Certified Surgical First Assistant PRN

Methodist Health System • Midlothian, TX

2d

About The Position

The Certified Surgical First Assistant supports surgeons and the operating-room team throughout surgical procedures. The role involves preparing supplies and equipment, positioning patients, maintaining aseptic technique and the sterile field, assisting with hemostasis and wound closure, and helping with room cleanup and instrument processing. The assistant also maintains working knowledge of operating procedures and infection-control practices, stays informed about relevant surgical technology, and performs other duties as assigned.

The position requires certification and graduation from a surgical assisting program accredited through ARC/STSA and CAAHEP. One year of experience as a Certified Surgical First Assistant is required. The role may involve work across surgical specialties, including advanced procedures. BLS certification is listed in the job description.

Requirements

• One year of experience as a Certified Surgical First Assistant.
• Graduation from a surgical assisting program accredited through ARC/STSA and CAAHEP.
• Certification; certification is conferred by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
• BLS certification is listed in the job description.
• 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.
• Prior experience across surgical specialties, with emphasis on advanced procedures, including neuro, orthopedic, plastics, gynecology, vascular, urology, maxillofacial, advanced laparoscopic, robot-assisted, and obstetric procedures, including 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 and appropriately place pneumatic tourniquets.
• Confirm the procedure with the surgeon and verify the consent.
• Don personal protective equipment and scrub, gown, and glove according to aseptic standards; gown and glove team members.
• Set up the sterile table with 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 patients according to the surgeon’s preferences and guidelines.
• Assist with hemostasis using direct pressure, instruments, ties, ligatures or sutures, hemostatic 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.
• Clean the back table, prepare instruments for terminal cleaning and sterilization, return instruments to trays, 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, attire, infection control, and compliance 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, including 75 approved hours in a four-year period.

What This Job Offers

• Education Level: No Education Listed