Certified Surgical Tech First Assistant - Operating Room (OR) - Berkeley Hospital

Roper St. Francis Healthcare • Summerville, SC

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Certified Surgical Tech First Assist is a proficient-level practitioner who assists surgeons and nurses with patients, equipment preparation, aseptic technique, and surgical procedures in the operating room, in accordance with applicable regulations and organizational policies. The role prepares operating rooms by assembling routine supplies, materials, instruments, and equipment and obtaining physician-requested special supplies. It also involves setting up and operating specialized instrumentation and manual and powered equipment.

The position functions as a scrub person and may assist providers during operative and invasive procedures. Responsibilities include preparing and maintaining the sterile field, supporting the surgical team with instruments and supplies, handling specimens, assisting with patient preparation and room cleaning, and performing other delegated clinical tasks. Under provider supervision, the role may perform surgical-assistant tasks such as wound closure and cutting sutures. The position also supports equipment and inventory management, staff orientation and instruction, precepting, and performance-improvement and patient-safety activities.

The position is scheduled for 40 hours weekly, working three 12-hour shifts on days/evenings. Weekend and holiday call are required. Vascular experience is preferred. The role serves patients from infancy through geriatrics and requires adherence to universal precautions, use of personal protective equipment, and compliance with infection-control policies.

Requirements

• Certification as a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), NBSTA, or Tech in Surgery–Certified (TS-C) through NCCT is required.
• For employment in South Carolina, NBSTA certification is required; for certifications obtained before 2008, NBSTA or NCCT certification is accepted.
• Associate's degree, vocational certification, or military certificate in Surgical Technology is required.
• One year of experience as a Surgical Technologist is required.
• BLS Basic Life Support is preferred upon hire and must be obtained from an approved source before direct patient care.
• Knowledge of basic sciences, including anatomy and physiology, microbiology, asepsis, sterile techniques, and operating room techniques.
• Knowledge of AORN and AST recommendations.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office.
• Ability to monitor patient conditions during treatment and inform medical professionals about patient conditions and care.
• Analytical skills, attention to detail, critical thinking, and ability to follow instructions and complete routine tasks.
• Communication, teamwork, conflict resolution, active listening, relationship-building, and professionalism.
• Ability to work independently, anticipate needs, move with urgency, accept authority and direction, and remain flexible and self-directed.
• Manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination; ability to perform shift work, maneuver patient weight, reach above shoulder, and perform repetitive arm and hand movements.
• Physical abilities include lifting and carrying, pushing and pulling, stooping, kneeling, crawling, climbing, balancing, bending, walking, and standing.
• Sensory abilities include finger dexterity, color vision, distance and near acuity, and depth perception.

Nice To Haves

• Vascular experience.
• BLS Basic Life Support certification upon hire.

Responsibilities

• Function as the scrub person and assist providers during operative and other invasive procedures as trained.
• Assemble supplies and equipment required for procedures and prepare and organize sterile supplies and instruments.
• Perform surgical counts with the circulating RN according to policy.
• Maintain the sterile field and take corrective action as needed to ensure sterility.
• Assist with placement of sterile drapes and provide instruments and supplies to the surgical team while maintaining aseptic technique.
• Retrieve, collect, and correctly label specimens; report implanted devices, catheters, drains, and packing to the circulator.
• Prepare cases and adapt to special instrument, supply, and equipment needs for patient populations.
• Assist with pre- and post-procedure cleaning of operating or invasive procedure rooms and instruments.
• Participate in ongoing education and competency verification, patient-safety measures, and performance-improvement initiatives.
• Use resources in a cost-conscious manner and assist with financial accountability.
• Be available for scheduled on-call coverage within departmental time frames.
• Participate in orientation of new staff and students as assigned.
• Perform surgical skin preparation and clipping as indicated, and insert urinary catheters as required.
• Adapt to unit staffing and scheduling needs.
• Update physician preference cards based on market operating room design.
• Assist with supply inventory and ordering; monitor instrument sets and arrange replacements or repairs as needed.
• Provide clinical instruction, direction, and in-service training to department staff and serve as a preceptor.
• Demonstrate competency in simple and complex procedures across at least three major service lines.
• Demonstrate knowledge of equipment and instrumentation, including lasers, minimally invasive surgery, laparoscopy, and robotics.
• Perform specific circulator-role tasks as delegated by the Registered Nurse.
• Under provider supervision, perform specified surgical-assistant tasks, including surgical wound closure and cutting sutures.
• Provide age-appropriate care to infants, children, adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients.
• Follow universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and follow infection-control policies.

Benefits

• Competitive pay, incentives, referral bonuses, and a 403(b) with employer contributions when eligible.
• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage; HSA/FSA options; life insurance; mental health resources; and discounts.
• Paid time off, parental and FMLA leave, and short- and long-term disability.
• Tuition assistance, professional development, and continuing education support.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree