Surgical First Assistant - Specialty Orthopedic Surgery
About The Position
The Surgical First Assistant provides aid in exposure, hemostasis, closure, and other intraoperative technical functions to help the surgeon perform safe operations with optimal patient outcomes. The role also includes preoperative and postoperative duties that facilitate patient care. The surgical assistant performs these functions under the direction and supervision of the surgeon and in accordance with hospital policy and applicable laws and regulations. The assistant supports the surgeon under direct and indirect supervision throughout preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative duties and procedures. The position helps safely position patients according to the surgeon’s preference, the patient’s anatomical and physiological limits, and the procedure. When appropriate, a preoperative visit may be conducted to assess the surgical site and assist with positioning. The role also assists the circulator and anesthesia provider with patient preparation, performs procedure-specific tasks according to surgeon preference, and may carry out additional procedures when appropriately trained and supervised. Additional duties may be delegated by the surgeon in accordance with state and local policy.
Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Graduation from an accredited Surgical First Assist Program, a State Board-accredited Vocational School of Nursing, or a School of Surgical Technology.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
- Certified Surgical Technologist First Assistant credential.
Nice To Haves
- Two years of Surgical Tech experience.
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification.
Responsibilities
- Meet the expectations of the applicable OneCHRISTUS competencies: Leader of Self, Leader of Others, or Leader of Leaders.
- Assist the surgeon under direct and indirect supervision during preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative duties and procedures.
- Facilitate safe patient positioning based on surgeon preference, the patient’s anatomical and physiological limits, and the procedure; conduct a preoperative introduction visit when appropriate.
- Assist the circulator and anesthesia provider with patient preparation, including Foley catheter placement, tourniquet application, intravenous catheter placement, and cricoid pressure application, as needed.
- Perform procedure-specific tasks according to surgeon preference, including incision and layered closure, providing exposure, achieving hemostasis through injection, manual, and topical methods, and applying appropriate energy sources.
- Manipulate, dissect, or remove tissues; assist with implanting, securing, or removing devices and drains; and apply appropriate dressings, splints, or casts.
- Assess skin integrity, assist with patient transfer, and accompany the patient to recovery if needed or directed by the surgeon.
- When appropriately trained, perform other procedures under surgeon supervision, including vein and graft harvesting and graft and implant preparation.
- Perform additional duties delegated by the surgeon in cooperation with state and local policy.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Education Level
High school or GED
