First Assist Surgical Technician

Job Summary

The Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) or Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) is an allied health professional who is an integral part of the team of medical practitioners providing surgical care to patients. The CSA or CSFA works under the supervision of a surgeon to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of invasive surgical procedures, ensuring that the operating room environment is safe, that equipment functions properly, and that the surgical procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety. Demonstrates expertise in the theory and application of sterile and aseptic technique, as well as combines the knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation tools and technologies to facilitate a physician's performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.

Core Responsibilities and Essential Functions

Clinical Practice and Outcomes

• In depth knowledge of anatomy and physiology related to surgery achieved with independence on all surgical cases, including general, orthopedic, neuro/vascular, robotic, etc.
• Able to take call with advanced surgical skills required to perform in the CSA or CSFA role with all surgical procedures.
• In depth learning or knowledge of anatomy and physiology, tissue exposure, surgical flow and advanced techniques in surgery.
• Performs a thorough review of the surgeons preferences prior to each surgical procedure.
• Checks supplies and equipment needed for surgical procedure, assists with selection and opening of sterile supplies.
• Sets up sterile table with instruments, supplies, equipment and medications/solutions needed for procedure.
• May assist RN circulator with patient comfort measures, patient positing, application of electrosurgical grounding pads, external defibrillator pads, EKG monitors and skin preparation.
• Gowns and gloves surgeon and surgical team.
• Drapes patient and sterile field.
• Actively participates in all portions of surgical procedure, anticipating and passing instruments and supplies during the surgical procedure. May hold cameras, retract tissue, and/or stabilize tissue, clamp, cauterize, suture, insert retracting, cutting, ligating, etc, all under the physician guidance and direction.
• Practices and maintains highest standard of sterile technique during surgical procedures, participates in infection prevention techniques and ensures patient safety throughout procedure.
• Prepares/applies sterile dressings, splints, casts, immobilizers/stabilizers
• Maintains a safe environment throughout procedure regarding patient physical safety, fire prevention, ESU safety, infection control, and maintains highest of sterile field organization throughout procedure.
• Assists with room turnover between cases and participates in terminal cleaning and organization of the department
• Routine opening and/or closing of the surgical site
• Assist in maintaining hemostasis by direct pressure, use and application of appropriate surgical instruments for the task, placement of ties and suture ligatures, application of chemical hemostatic agents, or other measures as directed by the surgeon.
• Assist in retracting tissue per surgeons directive.
• Use of electrocautery both monopolar and bipolar.
• Clamp, ligation, and cutting of tissue. Per surgeons directive.
• Assist in placement and suturing of surgical drains.
• Closure of all wound layers (fascia, subcutaneous and skin) as per surgeons directive
• Prepare any grafts as directed by the surgeon.
• Assist in all other surgical procedures under the directive of the surgeon.
• Utilizes appropriate suturing techniques, according to surgeon preference and guidance, with closure of body planes and utilizing proper manipulation of suture

Quality and Patient Safety

• Verifies patient ID using 2 patient identifiers i.e. armband, DOB, verbal identification during pre- procedure time out.
• Follows established drying protocols after skin preparation and before surgical draping.
• Actively participates and follows established guidelines for Safety Time out prior to skin incision
• Ensures antibiotics have been acknowledged and initiated during safety time out.
• Understands, complies with and enforces site/ side marking when indicated.
• Interprets, supports, and aids with implementation of departmental SCIP initiatives.
• Actively demonstrates proper hand hygiene and surgical hand scrubs.
• Wears appropriate scrub attire, including head coverings, eyewear, removes and covers jewelry.

Job Responsibilities, Education and Engagement

• Must be flexible with hours and shifts to meet patient care and departmental staffing needs.
• May be required to take high volumes of call and work extended hours to provide patient care in high stakes, high stress environment.
• Utilizes chain of command, practices open communication, promotes an inclusive team environment and supports all initiatives in the cardiac operating room.
• Must have a strong attention to detail and physical stamina to handle long, intense, and high-risk cases.
• Works independently to deliver education and in-services in areas of expertise, participates in unit safety, quality and performance improvement projects, and actively engaged in evidence-based practice and participates in the department shared governance committee. Works with new staff in education and orientation.
• Performs other duties as assigned
• Complies with all Wellstar Health System policies, standards of work, and code of conduct.