Certified Surgical First Assistant

Certified Surgical First Assistant

The Surgical Clinic (TSC) is Middle Tennessee's premier multi-specialty surgical practice, dedicated to utilizing the latest medical technology while prioritizing patient care, convenience, and satisfaction. With over 40 surgeons, our patient-focused clinics are conveniently located, providing access to advanced surgical procedures close to home.

A Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) supports surgeons during surgical procedures by assisting with tasks like wound closure, controlling bleeding, and providing exposure to the operative site, all while maintaining a sterile environment and ensuring patient safety.

Key Responsibilities:

• Verifies that perioperative personnel provide safe and effective patient-centered care in perioperative services.
• Uses effective conflict resolution techniques.
• Acts as a patient advocate and maintains privacy and confidentiality of all appropriate information.
• Preoperative Care:
• Reviewing patient history and physical exam results.
• Verifying patient identification and surgical site markings.
• Shaving the patient as needed.
• Appropriate positioning of patient based on procedure need
• Preparing the surgical site and draping the patient.
• Intraoperative Surgical First Assisting:
• Providing exposure to the operative site using retractors.
• Maintaining hemostasis (stopping bleeding) through various methods, such as clamps, cautery, and ligation.
• Assisting with tissue handling and suturing.
• Assisting with wound closure. Management of drains.
• Managing surgical instruments, supplies, and equipment.
• Communicating with the surgical team about the surgeon's needs and the patient's status.
• Postoperative Care:
• Applying dressings and tape.
• Assisting with patient transfer and monitoring for complications.
• Ensuring the surgical area is cleaned and prepared for the next case.
• Appropriate handling of Biohazard Waste and surgical tissue for pathology.
• Other Duties:
• Maintaining a sterile environment.
• Monitoring patient vital signs.
• Assisting with specimen collection and handling.
• Ensuring compliance with safety regulations and hospital policies.
• Maintaining inventory of surgical supplies.
• Mentoring of new employees

Education and Experience:

• Completion of a surgical technology program.
• Experience as a surgical technologist
• Certification as a Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA).
• Proficiency in surgical techniques and procedures.
• Knowledge of surgical instruments and equipment
• Ability to maintain a sterile field.
• Ability to handle and suture tissues.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Physical stamina to work long shifts and move or lift patients and heavy equipment.
• Ability to handle difficult situations involving patients, physicians, or others in a professional manner.