Surgical First Assistant - Full Time

Ob Summary

Supports, and is responsible for incorporating into job performance, the Frederick Health (FH) mission, vision, core values and customer service philosophy and adheres to the FH Compliance Program, including following all regulatory requirements and the FH Standards of Behavior.

Ob Summary

Supports, and is responsible for incorporating into job performance, the Frederick Health (FH) mission, vision, core values and customer service philosophy and adheres to the FH Compliance Program, including following all regulatory requirements and the FH Standards of Behavior. Certified Surgical Technician First Assistant with demonstrated ability to meet and sustain the performance expectation for Level I and II Surgical Technician. Assists in the treatment and care of patient in the Operating Room. Patient focused in work. Knowledgeable of the national standards of practice expected of a Certified Surgical Technician. Performs all First Assistant duties under the immediate direct supervision of the operating surgeon.

Example Of Essential Functions

• Demonstrates indepth knowledge of the established standards for patient care. Serves as a role model for the Surgical Technicians by independently adhering to these performance standards. Acts as a clinical resource regarding standards of practice. Performs duties of the Surgical Technician or other duties as needed when not being utilized as a First Assistant.
• Proficient in the set-up and turnover of surgical cases. Consistently at or below department standard times for room turnover.
• Expedites the operative procedure by anticipating the surgeon’s intra-operative needs.
• Competently and independently performs duties in all Core Surgical Services.
• Under the immediate supervision of a registered nurse, assists with delegated circulating duties that are within the scope of practice for Surgical Technicians, i.e., patient positioning.
• Verifies, labels, and handles medications at the surgical field under the direction of the RN or surgeon.
• Orients new personnel to Surgical Technician responsibilities, readily sharing knowledge and experience for this role. Provides for a safe learning environment.
• Complies with quality control standards. Participates in data collection and analysis of data from quality assessment activities. Participates in department performance improvement activities, developing strategies for improved patient care services.
• Provides second scrub under the direct supervision of the operating surgeon, limited to visualization by retraction of tissue, suctioning and cauterization of bleeders.
• Serves as head technician for a Core Service, actively participating in the coordination of the service with the Charge Nurse.
  • Maintains equipment files.
  • Determines competence of staff to present criteria in the assembly, use and care of equipment.
• Demonstrates in-depth knowledge of surgical asepsis, surgical anatomy and physiology and operative techniques related to specific procedures in which assistance is provided.
• Demonstrates manual dexterity and technical proficiency.
• Provides visualization of the operative site by the following:
  • 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.
  • Utilization of proper body mechanics to prevent obstruction of the surgeon’s view.
• Utilizes appropriate techniques to assist with hemostasis.
  • Permanent:
    • Clamping and/or cauterizing vessels or tissue.
    • Tying and/or ligating clamped vessels or tissue.
    • Applying hemostatic clips.
    • Placing local hemostatic agents.
  • Temporary:
    • Apply intra-operative tourniquets and demonstrates awareness of the indications and contraindications for use with knowledge of side effects of extended use.
    • Apply vessel loops.
    • Apply non-crushing clamps.
    • Apply direct digital pressures.
• Utilizes appropriate techniques to assist with closure of body planes.
  • Utilizes running or interrupted subcutaneous sutures with absorbable and non-absorbable material.
  • Utilizes subcuticular closure technique with or without adhesive skin closure strips.
  • Closing skin with method indicated by surgeon, e.g., suture, staples, etc.
• Applies appropriate wound dressings to include:
  • Liquid or spray occlusive materials.
  • Absorbent materials affixed with tape or circumferential wrapping.
  • Immobilization dressings, soft or rigid.
• Provides assistance securing drainage systems to tissue.
  • Actively engages in departmental efforts to promote retention of staff and provide for a high level of employee morale.

Minimum Education, Training, And Experience Required

• High school diploma required.
• Certified Surgical Technician First Assist (CSFA) or Certified First Assistant (CFA)
• Current CPR certification
• Requires at least three years experience as a Surgical Technician.

Reporting Relationship

Reports to the Department Manager. Receives supervision from Director or Department Manager, Medical Staff when acting as Second Scrub or First Assistant.

Caring for you as you care for the CommUNITY

Frederick Health offers a comprehensive and affordable benefits package. Health, Dental and Vision insurance are offered the 1st of the month after 30 days of employment to all employees hired to work at least 20 hours per week and we offer multiple plans to best meet your and your family's needs. Life insurance, Short-Term Income Replacement and Long-Term Disability are employer paid for eligible employees. Frederick Health offers a robust Paid Time Off program for eligible employees. Our 403B retirement plan helps you save for your retirement and includes an employer match to eligible employees. All employees have access to free financial planning sessions. We also offer an educational assistance program to support your education goals as well as an employer paid Employee Assistance Program.
Pay is based on experience, skills and education. If position is part-time, salary will be pro-rated based on scheduled hours. The pay range may also vary within the stated range based on specialty if applicable. Non-Exempt positions may have shift differential and/or Overtime paid, if applicable.
Hourly range: $36.63 - $52.65

Equal Opportunity Employer

This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.