Certified Surgical First Assistant - Part Time

Methodist Health System•Midlothian, TX

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Certified Surgical First Assistant supports surgeons and the operating-room team throughout surgical procedures. Duties include preparing supplies and equipment, positioning patients, maintaining aseptic technique and the sterile field, assisting with hemostasis and closure, and helping clean and prepare the operating room and instruments after procedures. The role requires maintaining knowledge of operating procedures, infection control, attire requirements, and relevant new surgical technologies. The position is part-time, with 24 hours of work per week, Monday through Friday.

Requirements

Graduate of a surgical assisting program accredited through ARC/STSA and CAAHEP, with certification conferred by NBSTSA.
Certification is required.
One year of experience as a Certified Surgical First Assistant.
BLS certification.
Ability to communicate professionally and effectively, orally and in writing.
Ability to read, write, and speak English.
Ability to develop and maintain good working relationships with staff and physicians at all levels.
Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to make fast and correct judgments and decisions when necessary.
Ability to be trained in or perform computer functions.
The role involves exposure to bloodborne pathogens, needles, blades, and instruments; the posting notes little chance of injury when safety precautions are followed.
The role involves access to confidential information.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience across surgical specialties, with emphasis on advanced procedures such as neuro, orthopedic, plastic, gynecologic, vascular, urologic, maxillofacial, advanced laparoscopic, robot-assisted, and obstetric procedures (cesarean sections).

Responsibilities

Determine, obtain, and check supplies and equipment needed for surgical procedures.
Assist with moving and positioning patients.
Insert and remove indwelling catheters.
Place pneumatic tourniquets appropriately.
Confirm the procedure and consent with the surgeon.
Don PPE, scrub, gown, and glove according to aseptic standards; use open and closed gloving techniques and gown and glove team members.
Set up the sterile table with instruments, supplies, equipment, medications, and solutions; label medications and solutions.
Maintain the integrity of the sterile field and observe for breaks in sterile technique; observe and coach students and inexperienced staff on proper aseptic technique.
Follow count policy and time-out procedures with the circulating nurse, and verify correct counting and time-out practices.
Drape patients according to the surgeon’s preferences and guidelines.
Assist with hemostasis through direct pressure, appropriate instruments, ties, ligatures, sutures, hemostasis agents, or other measures directed by the surgeon.
Assist with closure of body planes and skin using the method directed by the surgeon.
Pass instruments to the surgeon and assistant during procedures, among other procedural assistance tasks.
Begin back-table cleanup and prepare instruments for terminal cleaning and sterilization; return instruments to trays for transport to SPD and spray instruments with enzymatic cleaner before sending them to SPD.
Assist with terminal cleaning of the room and preparation for the following case.
Maintain working knowledge of operating procedures related to attire, infection control, and compliance requirements and recommended practices.
Keep abreast of new technology related to surgical intervention and its relevance to patient management.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Maintain continuing education as described by ASA, earning 75 approved continuing education hours in a four-year period.