First Assist Surg Tech III

MyMichigan Health • Midland, MI

74d

About The Position

This position prepares the surgical suite for the procedure by assisting the surgical technologist along with the registered nurse in gathering equipment, instruments, and supplies to perform the procedure. Assure all supplies and equipment are available for the procedure and in working condition. Assists the RN circulator and anesthesia provider in preparation of the patient to include foley catheter placement, tourniquet placement, placement of intravenous catheters, cricoid pressure application, and other procedures as needed. This position assists the surgeon by providing exposure, aid in hemostasis, closure and other intraoperative technical functions that help the surgeon carry out a safe operation with maximum results for the patient. In providing proper draping, retracting, suctioning, sponging, suturing, tissue handling and cautery techniques. The assistant will apply appropriate dressing material specific to procedure. This position assists the surgeon in the care of the patient while in the operating room through utilization of the operating room team concept. The operating room has a career ladder and the details are as follows: FA I= A surgical technologist who was on the job trained as a surgical technologist and who is on the job trained as a First Assistant, no formal training (grandfathered in their role) FAII = A surgical technologist with a certification (CST) in surgical technology, and on the job trained as a First Assistant (CST) FA III= A surgical technologist with a certification (CST) in surgical technology, and certified as a CSFA or CSA but on the job trained (CSFA) FA IV= A surgical technologist with a certification (CST) in surgical technology, and/or formally educated by an accredited program as a first assistant and/or certified from their formal education as a CSFA or CSA; this would include the Master’s prepared First Assistants.

Requirements

• Maintain certification CSFA, CSA, or SA-C.
• First assistant must complete skills/practice competency as described in the career ladder for current first assistant level.
• Manual dexterity and mechanical skills needed to properly use and hold surgical instruments.
• Interpersonal skills needed to communicate successfully with individuals and groups and interact with people at all levels to communicate ideas and concepts in a clear and understandable manner.
• 5 years’ experience as a CST preferred.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrates knowledge of surgical procedure, anatomy and physiology, and operative techniques related to specific procedure.
• Assures all necessary supplies, equipment or instruments are opened or available. Ensure items are charged for appropriately by confirming with nurse and surgical technologist.
• Assists physician as directed with proper positioning, draping, retracting, suctioning, sponging, tissue handling, cautery techniques, stapling devices, and suturing.
• Assists team members in transportation, positioning and total care of patients.
• Demonstrates a broad range of knowledge with proficiency in preparation of surgical procedures and has versatility in staffing as a surgical technologist if needed.
• Participates in orientation, ongoing competencies, education, and staff development.(including staff meetings).
• Participates in regulatory surveys.
• Participates in performance improvement activities.
• Fulfills on-call responsibilities and extra shift coverage as needed.
• Demonstrates a positive, courteous, and helpful attitude toward patients, visitors, physicians, and co-workers.
• Remains calm and efficient when working in stressful situations.
• Shares information and reports significant changes and/or abnormal findings to appropriate team members.
• Attend and/or participate in professional association activities and programs to assure being current on regulations, guidelines, and professional standards of care.
• Remain current on new developments in healthcare by reading professional journals and attending seminars when applicable.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Credential: CSFA: Cert Surgical First Assistant
• BLS: Basic Life Support

What This Job Offers

• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees