Certified Surgical Technologist - First Assist

Specialty Orthopaedics•Gainesville, FL

17h•Onsite

About The Position

The Certified Surgical Technologist / First Assist is responsible for providing comprehensive surgical support to physicians and the surgical team in an outpatient orthopaedic surgery center. This position functions as a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) while also assisting the surgeon as a First Assistant during surgical procedures, within the individual's education, certification, training, and applicable scope of practice. The Surgical Technologist / First Assist is responsible for maintaining a safe and efficient surgical environment, anticipating the needs of the surgeon and surgical team, preparing instruments and equipment, maintaining sterile technique, assisting with patient positioning and preparation, and supporting the surgical team throughout the perioperative process.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Completion of an accredited Surgical Technology program.
Current Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) certification.
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
Demonstrated experience in an operating room setting.
Strong knowledge of surgical aseptic technique and infection prevention.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced outpatient surgical environment.
Ability to safely lift, move, and position patients and equipment as required.
Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
Strong understanding of surgical anatomy, procedures, instrumentation, and equipment.
Ability to anticipate the needs of the surgeon and surgical team.
Excellent knowledge of sterile technique.
Ability to remain calm and focused during complex or unexpected surgical situations.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to patient safety.
Ability to prioritize and multitask effectively.
Ability to work independently while functioning as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Professional demeanor and strong physician, patient, and coworker communication skills.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
Commitment to maintaining current knowledge of orthopaedic surgical procedures and technology.

Nice To Haves

Surgical First Assistant certification/credential.
Previous experience as a Surgical First Assistant.
Orthopaedic surgical experience.
Experience with arthroscopic and total joint procedures.
Experience with C-arm/imaging equipment.
Experience with orthopaedic implants and specialized instrumentation.
Experience working in an ambulatory surgery center.

Responsibilities

Prepare operating rooms for scheduled orthopaedic surgical procedures.
Review the surgical schedule and ensure appropriate instruments, implants, supplies, equipment, and medications are available for each case.
Assist with room turnover and preparation between procedures.
Perform surgical hand scrub, gowning, and gloving according to established sterile technique.
Prepare and maintain the sterile field throughout surgical procedures.
Pass instruments, supplies, and equipment to the surgeon and surgical team in an efficient and timely manner.
Anticipate the needs of the surgeon and other members of the surgical team.
Assist with surgical counts, including instruments, sharps, sponges, and other supplies, in accordance with facility policy.
Assist with surgical specimen handling, labeling, and documentation.
Maintain proper sterile technique and immediately report any breaks in sterility.
Operate and assist with surgical equipment, including power equipment, arthroscopy equipment, C-arm/imaging equipment, and other specialty equipment as trained.
Assist with the preparation and handling of orthopaedic implants and instrumentation.
Ensure instruments and equipment are properly cleaned, transported, and processed according to infection-control and sterilization standards.
Assist with room cleaning, stocking, and inventory management.
Monitor supplies and communicate shortages or equipment concerns to appropriate personnel.
Provide first-assist support to orthopaedic surgeons during surgical procedures within applicable scope of practice and facility policies.
Assist with patient positioning and preparation for surgery.
Assist with exposure of the operative site through appropriate retraction and tissue handling.
Provide assistance with hemostasis, including appropriate use of suction, cautery, and other approved techniques.
Assist with wound closure, dressing application, and other surgical tasks as directed by the surgeon and permitted by applicable laws, credentials, and facility policies.
Assist with maintaining visualization of the surgical field.
Anticipate the surgeon's needs and provide appropriate instruments, supplies, and equipment without unnecessary interruption to the procedure.
Assist with application and removal of surgical dressings, splints, braces, and other postoperative devices as appropriate.
Communicate effectively with the surgeon, anesthesia team, nurses, and other members of the surgical team.
Maintain a high level of awareness regarding patient safety throughout the surgical procedure.
Follow all facility policies and procedures related to patient safety, infection prevention, and sterile technique.
Participate in surgical time-outs and verification processes.
Follow appropriate identification, site verification, and surgical safety protocols.
Maintain compliance with OSHA, CDC, and applicable regulatory standards.
Properly handle sharps, biohazardous materials, specimens, and other regulated materials.
Report patient safety concerns, equipment malfunctions, injuries, exposure incidents, or other unusual occurrences immediately.
Maintain confidentiality of patient information in accordance with HIPAA and practice policies.
Maintain accurate and timely documentation as required for the position.
Assist with inventory management and organization of surgical supplies and instrumentation.
Participate in quality assurance and performance improvement activities.
Maintain required certifications, education, competencies, and continuing education.
Attend required staff meetings, in-services, and training programs.
Work collaboratively with surgeons, nurses, anesthesia personnel, surgical technologists, and other staff.
Demonstrate professionalism, dependability, and effective communication with patients, physicians, coworkers, and leadership.
Assist with other surgery center duties as assigned.