Surgical Tech First Assist

Surgical Technologist

Performs scrub tech/First Assistant duties for surgical cases and assists registered nurse and surgeon in caring for the surgical patient. Must be able to demonstrate knowledge and skills of aseptic techniques. Must demonstrate knowledge of surgical instrumentation, supplies and equipment. Must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patient being served. This position is an expansion of the function of the Tech Level II in that in addition to being able to function as an assistant to the surgeon at the sterile field, providing tissue retraction for better view of the surgical wound site, hemostasis and wound closures at the end of the procedure.

Education

Graduate of an Surgical Technology program accredited by the committee on Allied Health Education and Accreditation or another avenue of entry otherwise acceptable to the Liaison Council on Certification of Surgical Technologists or the American board of Surgical Assistants. Graduate of a Surgical Technologist First Assistant course.

Licensure: Certified Surgical Technologist, or current Certification of CST-CFA, or SA-C, along with 3 years experience as an CST with competency in all specialties.

Experience: A minimum of 3 years progressive, diversified experience in the operating room which includes both scrubbing and First Assisting in multiple specialties.

Skills: Advanced skills as a surgical technologist, which include the application of surgical anatomy and operative techniques to operative procedures. Helps to position patient for best access to the operative site, prepping of the surgical site and draping. Provides hemostatsis by clamping blood vessels, coagulating bleeding points and by ligating vessels and other means directed by the surgeon. Provides exposure to the surgical site through appropriate use instruments, retractors, suctioning and sponging techniques. Handles tissue and sutures all varieties of tissue with the appropriate suture materials and suturing techniques as directed by the surgeon. Performs ST-FA/SA-C interventions under the direction and supervision of the operating surgeon. Works closely with registered nurse and other OR team members to provide care for the surgical patient.

Physical, Mental, Environmental and Working Conditions

Works in surgical suite under aseptic conditions, cool temperatures. Exposure to hazards found in surgical areas. Requires call duty and ability to work flexible schedule. Requires full range of body motion including handling and lifting patients, manual and finger dexterity and eye hand coordination. Requires standing for extensive periods of time. Occasionally lifts and carries items weighing up to 50 pounds. Requires working under stressful conditions with the ability to adapt to rapid turn over of patient census.