Summary
This position prepares the surgical suite for procedures by assisting the surgical technologist and registered nurse in gathering equipment, instruments, and supplies. It ensures all supplies and equipment are available and functional. The role involves assisting the surgeon in patient care during surgery, providing exposure, aiding in hemostasis, closure, and other intraoperative functions to ensure a safe operation with optimal patient outcomes. Responsibilities include proper draping, retracting, suctioning, sponging, suturing, tissue handling, and cautery techniques. The assistant also applies appropriate dressings specific to each procedure and utilizes the operating room team concept.
Operating Room Career Ladder :
- FA I : On-the-job trained surgical technologist, grandfathered into the First Assistant role without formal training.
- FA II : Surgical technologist with CST certification, on-the-job trained as a First Assistant.
- FA III : Certified surgical technologist with CSFA or CSA certification, on-the-job trained as a First Assistant.
- FA IV : Certified surgical technologist with additional formal education or certification as a First Assistant, including Master's level assistants.
Responsibilities
50% : Demonstrates knowledge of surgical procedures, anatomy, physiology, and operative techniques.20% : Ensures availability and proper charging of supplies, equipment, and instruments.20% : Assists with patient positioning, draping, retracting, suctioning, tissue handling, cautery, stapling, and suturing as directed.10% : Assists with patient transportation, positioning, and overall care.Additional Duties :
Participates in orientation, ongoing training, staff development, and regulatory surveys.Engages in performance improvement activities and on-call duties.Maintains a positive attitude, remains calm under stress, and communicates effectively with team members.Attends professional activities to stay current on standards and developments.Performs other duties as assigned.Certifications and Licensures
BLS : Basic Life Support, required within 1 month of hire, from AHA.SURGTECH : Certified Surgical Technologist, with valid certification from NBSTSA or NCCT.Education :
High school diploma or equivalent required.Completion of a CAAHEP-accredited surgical technology program or military surgical tech training preferred; 5+ years of experience preferred.Skills and Experience :
Manual dexterity and mechanical skills for handling surgical instruments.Strong interpersonal skills for effective communication.Completion of skills / practice competency as per career ladder requirements.Proficiency in Microsoft Windows and ongoing learning.Physical and Mental Requirements :
Ability to handle stressful situations, wear PPE, move freely, and perform job functions.Visual and auditory acuity, ability to sit / stand / walk for long periods, and handle multiple tasks.Physical demand level : Medium, with specific lifting and movement requirements.J-18808-Ljbffr