Surgical Technician First Assistant

University of Maryland Medical System•Towson, MD

1d•$37 - $55•Onsite

About The Position

I. General Summary The Certified Surgical First Assistant provides immediate support to the surgeon and should act as a vital resource to the staff of the operating room. The Assistant functions under the direction of the operating surgeon during the patient’s surgical experience. The Assistant provides support to the surgeon by assisting with exposure and visualization, hemostasis, wound closure and other technical functions that will help assure a safe surgical procedure. Performs all duties identified through the Medical Staff credentialing and job duties of a Certified Surgical Technician. Reports to the Clinical Manager of the Operating Room. II. Principal Responsibilities and Tasks Demonstrate the ability to communicate the surgeon’s preferences and specific patient’s needs to surgical team including but not limited to suture needs, specialty supplies and instrumentation, and equipment. Verifies all implants, supplies and special procedure equipment is available and functional. (i.e. microscope, tourniquet, etc.) Facilitates a cooperative team atmosphere through professional communication. Listens actively to surgeon, patient and team to ensure safe patient-centered care. Maintains awareness of patient monitoring and responds appropriately to potential complications. Demonstrate the ability to apply advanced knowledge of normal and pathological surgical anatomy and physiology. Assists with the safe transportation of the patient to an individual operating suite, to PACU or Nursing Unit as directed.

Requirements

High School Diploma is required.
Certified Scrub Tech is required.
Evidence of successful completion of an approved First Assist training program.
Demonstrate the ability to apply advanced knowledge of normal and pathological surgical anatomy and physiology.

Responsibilities

Demonstrate the ability to communicate the surgeon’s preferences and specific patient’s needs to surgical team including but not limited to suture needs, specialty supplies and instrumentation, and equipment.
Verifies all implants, supplies and special procedure equipment is available and functional. (i.e. microscope, tourniquet, etc.)
Facilitates a cooperative team atmosphere through professional communication.
Listens actively to surgeon, patient and team to ensure safe patient-centered care.
Maintains awareness of patient monitoring and responds appropriately to potential complications.
Demonstrate the ability to apply advanced knowledge of normal and pathological surgical anatomy and physiology.
Assists with the safe transportation of the patient to an individual operating suite, to PACU or Nursing Unit as directed.
Performs duties under the supervision of the operating surgeon.
Provides hemostasis by clamping blood vessels, coagulating bleeding points and ligating vessels.
Provides visualization through appropriate use of instruments, retractors, suction, and sponging techniques.
Handles tissues according to manufacturer’s recommendations.
Performs wound closure as directed by the surgeon.
Affixes and stabilizes wound drains.
Applies sterile dressings.
Demonstrates competence and knowledge in the assessment, treatment and care of select patients within the perioperative setting through assisting in the procedure, making recommendations and occasional decision making on type of dressing, casting and new technology.
Regularly acts as a role model to staff by demonstrating clinical and theoretical expertise, critical thinking and innovation.
Maintains intraoperative standards of care relevant to specialty services.
Routinely acts as a clinical resource/consultant to staff for problem identification and resolution.
Assists with application of casts, splints, and other immobilization devices.
Assists in transferring patients to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit.
Functions in a scrub or circulating role as needed to support Surgical Services.
Serves as resource for staff members.