Surgical Tech First Assist; CERT

Join to apply for the Surgical Tech First Assist (CERT) FT role at South Texas Health System

Responsibilities

• Assists surgeons with exposure, hemostasis, and other technical functions that will help the surgeon carry out a safe operation with optimal results for the patient.
• Under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse, attends to the patients’ direct care needs.
• Accepts responsibility for his/her integrity with respect to maintenance and compliance, to policies.
• Anticipates the needs of the surgeon, and other team members, with respect to the requirements of a particular surgical procedure.
• Demonstrates and maintains dexterity sufficient for successful completion of his/her assistant duties on each particular procedure.
• Maintains a professional attitude with respect to the dignity, privacy, and safety of the patient.
• Functions within the limits of his/her ability, and within the scope of practice set forth by the medical staff Bylaws, Rules and Regulations, and appropriate state law.
• Performs surgical assisting functions under the direction of a licensed physician.
• Assists with preparation of OR, and end of case activities.
• Participates with draping patient, creating, and maintaining sterile field.
• Under direct supervision of surgeon, provides retraction of tissue and organs for optimal visualization with regard to tissue type and appropriate retraction instrument and/or technique
• Under direct surgeon supervision, assists in maintaining hemostasis by direct pressure, use of appropriate surgical instruments for the task, electrocautery, placement of ties, placement of suture ligatures, application of chemical hemostatic agents, or other measures directed by the surgeon.
• Performs sponging and suctioning on operative sites
• Performs closure of subcutaneous & skin wound layers (or the equivalent tissue layers) under surgeon supervision
• May harvest vein graft for cardiac heart procedures under the surgeon’s supervision
• Provides assistance in securing drainage systems to tissue
• Applies wound dressings
• Demonstrates competency in assisting the nurse in the care of the patient by assisting with moving and safe positioning of patient to reduce injury or pressure injury development
• Placement of pneumatic tourniquet.
• Assists with CPR when needed.
• Employs interpersonal and communication skills that enhance team functioning
• Complies and actively promotes and participates with patient safety initiatives, Universal Protocol, and prevention of retained procedural items.
• When not directly involved in first assisting role, may function in scrub role, or other duties identified by department leadership.
• Assists the RN and other Surgical Technologists to provide an environment conductive to safety for patients, visitors and employees.
• Actively participates in mandatory department education and appropriate drills (Malignant Hyperthermia, Fire, etc.)
• Participates in facility call rotations.

Qualifications

• Knowledge and proficiency in perioperative practices as Surgical Technologist for at least three years.
• Demonstrated knowledge and skill in applying principles of asepsis and infection control.
• Demonstrated knowledge of surgical anatomy, physiology and operative procedures wherein the Certified STFA assists.
• Demonstrated knowledge of surgical theory and clinical dexterity to perform identified skills.
• Knowledge to identify hazards and implement appropriate corrective and preventative actions for patient safety.
• Technical School/2 Years College / Associate’s Degree:
  Surgical Technology, or program board eligible for SFA certification
• Bachelor’s Degree in Science/related field, 3
  -5 years related experience 5-8 preferred

Education / Licensure

• Currency in CSFA certification (through NBSTSA), CSA (through NSAA), or SA-C certification (through ABSA) must be maintained for employment.
• Maintains licensure as Surgical First Assistant where indicated by State Law
• Current American Heart Association BLS

EEO Statement

All UHS subsidiaries are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates. UHS subsidiaries are equal opportunity employers and as such, openly support and fully commit to recruitment, selection, placement, promotion and compensation of individuals without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), genetic information, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

We believe that diversity and inclusion among our teammates is critical to our success.