular closure technique with or without adhesive skin closure strips

Closing skin with method per surgeon's directive (suture, staples, etc.)

Postoperative subcutaneous injection of local anesthetic per surgeon's directive

Appropriate Wound Dressings Selection and Application

Liquid or spray occlusive materials

Absorbent material affixed with tape or circumferential wrapping

Immobilizing dressing (soft or rigid)

Provides assistance in securing drainage systems to tissue

Miscellaneous

In addition to the responsibilities outlined in this job description, the Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) is also expected to perform all duties described under the Surgical Technologist duties outlined in policy # 215.69.

Day Shift 80 hours/Bi-Weekly