SURGICAL ASSISTANT - ORRVILLE SURGERY

Surgical First Assistant

As defined by the American College of Surgeons (ACS), the Surgical First Assistant provides aid in exposure, hemostasis, and other technical functions that will help the surgeon carry out a safe operation with optimal results for the patient. This role will vary considerably with the surgical procedure, specialty area, surgeon, and type of facility.

Responsibilities include:

• Sterile Technique: Perform the appropriate preoperative skin scrub for the particular procedure and demonstrate the understanding of aseptic technique and sterile vs. non-sterile areas. Display surgical conscience for the safety of the patient, other employees and themselves. Wear appropriate barriers as outlined in the Infection Control Manual for protection against blood and body contamination of patient and self.
• Preoperative Preparation of the Patient: Demonstrate timely movement of the patient to the OR. Properly identifies the patient: Verbally check with the patient (patient name, surgeon, and procedure) Visually checks the ID band, chart, surgery schedule and bed tag. Display a professional and courteous manner while reassuring the patient that asks questions; give support to the patient. Respect the patients confidentiality. Facilitate voluntarily in an assistant or non-assistant room, and work efficiently with the OR team, performing duties in an efficient and safe manner, proceeding smoothly throughout the day. Collect and properly display the appropriate x-rays. Properly measure patients for intra-operative procedures. Review patient chart. Assist anesthesia under direct supervision, if time permits. Properly bi-valve any cast that needs to be removed, having patient safety in mind at all times. Position the patient properly, being aware of and padding areas that require special protection, making adjustments for surgeons preferences. Prepare and properly perform surgical preps and urethral catheter insertions. Routinely inspects the surgical site to insure that a proper shave prep was performed according to the type of surgery and surgeons preference. Routinely verify any patient allergies and changes the prep solutions accordingly. Display knowledge of the surgeons preferences and prepare the prep tray in a sterile, economical, and uniform manner with the supplies needed. Ready to insert the catheter and/or perform the skin prep when anesthesia permits. Following skin preparation, checks that there is no pooling of fluids beneath the patient or near the Bovie pad.
• Intra-Operative: The Ability to First or Second Assist any Surgeon on any case with minimum difficulty Knot Tying: Knots are square, secure and they approximate the tissue, do not slip, and have the correct number of knots required for that particular tissue. Is familiar with tensile strength using appropriate tension for the type of suture. Demonstrates dexterity and knowledge of one handed and two-handed ties, surgeons knot, and instrument ties in a smooth and efficient manner. Closure of Incisional Site: Demonstrates skill and knowledge of maintaining hemostasis by proper use of pressure, clamps, ties, suture ligatures, clips or electrocautery according to surgeons preference. Provides and maintains the proper exposure necessary to perform the operative procedure while protecting vital organs, tissues and other structures. Sponges and suctions at the appropriate time without interfering with the flow of the surgery in order to allow a clear and unobstructed view of the operative field.
• Knowledge of Equipment and Instrumentation: Demonstrates the proper use of equipment in a smooth, safe, and efficient manner. Demonstrates proper use of instrumentation at the field: Selects appropriate instrument according to need and doctors preference. Operates instrumentation in a smooth, safe, and efficient manner to achieve the desired result. Practices care and economy in the use of equipment and materials. Cutting Suture When cutting suture, the assistant demonstrates promptness, proper handling of scissors, and safe cutting techniques. Assistant displays ability to adjust cutting length to various sutures and doctors preference. Wound Closure: Assistant closes the proper anatomical layers with the appropriate type of suture and stitch according to the surgeons preference. Demonstrates knowledge of suture material, various types of stitches, and properly closes the incision in a smooth and efficient manner according to the surgeons preference. Applies the appropriate dressing for the procedure and according to surgeons preference.
• Anticipation of the Surgeons Needs: Assistant follows the pace set by the surgeon, and without delay in the thought process, participates in the procedure to maintain a smooth and efficient flow of the operation. Displays knowledge of the different routines, procedures and anatomy which enables anticipation of the surgeons needs.
• Extra-Operative Responsibilities: Maintains a professional working relationship with staff and physicians. Changes behavior in response to guidance. Collaborates, communicates, and works harmoniously with peers and other departments. Observes own verbal and nonverbal communication and selects proper communication techniques. Demonstrates awareness of team responsibility by accepting additional duties and responsibilities to improve the SA department, OR and Aultman Hospital. Works harmoniously with other health care personnel in the adjustment of duties in a team like fashion as necessary to attain patient care goals. Establishes a professional rapport with physicians. Self Responsibility and Accountability for Own Practice

Job Requirements include:

• Current certification, or certification eligible, as a surgical first assistant by The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or certification as a surgical assistant by the National Commission for the Certification of Surgical Assistants (NCCSA), National Institute of First Assisting (NIFA), or another equivalent certified surgical assistant program. Certification required within 6 months of hire. Working knowledge of medical terminology. Intermediate computer skills. Excellent oral and written communications skills. BLS required within 3 month of hire.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Working Conditions: Normal hours are based upon shift requirements. Requires occasional paid overtime to handle peak work times. Subject to frequent interruptions and changes in priority of duties throughout the day. Sitting/standing/moving about during working hours.

Physical Requirements: O = Occasionally = 0- 33% of the work shift or 0- 32 repetitions. F = Frequently = 34-66% of the work shift or 32-200+ repetitions. C = Constantly = 67-100% of the work shift or 200+ repetitions. N = Not essential job requirement.

O Sitting F Standing F Walking O Lifting (50 pounds or greater) O Carrying (50 pounds or greater) F Pushing (50 pounds or greater) N Climbing with (50 pounds or greater) O Stooping/Bending O Twisting/Turning O Kneeling/Squatting O Crawling O Reaching Up/Reaching Forward