First Surgical Assistant - Cardiothoracic Team
About The Position
The Cardiac Surgical First Assistant functions as the surgical first assistant under the direction and supervision of the surgeon during the intra-operative phase of cardiac surgery. The role assists with procedural setup and patient preparation, supports the surgeon throughout procedures, and performs specified assisting tasks related to exposure, graft harvesting, cannulation, wound closure, and bleeding control. The assistant also helps maintain a safe peri-operative environment, supports patient transport and room turnover as needed, and serves as an educator, mentor, and resource to patients and colleagues.
Requirements
- Graduate of a Surgical First Assisting program.
- Registered and licensed with the Virginia Board of Medicine as a Surgical Assistant.
- Certified Surgical First Assistant through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or the National Commission for the Certification of Surgical Assistants (NCCSA).
- AHA BLS CPR provider certification.
Responsibilities
- Assist with procedural setup and patient preparation, including positioning, prepping, and draping.
- Assist the surgeon with skin, subcutaneous, fascia, and peritoneum closure and ties; tie deep vessels; incise tissue; and perform hemostatic techniques.
- Assist with or independently perform sternal opening and perform sternal closure.
- Act as primary first assist throughout procedures, providing wound exposure and mobilizing tissue and organs for exposure.
- Perform open and endoscopic harvest and preparation of saphenous vein grafts.
- Harvest and prepare radial artery grafts.
- Insert intravascular catheters, chest tubes, and intra-aortic balloon pump catheters.
- Assist with arterial and venous cannulation to implement circulatory support.
- Assist with arterial and venous decannulation after termination of circulatory support.
- Control bleeding and routinely suture tissue.
- Establish and maintain a safe peri-operative environment and observe aseptic techniques when preparing for and assisting with procedures.
- Participate in patient transport and room turnover as indicated by unit activity to facilitate cost-effective use of services.
- Serve as an educator, mentor, and resource to patients and colleagues.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
No Education Listed
