Surgical Technician First Assist

Surgical Technologist First Assistant

Works under the supervision of the O.R. manager, associate manager, charge nurse, and Director of Surgical Services. Must be a trained Surgical Technologist First Assistant who works under direction of the surgeon to handle vital tasks such as positioning and prepping the patient for surgery, ensuring clear visibility, maintaining hemostasis, closing and appropriately dressing surgical wounds. Strives for superior performance by consistently providing a product of service to leadership and staff that is recognized as ultimately contributing to the patient and family experience. Recognizes and demonstrates understanding of patient and family centered care.

Primary Job Responsibilities

1. Efficiently prepares supplies, equipment and packs for the operative procedure.
2. Applies principles of aseptic technique during surgical procedures, including proper scrubbing, gowning and gloving self and other surgical team members. Identifies and obtains needed supplies and equipment
3. Assists in assuring correct sponge, needle, and instrument counts.
4. Identifies and labels specimens appropriately.
5. Maintains a safe environment for patients and staff.
6. Cleans up room after case completed.
7. Certified first assistants are trained to;
   1. Provide direct support to surgeons during surgical procedures
   2. Prep and position patients to maintain circulation and access for surgeon
   3. Ensure clear visibility for the surgeon by using instruments such as retractors and sponges.
   4. Control bleeding by cauterizing wounds and vessels, packing sponges in body, placing clamps, and applying direct pressure on veins and tissue
   5. Performing and/or aiding in patient suction, drainage, and irrigation
   6. Close surgery sites using sutures, staples, adhesives
   7. Properly dress ing wounds
   8. Collaborate with doctors and other surgical team members to ensure propepost-operative care of patients
8. Maintains mandatory competencies.
9. Attends in-service education programs as assigned to learn new procedures, skills, etc.
10. Seeks help from professional staff if additional skill is required
11. Responsible for own surgical procedure competencies.

Demonstrates job related aspects of patient safety to assure a safe environment, safe and effective use of equipment and technology, and decreased risk of potential adverse patient occurrences.

Demonstrates knowledge of and supports hospital mission, vision, value statements, standards of care, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality statements, corporate compliance plan, standards of behavior, customer service standards, and the code of ethical behavior.

Must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of patients served on his/her assigned unit. Must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his/her age-specific needs, and to provide the care needed as described in the unit's and division's policies and procedures.

Performs other specific duties as assigned.

Job Specifications

Education

1. High school graduate or equivalent.
2. Must have completed an approved program as a Surgical Technologist.
3. Completion of/enrollment in a CSFA program.
4. Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Provider required upon hire and ongoing.

Experience

1. Previous surgery experience required.

Job Knowledge

1. Knowledge of aseptic technique, surgical instruments and appropriate sterilization methods, surgical procedures, special equipment and supplies needed so as to properly anticipate surgeon's needs.

Essential Physical Requirements

1. Able to travel independently throughout all Memorial Healthcare facilities.
2. Access a patient on the surgery table and necessary equipment.
3. Stand for long periods of time.
4. On a daily basis may be required to assist with transferring non-mobile patients as well as push/pull/carry items between 20-100lbs.
5. Small motor skills required for operating modern computer, office, and telephone equipment as utilized by Memorial Healthcare (MHC).

Essential Technical Skills

1. Hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills for handling of instruments, and assisting surgeon during procedures.
2. Proficiency using modern office, computer and telephone equipment as used by Memorial Healthcare.

Essential Mental Abilities

1. Follow complex directions.
2. Anticipate items needed.
3. Function and work well under pressure and physical strain.
4. React quickly in urgent situations.
5. Ability to adapt and maintain focus in fast paced, quickly changing or stressful situations.
6. Ability to read and interpret a variety of documents including, but not limited to policies, operating instructions, white papers, regulations, rules and laws.

Essential Sensory Requirements

1. Communicate effectively and expressively in English, both written and verbal, with diverse populations, including surgeons, staff members, patients, families, and volunteers.
2. Identify instruments and supplies.
3. Accurately hear communication by phone or in person.
4. Maintain self-control.
5. Able to see and hear for work-related purposes.
6. Able to see for the purpose of reading information received in formats including but not limited to paper, computer, reports, bulletins, updates, manuals.

Interpersonal Skills

1. Ability to interact with co-workers, hospital staff, administration, patients, physicians, the public and all internal and external customers in a professional and effective, courteous and tactful manner, at all times, physically, verbally and in all written and electronic communication.
2. Required to remain calm when adversity is encountered.
3. Open, honest, and tactful communication skills.
4. Ability to work as a team member in all activities.
5. Positive, cooperative and motivated attitude.
6. Maintain a professional and courteous manner.
7. Maintain confidentiality.