Surgical Tech First Assistant - Cardiovascular Surgery

Surgical First Assistant

We've made a lot of progress since opening the doors in 1942, but one thing has never changed - our commitment to serve, heal, lead, educate, and innovate. We believe that every award earned, every record broken and every patient helped is because of the dedicated employees who fill our hallways.

At Ochsner, whether you work with patients every day or support those who do, you are making a difference and that matters. Come make a difference at Ochsner Health and discover your future today!

This job collaborates with the surgeon and the healthcare team in performing a safe operation with optimal results for the patient. Performs these functions under the direction and supervision of the surgeon and in accordance with hospital policy and appropriate laws and regulations. In collaboration with surgical technologist performs separate roles which is defined by job description and advanced education which requires knowledge in the use of surgical instruments on tissues versus the handling of instruments.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties. This job description is a summary of the primary duties and responsibilities of the job and position. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or all-inclusive listing of duties and responsibilities. Contents are subject to change at the company's discretion.

Education

Required - High school diploma or equivalent and graduate of an accredited Surgical First Assistant program.

Preferred- Certified course in Endoscopic Saphenous Vein Harvesting.

Work Experience

Required - 5 years of experience working in surgery.

Preferred - 2 years of experience in Surgical First Assisting.

Certifications

Required - Certified Surgical Assistant or Certified First Assistant

Basic Life Support (BLS) from American Heart Association.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities (KSAs)

• Skilled in suturing and saphenous vein harvesting.
• Strong knowledge of sterile technique.
• Conflict resolution skills and ability to demonstrate good judgement.
• Basic analytical skills.
• Proficiency in using computers, software, and web-based applications.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills and ability to present information clearly and professionally to varying levels of individuals throughout the patient care process.
• Ability to travel throughout and between facilities.

Job Duties

• Practices strict adherence to sterile technique.
• Facilitates preparation of the patient for surgery.
• Provides visualization of the operative field.
• Under the direct supervision of the surgeon, harvests the saphenous vein for coronary artery grafting purposes.
• Utilizes appropriate techniques to assist with closure of body planes.
• Selects and applies appropriate wound dressing and secures drainage system or intra aortic balloon pump to tissue.
• Adapts behavior to the specific patient population, including but not limited to respect for privacy, method of introduction to the patient, adapting explanation of services or procedures to be performed, requesting permissions and communication style.
• Performs other related duties as required.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work only. They are not an exhaustive list of all required responsibilities, duties, and skills. Other duties may be added, or this description amended at any time.

Remains knowledgeable on current federal, state and local laws, accreditation standards or regulatory agency requirements that apply to the assigned area of responsibility and ensures compliance with all such laws, regulations and standards.

This employer maintains and complies with its Compliance & Privacy Program and Standards of Conduct, including the immediate reporting of any known or suspected unethical or questionable behaviors or conduct; patient/employee safety, patient privacy, and/or other compliance-related concerns. The employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Physical and Environmental Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Heavy Work - Exerting 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. (Constantly: activity or condition exists 2/3 or more of the time) to move objects. Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Sedentary Work. Even though the weight lifted may be only a negligible amount, a job should be rated Light Work: (1) when it requires walking or standing to a significant degree; or (2) when it requires sitting most of the time but entails pushing and/or pulling of arm or leg controls; and/or (3) when the job requires working at a production rate pace entailing the constant pushing and/or pulling of materials even though the weight of those materials is negligible. NOTE: The constant stress and strain of maintaining a production rate pace, especially in an industrial setting, can be and is physically demanding of a worker even though the amount of force exerted is negligible. Duties performed routinely require exposure to blood, body fluid and tissue.The incumbent works in a patient care area; works in an area where patients enter; works directly with patients; and/or works with specimens that could contain communicable diseases. There may be an occupational risk for exposure to communicable diseases.

Because the incumbent works within a healthcare setting, there may be occupational risk for exposure to hazardous medications or hazardous waste within the environment through receipt, transport, storage, preparation, dispensing, administration, cleaning and/or disposal of contaminated waste. The risk level of exposure may increase depending on the essential job duties of the role.