Cardiovascular Operating Room Surgical First Assistant

Emory Healthcare•Sandy Springs, GA

7h•$48 - $57•Onsite

About The Position

The Surgical Assistant/First Assistant is responsible for assisting the surgeon under direct and indirect supervision throughout preoperative, intraoperative, and post-operative duties and procedures as needed. The surgical assistant/first assistant provides aid in exposure, hemostasis, closure, and other intraoperative technical functions that help the surgeon carry out a safe operation with optimal results for the patient. The preoperative phase includes, but is not limited to safe positioning, assist circulator and anesthesia provider in preparation of the patient. The intraoperative phase includes, but not limited to, performing specific tasks according to individual surgeon preference utilizing appropriate techniques. The postoperative phase includes, but not limited to, application of specific dressing material, assist in transfer of patient and following patient to recovery if needed or directed by surgeon. Providing visualization of the operative site by the following, but not limited to: Appropriate placement and securing of retractors with or without padding. Packing with sponges. Digital manipulation of tissue. Suctioning, irrigating, or sponging. Manipulation of suture materials (e.g. loops, tags, running sutures). Proper use of body mechanics to prevent obstruction of the surgeons view. Utilizing appropriate techniques to assist with hemostasis. Permanent: clamping and/or cauterizing vessels or tissue; tying and/or ligating clamped vessels or tissue; applying hemostatic clips; placing local hemostatic agents. Temporary: applying tourniquets and demonstrating awareness of the indications/contraindications for use with knowledge of side effects of extended use; applying vessel loops; applying non-crushing clamps; applying direct digital pressure. Utilizing appropriate techniques to assist with closure of body planes. Utilizing running or interrupted subcutaneous sutures with absorbable or non-absorbable material. Utilizing subcuticular closure technique with or without adhesive skin closure strips. Closing skin with method indicated by surgeon (suture, staples, etc.). Postoperative subcutaneous injection of local anesthetic agent as directed by the surgeon. Selecting and applying appropriate wound dressing: liquid or spray occlusive materials, absorbent material affixed with tape of circumferential wrapping; immobilizing dressing (soft or rigid). Familiar with common positions related to the procedure and will be able to use the equipment necessary to provide the position: Fracture tables, Head stabilizers, Body stabilizer, C-arm extensions, and Any other equipment needed. Upon completion of the procedure, the patient shall be evaluated for any possible damage from positioning which will include assessment of the skin. The surgeon shall convey the exact position that will give the best exposure for the surgical procedure. The surgical assistant will carry out this order. Consideration will be given to the patient's comfort and safety. Points of pressure shall be padded: elbows, heels, knees, eyes, face, and axillary region. Circulation shall not be impaired. Nerve damage shall be guarded against.

Requirements

Certification from surgical assisting programs accredited through ARC/STSA, ABSA, NSAA.
2 years of surgical assistant/first assistant experience is required.
In cardiothoracic surgery, two years of directly related experience is required.

Responsibilities

Assisting the surgeon under direct and indirect supervision throughout preoperative, intraoperative, and post-operative duties and procedures as needed.
Providing aid in exposure, hemostasis, closure, and other intraoperative technical functions.
Performing safe patient positioning.
Assisting the circulator and anesthesia provider in patient preparation.
Performing specific intraoperative tasks according to individual surgeon preference utilizing appropriate techniques.
Applying specific dressing material postoperatively.
Assisting in patient transfer.
Following the patient to recovery if needed or directed by the surgeon.
Providing visualization of the operative site by appropriate placement and securing of retractors, packing with sponges, digital manipulation of tissue, suctioning, irrigating, or sponging.
Manipulating suture materials.
Using proper body mechanics to prevent obstruction of the surgeon's view.
Assisting with hemostasis by clamping and/or cauterizing vessels or tissue, tying and/or ligating clamped vessels or tissue, applying hemostatic clips, placing local hemostatic agents.
Applying temporary hemostasis techniques such as tourniquets, vessel loops, non-crushing clamps, and direct digital pressure.
Assisting with closure of body planes using running or interrupted subcutaneous sutures, subcuticular closure technique, or closing skin with sutures or staples.
Administering postoperative subcutaneous injection of local anesthetic agent as directed by the surgeon.
Selecting and applying appropriate wound dressing.
Utilizing equipment necessary to provide common positions related to the procedure, such as fracture tables, head stabilizers, body stabilizers, and C-arm extensions.
Evaluating the patient for any possible damage from positioning, including assessment of the skin, upon completion of the procedure.
Padding points of pressure such as elbows, heels, knees, eyes, face, and axillary region.
Ensuring circulation is not impaired and guarding against nerve damage.