Surgical First Assistant

Overview

Surgical First Assistant (Healthcare)

Position Summary:

The Surgical First Assistant works closely with surgeons in the operating room during a surgical procedure. They anticipate the needs of the surgical team and, during an operation, assist the surgeon with tasks such as selecting equipment, holding open incisions, controlling bleeding, closing the incision, among other technical tasks. The Surgical First Assistant interacts with surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and other health care staff.

The Surgical First Assistant provides support for surgical procedures by serving as general assistant to nurses and physicians and by preparing the operation rooms with necessary equipment, instruments, and supplies.

• Position patient and attend to the patient’s warmth and comfort needs. Follow the surgeon’s guidance on optimal positioning to provide the best exposure for the procedure, while considering patient comfort and safety. Coordinate with anesthesia provider and RN Circulator to pad all pressure points and ensure circulation is not impaired; guard against nerve damage; evaluate the patient for positioning-related injuries post-procedure and report any abnormal conditions to the surgeon and Circulating RN;
  
  confirm treatment and documentation are carried out.
• Inspect and prepare skin for surgical procedures (e.g., hair removal by clippers, preps, etc.) as needed. Under physician direction, aid in visualization of the operative site by placing and securing retractors; perform digital manipulation of tissue, suctioning, irrigating, or sponging.
• Manipulate suture materials (loops, tags, running sutures). Use proper body mechanics to prevent obstruction of the surgeon’s view. Employ appropriate techniques to assist with hemostasis, including permanent measures (clamping and/or cauterizing vessels or tissue, tying and/or ligating vessels or tissue, applying hemostatic clips, and placing local hemostatic agents) and temporary measures (applying tourniquets with awareness of indications/contraindications and side effects of extended use;
  
  applying vessel loops, non-crushing clamps, and direct digital pressure).
• Under supervision, independently apply electrocautery and instrumentation directly to tissue as appropriate during surgical intervention; prepare grafts (bone, tendon, skin, etc.).
• Assist with closure of body planes and wound management: perform closure of fascia, subcutaneous tissue, and skin; apply postoperative wound dressings, slings, etc.; assist in securing drainage systems to tissue and connecting drains to suction apparatus;
  Foley catheter insertion as evidenced by competency.
• All other duties not specifically assigned.

• Education:
  
  High School Diploma/GED
• Experience:
  
  N/A
• Technical
  
  Skills:
  
  Proficiency in suturing as evidenced by required competency of the surgical team and verification evidenced by competency of all required skills.
• Certifications/Licenses/Registrations:
  Completion of an approved CST/CSFA program (The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting) or military training. BLS preferred.