First Assistant IV

First Assistant IV role at My Michigan Health
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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.

• Demonstrates knowledge of surgical procedure, anatomy and physiology, and operative techniques related to specific procedure. (50%)
• 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. (20%)
• Assists team members in transportation, positioning and total care of patients. (10%)

• 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 stay 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.
• Qualification Source: AHA
• Essential: true
• Credential: CSFA:
  Cert Surgical First Assistant
• Equivalent
  
  Experience:
  
  Certification is conferred by NBSTSA, NSAA, ABSA. Initial CSFA/CSA/SA C certification requirements described; must be obtained within two years of signing job description if not obtained already. If a career ladder exists, must complete skills/practice competency for current level.
• Qualification Source: Essential: true

• Required
  
  Education:
  
  HIGH
• Equivalent
  
  Experience:
  
  Associate's or Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Education Specialization: Essential: true
• Education: TECH
• Equivalent
  
  Experience:
  
  Knowledge of surgical procedures and standards of practice acquired through a surgical technology program accredited by CAAHEP; which upon completion may certify for NBSTSA or NCCT as applicable. Certifications must be valid with NBSTSA and NCCT.

• Manual dexterity and mechanical skills needed to properly use and hold surgical instruments.
• Interpersonal skills needed to communicate successfully with individuals and groups and interact with people at all levels to communicate ideas and concepts in a clear and understandable manner.
• One year or more of surgical assisting preferred.
• My Michigan Health is a technology-driven organization; employees may be required to participate in further learning opportunities offered by My Michigan Health.

• Exposure to stressful situations, including trauma, grief and death.
• Able to wear personal protective equipment that includes latex materials or appropriate substitutes if required for your position.
• Is able to move freely about facility with or without an assisted device and must be able to perform the functions of the job as outlined in the job description.
• Overall vision and hearing are necessary with or without assisted device(s).
• Frequently required to sit/stand/walk for long periods of time. May require frequent postural changes such as stooping, kneeling or…