Operating Room Surgical Tech, First Assistant (FA), Full-Time Days

Surgical Tech, First Assistant

A Surgical Tech, First Assistant performs in the role of first assistant to the surgeon, able to perform all the duties associated with the Scrub Tech III role, demonstrating knowledge of anatomy, physiology and carrying out functions that will assist the surgeon in performing a safe operation with optimal patient results.

Responsibilities Essential Functions:

• Demonstrates through clinical practice, a clear understanding of sterile techniques and has a working knowledge of the specialized instrumentation and equipment required for a variety of specialty procedures.
• Able to anticipate and prioritize the needs of the various steps associated with the procedure.
• Takes part in sponge, needle and instrument counts as dictated by the procedure.
• Responsible for maintaining the surgical specimens in a manner which identifies and preserves them for pathology evaluation.
• Assists in ordering and stocking of specialty supplies under the direction of management staff and departmental guidelines.
• Performs under the direct supervision of the operating surgeon.
• Understands the role of the first assistant in relation to the surgical team under the supervision of the circulating nurse.
• Communicates appropriate information regarding the patient's condition to the RN and other members of the surgical team.
• Responsible for maintaining a working knowledge of all surgical procedures and effectively providing assistance to the surgeon during those procedures requiring an assistant.
• Activities to include, but not limited to, positioning the patient, draping the patient, clamping and tying, cauterizing superficial bleeders, providing exposure through the use of retractors, maintaining a dry field through the use of suction equipment, following and cutting sutures, suturing subcutaneous skin and wound closure as directed by the surgeon.
• In performance of duties must display knowledge and skill in tissue handling, providing exposure, using instruments, suturing, and provision of homeostasis asepsis and infection control.
• Recognizes safety hazards and initiates appropriate preventative and corrective action.
• Demonstrates advanced proficiency in surgical technology practice.
• Ability to perform in scrub role in all surgical specialties.
• Demonstrates professional attitude.

Other Related Functions:

• Demonstrates clinical expertise and advanced knowledge of patient care techniques related to surgical specialties.
• Assumes the responsibility for professional growth and development and continuing education.
• Participates in orientation of new staff as assigned, serving as a role model and technical resource.
• Dependable and reliable in the performance of Surgical Tech III duties and performs any function of the surgical tech role as fits the needs of the department.
• Performs all duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Licensure/Certification: National certification as Surgical Technologist from one of the following is required: Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) renewed every 4 years; or Tech in Surgery - Certified by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) renewed annually.
• Maintains current BLS/HealthCare Provider certification.
• Experience: Three (3) years of recent diversified surgical technology experience.