Certified Surgical First Assistant - Part Time

Methodist Health System•Midlothian, TX

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Certified Surgical First Assistant supports surgeons and the operating-room team throughout surgical procedures, helping prepare patients and sterile fields, maintain aseptic technique, assist with hemostasis and closure, and clean and prepare the operating room and instruments after procedures. The role requires working knowledge of operating-room procedures, attire, infection control, and compliance practices, as well as staying current with technology relevant to surgical intervention and patient management. The position is part time, with 24 hours of work and a Monday–Friday schedule.

Requirements

One year of experience as a Certified Surgical First Assistant.
Graduation from a surgical assistant program accredited through ARC/STSA and CAAHEP.
Certification conferred by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
Prior experience in all specialties, with emphasis on advanced procedures such as neuro, orthopedic, plastic, gynecologic, vascular, urologic, maxillofacial, advanced laparoscopic, robot-assisted, and obstetric procedures (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 good working relationships with staff and physicians at all levels.
Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast-paced environment and make prompt, 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 required instruments, supplies, equipment, medications, and solutions, and label medications and solutions.
Maintain the sterile field, watch for breaks in sterile technique, and coach students and inexperienced staff on proper aseptic technique.
Follow count policies 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, 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.
Begin cleaning the back table and preparing instruments for terminal cleaning and sterilization; return instruments to trays for transport to SPD and spray them with enzymatic cleaner.
Assist with terminal cleaning of the room and preparation for the next case.
Maintain working knowledge of operating procedures related to attire, infection control, individual requirements, and recommended compliance practices.
Keep abreast of new surgical-intervention technology and its relevance to patient management.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Maintain continuing education as described by the ASA, earning 75 approved hours within a four-year period.