Surgical Assistant/First Asst

Surgical Assistant/First Assistant

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Job Summary

The surgical assistant/first assistant is responsible for assisting the surgeon under direct and indirect supervision throughout preoperative, intraoperative, and post-operative duties and procedures as needed. The surgical assistant/first assistant provides aid in exposure, hemostasis, closure, and other intraoperative technical functions that help the surgeon carry out a safe operation with optimal results for the patient.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Surgical Assistance Across the Perioperative Continuum:

• Preoperative phase includes, but is not limited to safe positioning, assist circulator and anesthesia provider in preparation of the patient.
• Intraoperative phase includes, but is not limited to performing specific tasks according to individual surgeon preference utilizing appropriate techniques.
• Postoperative phase includes, but is not limited to, application of specific dressing material, assist in transfer of patient and following patient to recovery if needed or directed by surgeon.

Intraoperative Exposure, Hemostasis, and Closure:

• Provides visualization of the operative site by the following, but not limited to:
• Appropriate placement and securing of retractors with or without padding.
• Packing with sponges.
• Digital manipulation of tissue.
• Suctioning, irrigating, or sponging.
• Manipulation of suture materials (e.g. loops, tags, running sutures).
• Proper use of body mechanics to prevent obstruction of the surgeon's view.
• Utilizes appropriate techniques to assist with hemostasis.
• Permanent: clamping and/or cauterizing vessels or tissue; tying and/or ligating clamped vessels or tissue; applying hemostatic clips; placing local hemostatic agents.
• Temporary: applying tourniquets and demonstrating awareness of the indications/contraindications for use with knowledge of side effects of extended use; applying vessel loops; applying non-crushing clamps; applying direct digital pressure.
• Utilizes appropriate techniques to assist with closure of body planes.
• Utilizes running or interrupted subcutaneous sutures with absorbable or non-absorbable material.
• Utilizes subcuticular closure technique with or without adhesive skin closure strips.
• Closes skin with method indicated by surgeon (suture, staples, etc.).
• Provides postoperative subcutaneous administration of local anesthetic as directed by the surgeon.
• Selects and applies appropriate wound dressing: liquid or spray occlusive materials, absorbent material affixed with tape of circumferential wrapping; immobilizing dressing (soft or rigid).

Patient Positioning, Equipment Use, and Safety:

• Familiarized with common positions related to the procedure and will be able to use the equipment necessary to provide the position: Fracture tables, Head stabilizers, Body stabilizer, C-arm extensions, and any other equipment needed.
• Implements patient positioning as directed by the surgeon to achieve optimal surgical exposure.
• Considers patient's comfort and safety:
• Points of pressure shall be padded: elbows, heels, knees, eyes, face, and axillary region.
• Circulation shall not be impaired.
• Nerve damage shall be guarded against.
• Evaluates the patient after procedure completion for potential positioning-related injury, including skin assessment.

Additional Duties as Assigned. Travel: Less than 10% of the time may be required.

Work Type: On-Site: Works in the office or at a physical workplace, interacting with colleagues face-to-face

Minimum Required Qualifications

Education - A high school diploma or equivalent

Experience - 2 years of Surgical Technologist experience. Some service lines may require specialized experience (e.g., cardiothoracic surgery may require two years of directly related Surgical Technologist experience)

Certification - Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)

Preferred Qualifications

Experience - 2 years of surgical assistant/first assistant experience

Physical Requirements (Medium):

20-50 lbs; 0-33% of the work day (occasionally); 11-25 lbs, 34-66% of the workday (frequently); 01-10 lbs, 67-100% of the workday (constantly); Lifting 50 lbs max; Carrying of objects up to 25 lbs; Occasional to frequent standing & walking, Occasional sitting, Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing), Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.

Environmental Factors: Factors affecting environment conditions may vary depending on the assigned work area and tasks. Environmental exposures include, but are not limited to: Blood-borne pathogen exposure Bio-hazardous waste Chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors Communicable diseases Electrical shock, Floor Surfaces, Hot/Cold Temperatures, Indoor/Outdoor conditions, Latex, Lighting, Patient care/handling injuries, Radiation, Shift work, Travel may be required. Use of personal protective equipment, including respirators, environmental conditions may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.

Additional Details

Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.

Emory Healthcare is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Please contact Emory Healthcare's Human Resources at View email address on click.appcast.io. Please note that one week's advance notice is preferred.