Surgical First Assistant

Surgery Partners Careers•Altoona, WI

18h•$36 - $54

About The Position

The Surgical First Assistant is an integral part of the team of medical practitioners providing surgical care to patients. The Surgical First Assistant will provide direct support to surgeons during operative procedures. The Surgical First Assistant will be responsible for assisting with preoperative planning, intraoperative functions such as tissue handling, wound exposure, hemostasis, suturing, and postoperative duties to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

Requirements

Demonstrates eligibility for employment in the U.S.
Degree from an accredited Surgical First Assistant program required
BLS certification is required upon hire
Must possess a cell phone that interfaces with the organization’s secure message system
Medical Terminology
Electronic Medical Records (EMR) systems
Quality assurance and accreditation standards
Understanding of HIPAA regulations, patient confidentiality laws and patient rights
Effective English communication in verbal and written format
Quality work including attention to detail and accuracy
Basic computer proficiency
Carry out customer service standards
Capacity to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
Prioritize tasks effectively through managing workload based on urgency and importance
Continuously learn and improve through staying up to date on job specific trends, policies, and new technologies
Successfully demonstrate organization-wide performance review competencies

Nice To Haves

Surgical First Assistant certification preferred
Previous experience as a Surgical Technologist in a hospital environment is preferred

Responsibilities

Advocate for patients’ rights, preferences, and needs, ensuring that they receive high-quality, compassionate care that is tailored to their individual circumstances
Project a professional demeanor and appearance while maintaining the confidentiality of the patient, coworkers, and the organization, as appropriate
Check supplies and equipment needed for surgical procedure
Open sterile supplies and sets up sterile table with instruments, equipment, and medications/solutions needed for procedure
Ensure infection control protocols and safety standards are followed in all aspects of patient care
Ensure compliance with Universal Protocol by initiating a pre-procedural 'Time Out' to prevent wrong-site, wrong-procedure, and wrong-patient errors
Anticipate additional supplies needed during the procedure
Gown and glove surgeon and assistants
Hold retractors or instruments as directed by the surgeon
Sponge or suction operative site
Cut suture material as directed by the surgeon
Connect drains to suction apparatus
Prepare and apply sterile dressing
Help in draping sterile field
Pass instruments to surgeon during procedure
Maintain highest standard of sterile technique during procedure
Assist in prepping room for the next patient
Keeps accurate records throughout the procedure and communicates them to circulator
Properly label and care for specimens taken during surgery, ensuring correct handling and documentation
Perform appropriate counts with circulator prior to the operation and before incision is closed
Clean and prepare instruments for terminal sterilization
Assist other members of team with terminal cleaning of room
Possess knowledge of surgeon and procedure specific instrumentation and equipment
Anticipation of surgeon needs
Assist with the safe and proper positioning of surgical patients
Communication with a variety of people in a direct, empathetic, and articulate manner
Inject local anesthetic
Place trocars
Apply cautery to clamps, tissue, vessels, any bleeders, including cautery pencil, ligature devices, etc.
Apply clips to vessel
Apply a stapler across vessel
Adapt to unpredictable situations in the peri-operative setting
Suturing of surgical wounds
Promptly report and document any occurrences of unusual events, safety concerns, or incidents in accordance with organization policies and procedures
Use the organization's secure messaging platform in accordance with departmental protocols, including timely receipt and responses to communications
Perform other duties as assigned