Certified Surgical 1st Assistant - Inpatient Surgery - St. Vincent Medical Center

Mercy Health BSMH•Toledo, OH

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the direct supervision of a Registered Nurse and according to established procedures, the Surgical Tech First Assistant works as an integral part of the surgical team. The role requires knowledge and application of aseptic technique while participating in surgical procedures and coordinating the care of instruments, equipment, and supplies. The assistant provides care to patients of all age groups and performs surgical-assistant functions in the operating room under the direct supervision of a physician. The position also performs scrub/basic-assist functions, carries out specific circulator tasks delegated by the Registered Nurse, and supports the proper handling of surgical specimens. The assistant contributes to a collaborative and safe surgical environment, helps prepare and maintain sterile and non-sterile supplies and equipment, and may help train students and new staff. Employees must follow hospital policies, safety standards, certification requirements, and applicable corporate responsibility policies. Other job-related duties may be assigned, subject to reasonable accommodation.

Requirements

Certified Surgical Technologist certification, or must achieve it within six months after hire.
First Assistant Certification.
American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
A two-year associate degree or diploma; graduate of a Certified Surgical Technologist program and an accredited First Assistance Program.
At least two years of experience as a Certified Surgical Technologist in an operating room.
Three to six months of on-the-job training to become fully familiar with surgeon preferences and departmental policies and procedures.

Nice To Haves

For employees hired after January 1997, CST certification awarded by the Liaison Council on Certification, a member of the National Commission of Health Certifying Agencies, is preferred when not otherwise required.

Responsibilities

Retract during procedures; clamp or tie bleeders, use cautery as directed, suture fascia, subcutaneous tissue and skin, suction surgical wounds, and instill irrigation solution when directed by a physician.
Assist with cast application and apply gelfoam or avitene in a surgical wound according to physician orders.
Use power or manual fixation equipment during orthopedic procedures as directed by a physician, including screws, pins, and similar devices.
In complex situations, cut tissue at the operating table only as specifically directed by the physician.
Insert a trocar during laparoscopic procedures when required.
Perform scrub/basic-assist functions as defined by policy and procedures.
Perform specific circulator-role tasks delegated by the Registered Nurse.
Ensure proper care of surgical specimens.
Follow standard precautions.
Assist with the care, preparation, and maintenance of sterile and non-sterile supplies and equipment.
Communicate with surgical team members to support a collaborative work environment.
Assist with training and orientation of students and new staff members.
Comply with hospital policies, procedures, safety practices, and patient-safety initiatives.
Attend required educational programs, maintain required certifications, and stay current with policy and procedure changes.
Follow the Corporate Responsibility Program, including applicable laws and regulations and reporting suspected unethical, fraudulent, or unlawful conduct.
Promote excellent service for internal and external customers and uphold the organization’s Standards of Behavior.