First Assist Surg Tech III

Surgical First Assistant Position

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.

The operating room has a career ladder and the details are as follows:

FA I= A surgical technologist who was on the job trained as a surgical technologist and who is on the job trained as a First Assistant, no formal training (grandfathered in their role)

FAII = A surgical technologist with a certification (CST) in surgical technology, and on the job trained as a First Assistant (CST)

FA III= A surgical technologist with a certification (CST) in surgical technology, and certified as a CSFA or CSA but on the job trained (CSFA)

FA IV= A surgical technologist with a certification (CST) in surgical technology, and/or formally educated by an accredited program as a first assistant and/or certified from their formal education as a CSFA or CSA; this would include the Master's prepared First Assistants

Responsibilities

(50%)* Demonstrates knowledge of surgical procedure, anatomy and physiology, and operative techniques related to specific procedure.

(20%)* 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, and suturing.

(10%)* Assists team members in transportation, positioning and total care of patients.

Other duties and responsibilities:

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.

Attends and/or participates in professional association activities and programs to assure being current on regulations, guidelines, and professional standards of care.

Remains current on new developments in healthcare by reading professional journals and attending seminars when applicable.

Other duties as assigned.

Certifications and Licensures

Credential: CSFA: Cert Surgical First Assistant

Equivalent Experience: Certification is conferred by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), and the National Surgical Assistant Association (NSAA), and American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA). Initial certification as a Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA), Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA), and Surgical Assistant-Certified (SA-C) is based upon satisfactory performance of the national certifying examination from each organizations credentialing body, following completion of an accredited program in surgical assisting or another pathway acceptable to the NBSTSA, NSAA, AND ABSA. If not obtained, must be obtained within two years of signing job description.

Qualification Source:

Essential: true

Credential: BLS: Basic Life Support

Equivalent Experience: Within 1 month of hire or transfer

Qualification Source: AHA

Essential: true

Required Education

Education: High School Diploma or GED

Education Specialization: GENSTUDY

Essential: true

Education: Technical Certificate

Education Specialization:

Essential: true

Other Information

Maintain certification CSFA, CSA, or SA-C.

First assistant must complete skills/practice competency as described in the career ladder for current first assistant level.

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.

5 years' experience as a CST preferred.

MyMichigan Health is a technology driven organization and employees need to demonstrate competency in Microsoft Windows. An employee may be required to participate in further learning opportunities offered by MyMichigan Health.

Physical/Mental Requirements and Typical Working Conditions

Exposure to stressful situations, including those involving public contact, as well as, trauma, grief and death.

Able to wear personal protective equipment that includes latex materials or appropriate substitute 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 is 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 crouching.

Some exposure to blood borne pathogens and other potentially infectious material. Must follow MyMichigan Health bloodborne pathogen and TB testing as required.

Ability to handle multiple tasks, get along with others, work independently, regular and predictable attendance and ability to stay awake.

Overall dexterity is required including handling, reaching, grasping, fingering and feeling. May require repetition of these movements on a regular to frequent basis.

Physical Demand Level: Medium. Must be able to occasionally (0-33% of the workday) lift or carry 21-50 lbs., frequently 34-66% of the workday 20 lbs. and or Walk/Stand/Push/Pull of Arm/Leg controls and constantly (67-100% or the workday) 10 lbs.