Certified Surgical First Assistant PRN

Methodist Health System•Midlothian, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Certified Surgical First Assistant supports surgical procedures at Methodist Midlothian Medical Center. The role includes preparing supplies and equipment, assisting with patient positioning and catheterization, establishing and maintaining the sterile field, supporting the surgeon throughout procedures, and helping with room and instrument cleanup. The position requires certification, completion of an accredited surgical assisting program, and at least one year of experience. The job description specifies PRN work, with 24 hours and three days listed.

Requirements

Certification as a Certified Surgical First Assistant; certification is conferred by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
Graduate of a surgical assisting program accredited through ARC/STSA and CAAHEP.
One year of experience as a Certified Surgical First Assistant.
Prior experience across surgical specialties, with emphasis on advanced procedures such as neuro, orthopedic, plastics, gynecology, vascular, urology, maxillofacial, advanced laparoscopic, robot-assisted, and obstetric procedures including cesarean sections.
BLS certification.
Ability to communicate professionally and effectively orally and in writing.
Ability to read, write, and speak English.
Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with staff and physicians at all levels.
Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment and make fast, correct judgments and decisions when necessary.
Ability to be trained in or perform computer functions.

Responsibilities

Determine, obtain, and check supplies and equipment needed for surgical procedures.
Assist with moving and positioning patients; insert and remove indwelling catheters; and appropriately place pneumatic tourniquets.
Confirm the procedure with the surgeon and verify consent.
Follow aseptic standards when donning PPE, scrubbing, gowning, and gloving; gown and glove team members.
Set up the sterile table with needed instruments, supplies, equipment, medications, and solutions, and label medications and solutions.
Maintain the integrity of the sterile field, observe for breaks in sterile technique, 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 the patient according to the surgeon’s preferences and guidelines.
Assist with hemostasis using measures directed by the surgeon, including direct pressure, instruments, ties, ligatures, sutures, and hemostatic agents.
Assist with closure of body planes and skin using the method directed by the surgeon.
Pass instruments to the surgeon and assistant and provide other procedural assistance.
Begin cleaning the back table and preparing instruments for terminal cleaning and sterilization; return instruments to trays, spray them with enzymatic cleaner, and send them to SPD.
Assist with terminal cleaning of the room and preparation for the next case.
Maintain working knowledge of operating procedures related to attire, infection control, and compliance requirements and recommended practices.
Keep abreast of new surgical technology and its relevance to patient management.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Maintain continuing education as described by ASA, earning 75 approved hours in a four-year period.