Surgical First Assistant - Surgical Services

Graham Regional Medical Center•Graham, TX

6d•Onsite

About The Position

A Surgical First Assistant assists in operations under the supervision of surgeons. This role may involve making incisions, closing surgical sites, manipulating tissues, implanting devices, suctioning, placing catheters, clamping vessels, and applying dressings, in accordance with state laws. The position also includes providing medical care in an orthopedic clinic and assisting with administrative tasks.

Requirements

Commitment to quality and patient safety at all times.
Proficiency in spoken and written English.
Ability to adjust to change, prioritize duties, handle stress, and communicate effectively face-to-face and over the telephone.
Ability to work independently, flexibly, and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Ability to manage several interruptions throughout the shift.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills, verbal and written.
Strong time management skills.
Ability to work under pressure while interacting in a helpful, courteous manner with a high degree of patient contact.
Sufficient hearing, vision, and dexterity to perform duties safely.
Intermediate computer skills, including Microsoft Office, scheduling systems, electronic medical documentation, and email.
Apply knowledge of surgical anatomy, physiology, and operative technique relative to operative procedures.
OR-tech graduate of an accredited surgical first assistant program.
BLS certification required.

Nice To Haves

One year of experience in orthopedics or general surgery preferred.

Responsibilities

Assist surgeons during procedures by passing instruments, providing retraction, cutting suture, and performing other duties within the scope of practice.
Demonstrate strict aseptic technique during the intraoperative phase, including surgical hand scrubs, gowning, and gloving.
Administer local anesthetic and utilize various block techniques.
Drape or assist in draping the patient for surgical procedures.
Identify and handle instruments safely and correctly during procedures.
Verify the integrity of sterile packages and expiration dates of items introduced into the sterile field.
Open sterile instrument packs, drapes, solutions, and supplies while maintaining sterility.
Properly connect sterile devices and equipment to non-sterile sources.
Safely handle and prepare medications used in the sterile field.
Identify, prepare, and pass suture to the surgeon.
Participate in counting sponges, needles, and instruments according to departmental policy.
Recognize and verbalize breaks in sterile technique.
Properly care for tissue specimens, including packaging.
Apply sterile dressings at the end of the procedure without contamination.
Properly prep the operative site when necessary.
Assist in circulating in the operating suite under the direct supervision of a registered nurse.
Properly utilize the electrocautery unit.
Position patients to maintain circulation and access for the surgeon, including immobilizing patients on the operating table.
Perform or aid in patient suction, draining, and irrigation.
Provide medical care in a clinic setting under the supervision of an orthopedic surgeon, including wound care and casting/splinting/bracing applications.
Ensure patients are cleared for surgery by scheduling appointments and surgeries, obtaining consents, ensuring timely receipt of lab work and medical clearances, and coordinating patient care.
Coordinate with medical device representatives to ensure equipment and implants are available.
Order medical supplies.
Provide exemplary customer service.
Maintain confidentiality and compliance with HIPAA.
Cooperate with other personnel to achieve departmental objectives and maintain good employee relations, inter-departmental objectives, and infection control policies.
Demonstrate timeliness and professionalism in appearance, communications, and actions.
Solve practical problems, deal with a variety of issues, and interpret various instructions.
Attend meetings as required.
Perform other related duties to benefit the mission of the organization.
Provide leadership and direction to the perioperative team, where needed.