Certified Surgical First Assistant (SFA)

Conifer Health Solutions•San Antonio, TX

3d•Onsite

About The Position

This position may qualify for a sign-on bonus. Assist the operating surgeon in the care of patient in surgery by performing selected duties. Provides direct and indirect technical care to surgical/obstetrical patients. Facilitates safe and effective conduct of invasive surgical procedures. Follows established practices and standards. Completes established competencies for the position within designated introductory period. Other related duties as assigned.

Requirements

Graduate of a Surgical First Assistant program with eligibility to earn certification through National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA) or the National Surgical Assistant Association (NSAA) within 120 days from graduation.
1 year of recent operating room experience, including direct patient contact and the practice of proper sterile technique.
Must be Certified Surgical Technologist.
Certification as a certified first assistant through the NBSTSA, ABSA or NSAA. Certification must be maintained either through continuing education or through recertification testing.
Must have active healthcare provider Basic Life Support on hire (ARC or AHA); however, must have AHA Healthcare Provider BLS within 60 days of hire.

Nice To Haves

2 or more years of recent operating room experience.

Responsibilities

Prepares operating room with supplies and equipment according to requirements of the scheduled case
Maintains a sterile environment
Administers local anesthetic under direct supervision and direction from surgeon
Assists with patient positioning, prepping the surgical site and draping the patient
Assists in maintaining hemostasis by direct pressure, use and application of appropriate surgical instrumentation for the task, placement of ties and suture ligatures, application of chemical hemostasis agents or other measures as directed by surgeon
Assists with placement of pneumatic tourniquet and urinary catheter
Prepares ACL graft as directed by surgeon
Procures and prepares vessel graft for coronary artery bypass procedures
Provides adequate visualization of the operative site
Assists in clamping, ligation, and cutting of tissues, placement and suturing of surgical drains, closure of all wound layers and placement of wound dressings
Utilizes appropriate techniques to assist with closure of body planes as follows: a) Running or interrupted subcutaneous sutures with absorbable or non-absorbable material b) Subcuticular closure technique with or without adhesive skin closure strips c) Skin closure with method indicated by surgeon (suture, staples, etc.) d) Subcutaneous injection of local anesthetic agent as directed by the surgeon post-operatively.
Robotic/Laparoscopy procedures only: Insertion of subsequent (not initial) trocars. Must have documented training and competency validated (initially by BHS Medical staff member privileged to perform robotic surgery. The documentation must include directly supervised trocar insertions on a minimum of five patients completed within a 12-month period with good patient outcomes.
Performs OR cleanup tasks, including disposal, and cleaning
Maintains accountability for instrumentation, sharps, and sponges, according to BHS policy throughout the surgical procedure to ensure that no foreign materials are retained in the surgical wound.
Maintains and updates knowledge of surgical instrumentation and equipment
Assumes “on call” after assigned working hours to assist in urgent or emergency surgical procedures.
Demonstrates ability to gown and glove self using both open and closed gloving techniques
Utilizes resources efficiently and effectively
Maintains safe environment
Addresses patient population-specific needs
Participates in Performance Improvement activities