First Assist Surg Tech IV

MyMichigan Health•West Branch Township, MI

About The Position

This position prepares the surgical suite for procedures by assisting the surgical technologist and registered nurse in gathering equipment, instruments, and supplies and ensuring that everything is available and in working condition. It assists the RN circulator and anesthesia provider with patient preparation, which may include foley catheter placement, tourniquet placement, intravenous catheter placement, cricoid pressure, and other procedures as needed. The First Assist Surg Tech IV assists the surgeon with exposure, hemostasis, closure, and other intraoperative technical functions to support a safe operation and optimal patient outcomes. Tasks include draping, retracting, suctioning, sponging, suturing, tissue handling, cautery, and applying procedure-specific dressings. The role also assists with patient care in the operating room as part of the operating room team. The position requires knowledge of surgical procedures, anatomy, physiology, and operative techniques. It may require versatility in staffing as a surgical technologist. The employee participates in orientation, education, competencies, staff development, regulatory surveys, performance improvement activities, and professional development. On-call responsibilities and extra-shift coverage are required as needed.

Requirements

BLS: Basic Life Support certification from the AHA, required within three months of hire or transfer.
Maintain CSFA, CSA, or SA-C certification. If not already obtained, certification must be obtained within two years of signing the job description; certification must follow an acceptable pathway and examination through the specified credentialing organizations.
High school education is listed as essential.
Knowledge of surgical procedures and standards of practice acquired through an accredited surgical technology program or a certified surgical technology program is listed as nonessential.
Manual dexterity and mechanical skills to properly use and hold surgical instruments.
Interpersonal skills to communicate clearly with individuals and groups and interact with people at all levels.
Competency in Microsoft Windows; additional learning opportunities may be required.
Ability to wear personal protective equipment, including latex materials or an appropriate substitute if required.
Ability to move about the facility and perform the job functions, with or without an assistive device.
Vision and hearing sufficient to perform the role, with or without assistive devices.
Ability to handle multiple tasks, work independently and with others, maintain regular and predictable attendance, and stay awake.
Physical dexterity for handling, reaching, grasping, fingering, and feeling, potentially on a repetitive basis.
Ability to meet the stated medium physical demand level, including occasional lifting or carrying of 21–50 pounds, frequent handling of 20 pounds and walking, standing, pushing or pulling, and constant handling of 10 pounds.
Ability to work amid stressful situations, public contact, trauma, grief, and death, and to follow bloodborne pathogen and TB testing requirements.

Nice To Haves

Associate's or bachelor's degree preferred.
One year or more of surgical assisting preferred.

Responsibilities

Demonstrate knowledge of surgical procedures, anatomy and physiology, and operative techniques related to specific procedures.
Ensure necessary supplies, equipment, and instruments are available or opened, and confirm appropriate charging with the nurse and surgical technologist.
Assist the physician with patient positioning, draping, retracting, suctioning, sponging, tissue handling, cautery, stapling, suturing, and selection and application of appropriate wound dressings.
Assist team members with patient transportation, positioning, and overall care.
Prepare surgical procedures and demonstrate versatility in staffing as a surgical technologist when needed.
Participate in orientation, ongoing competencies, education, staff development, and staff meetings.
Participate in regulatory surveys and performance improvement activities.
Fulfill on-call responsibilities and provide extra-shift coverage as needed.
Maintain a positive, courteous, and helpful attitude toward patients, visitors, physicians, and coworkers.
Remain calm and efficient in stressful situations.
Share information and report significant changes or abnormal findings to appropriate team members.
Participate in professional association activities and programs to remain current on regulations, guidelines, and professional standards of care.
Stay current on healthcare developments by reading professional journals and attending seminars when applicable.
Perform other duties as assigned.