Certified Surgical Technologist / First Assistant (CSTFA), Surgical First Assistant (SFA) Surgical Assistant (SA)

JOB SUMMARY

Performs first assistant responsibilities under the direction of the surgeon and in accordance to the privileges granted by the Medical Staff through the credentialing process.  Works closely with the surgeons, anesthesiologist, and nurses to assure the delivery of safe quality, age specific care to patients throughout the perioperative period. Facilitates the surgeon in the performance of invasive, therapeutic, and diagnostic procedures. Communicates and collaborates with other healthcare team members. Adheres to organizational policies and procedures; regulatory/ accrediting body requirements; and professional practice standards.   Care will be provided to patients of all ages from neonate, infant, pediatric, adolescent, adult to geriatric

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Able to apply principles of asepsis and infection control.
• Knowledge of surgical anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and operative technique.
• Knowledge of current trends and demonstration of standards of care in perioperative nursing as defined by AORN.
• Current knowledge of the surgical technologist role and scope of practice as defined by the Liaison council on certification for the surgical technologist.
• Successful completion of mandatory requirements including unit proficiencies/competencies.
• Demonstration of effective problem solving, decision-making, interpersonal, and team work skills.
• Demonstration of effective verbal and written communication.
• Demonstration of positive customer service.

EQUIPMENT/TOOLS/SOFTWARE

• Basic computer literacy (Microsoft word and e-mail)
• Knowledge of all instrumentation/equipment in the O.R.
• Capability of operating sterilizers and other equipment used in the reprocessing of surgical instruments and equipment.

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists the surgeon throughout the perioperative experience.
• Demonstrates ability to perform effectively in emergency and stressful situation.
• Demonstrates proficiency in perioperative practice as both a surgical technologist and a first assistant
• Assists other team members in set-up, clean-up, and turn-over of operating rooms.
• Collaborates with team members to create and maintain an aseptic surgical environment.
• Demonstrates proper technique when transporting, moving or positioning the patient on the operating table.
• Demonstrates ability to recognize safety hazards and initiate appropriate preventive and corrective action.
• Demonstrates appropriate Intraoperative assisting skills by:
  • Providing exposure/retraction in the operating field
  • Handling and/or cutting tissue
  • Providing hemostasis via
  •  
  • Electrosurgery – direct and through an instrument
  • Bipolar electrocautery
  • Clamps
  • Pressure/sponging
  • Collagens/cellulose
  • Bone wax
  • Suturing
  • Knot tying
  • Cutting suture materials
  • Wound closure
  • Wound approximation
  • Subcuticular closure
  • Skin closure
  • Staples
  • Securing drains
• Collaborates and communicates effectively with other team members in performing a safe operation with optimal outcomes for the patient.
• Collaborates with team members in updating and revising surgeon preference cards in a timely manner.
• Serves as a resource for other health care team members.
• Assist in the orientation and training of new and tenured personnel, student nurses, Patient Care Assistants, and faculty; serves as a preceptor when requested providing a pleasant and educational opportunity to others.
• Demonstrates knowledge of disaster/ emergency procedures and responds appropriately.
• Assumes responsibility and accountability for individual knowledge, skills, performance and behavior in accordance with hospital, division, and unit standards of care and policies and procedures.
• Demonstrates the appropriate use of infection control principles and personal protection equipment.
• Must maintain self control under stressful situations and workload pressures with out exhibiting negative behaviors.
• Assists in moving and proper positioning of patient in a safe manner.
• Maintains integrity of sterile field.
• Apply wound dressings.
• Supports the mission, values, and vision of the organization.

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Actively participates in Time-Outs.
• Floats to assigned role within the perioperative setting as needed.
• Performs tasks that are supportive in nature to the essential functions of the job, but which may be altered or redesigned depending upon individual circumstances.
• Participates in staff meetings, educational programs, committees, QI activities and mandatory in-services.
• Participates in maintaining unit functions.
• Demonstrates initiative in personal/ professional development.
• Presents a professional image.
• Assists with control of costs through the judicious use of human and material resources.
• Other duties as assigned.