Surgical First Assistant

Surgical First Assistant

A member of the surgical team that works closely with the surgeon during invasive/minimally invasive procedures. They anticipate the needs of the surgical team and during an operation, assist the surgeon with tasks such as selecting equipment, holding open incisions, stopping bleeding, closing the incision, plus other functions as determined by the primary surgeon.

Primarily interacts with: administration, physicians, medical staff, employees, patients, and visitors.

Essential functions:

• Work closely with the surgeon during procedures and pass needed instruments, provide retraction, cut suture, and other duties within the scope of practice.
• Demonstrate strict aseptic technique during intraoperative phase including surgical hand scrub, gown and gloving (open and closed) of self and other team members.
• Drape or assist in draping of the patient for surgical procedures.
• Identify and safely and correctly handle instruments during procedures
• Verify integrity of sterile packages and verify expiration dates of all items introduced into the sterile field.
• Open sterile instrument packs, drapes, solutions, and supplies while maintaining sterility during transfer into the sterile field.
• Properly connect sterile devices and equipment from sterile field to non-sterile sources (suction, bovie, camera, light, etc.).
• Safely handle and prepare medications used in the sterile field.
• Identify, prepare, and pass suture to surgeon.
• Participate in counting of sponges, needles, and instruments according to departmental policy.
• Recognize and verbalize breaks in sterile technique by self and others.
• Properly care for tissue specimens, including packaging.
• Apply sterile dressings at the end of procedure without contamination of the dressing or the operative site.
• Properly prep the operative site when necessary.
• Assist in circulating in the operating suite under the direct supervision of a registered nurse.
• Properly utilize electrocautery unit according to departmental policy.
• Responsible for positioning patient to maintain circulation and access for surgeon, to include immobilizing patients on the operating table.
• Perform or aid in patient suction, draining and irrigation.
• Participate in annual peer competency review process.
• Participate in educational programs and in-service meetings as required.
• Provide exemplary customer service.
• Maintain confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA.
• Cooperate with other personnel to achieve departmental objectives and maintain good employee relations, inter-departmental objectives and infection control policies.
• Cordially demonstrate timeliness and professionalism in appearance, communications, and actions during all interactions and with all individuals and entities.
• Solve practical problems, dealing with a variety of issues, and interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written and oral form.
• Attend meetings as required.
• Perform other duties as requested or assigned.

Requirements:

Ability to use equipment, tools, materials, machines: Computer, telephone, facsimile machine, copier, scanner, printer, calculator and other standard office equipment.

Education/Experience/Skills/Abilities:

Education:

• OR-tech graduate of an accredited surgical first assistant program.
• BLS certification required.

Experience:

• Minimum of 1 year of experience in orthopedics and general surgery preferred.

Personal job-related skills / abilities:

• Must be committed to quality and patient safety at all times.
• Excellent command / highly proficient in spoken and written English.
• Basic computer skills, including but not limited to: Microsoft Office, electronic medical documentation, and email.
• Must be effective at adjusting to change, prioritizing duties, handling stress and effectively communicating face-to-face and/or over the telephone.
• Must be able to work independently, and flexibly, and as a part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Must be able to manage several interruptions throughout the shift.
• Must have strong interpersonal and communication skills, verbal and written.
• Must have strong time management skills.
• Must be able to work under pressure while interacting in a helpful, courteous manner with a high degree of patient contact.
• Sufficient hearing, vision and dexterity to perform duties safely.

Physical and mental requirements:

Physical:

Activity Up to %:

• Walking: 20
• Squatting: 20
• Standing: 90
• Pulling: 10
• Kneeling: 20
• Reaching: 80
• Sitting: 20
• Lifting up to 50lbs: 40
• Pushing: 10
• Wrist/Finger Movements: 90
• Bending: 50
• Climbing: 1

Mental:

• Stress Level Moderate to High

Individual position core competencies:

• Quality
• Service Excellence
• Compassion
• Professionalism
• Fiscal Responsibility

Required education within first 60 days (if employee is from outside organization):

• GrahamRMC Orientation
• Department Orientation

Continuing/Annual Education and Training:

• Falling Star Program
• Safety Storm Program
• BLS/CPR
• As needed to maintain certification/licensure of position

Supervision:

Employees Supervised: __No__

ADA requirements:

Each category is grouped under a percentage rating based on the frequency the condition is expected to occur.

Frequency of Condition 1-33% 34-66% 67%+

1-33%:

• Extreme Heat
• Extreme Cold
• Extreme Swings in Temperature
• Extreme Noise
• Working Outdoors
• Mechanical Hazards
• Electrical Hazards
• Explosive Hazards
• Dust/Mite Hazards
• Chemical Hazards
• Toxic Waste Hazards
• Wet Hazards
• Heights

34-66%:

• Radiation Hazards

67%+:

• Working Indoors
• Fume/Odor Hazards
• Other Conditions: Prolonged Weight Bearing

OSHA Classification:

Identify with a check the OSHA Job Category that describes this job. The intent is to enhance worker protection by identifying any risk in the performance of routine and reasonably anticipated job-related functions.

__x___ Category I: Tasks that involve exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues.

All procedures or other job-related tasks involve an inherent potential for mucous membrane or skin contact with blood, body fluids or tissues or a potential for spills or splashes of them are Category I tasks. Use of appropriate protective measures, such as gloves, masks, goggles, and gown are required for every employee engaged in Category I tasks.

____ Category II: Tasks that involve no exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues but employment may require performing unplanned Category I tasks.

The normal work routine involves no exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues, but