Surgical Technologist First Assistant

About the position

The Surgical First Assistant provides exposure, hemostasis and other technical functions that will help the surgeon carry out a safe operation with optimal results for the patients. This role may vary considerably with the surgical operation, specialty area and type of facility. The Surgical First Assistant demonstrates advanced knowledge of normal and pathological anatomy and physiology.

Responsibilities

• Certification as a surgical technologist which provides evidence of meeting national standards in the performance of duties which demonstrates the capability of training new Colleagues/orientees.
• Scrubs for cases according to established sterile procedures and changes into appropriate operative attire; dons sterile gown and gloves and assist surgeon with same.
• Assists surgeon with draping of patient maintaining sterile technique. Provides visualization of the operative site during the operative procedure. Assists in providing hemostasis to the surgeon.
• Passes instruments, sponges, sutures and other sterile supplies and equipment as needed. Expedites the operative procedure by anticipating the needs of the surgeon.
• Receives surgical specimens, places in appropriate container and fixative (if required) at end of procedure.
• Counts sponges, needles and instruments according to MNM policy 301700.
• Cleans surgical suite according to established protocol ensuring that all disposable items are placed in the appropriate bags, i.e. Biohazard Red bags for any items containing blood or body fluids.
• Utilized appropriate techniques to assist with the closure of body planes.
• Under the direction of the surgeon the Surgical First Assistant may be responsible to procure in vivo conduits (i.e. greater and lesser saphenous veins, arm veins and radial arteries) and other duties.
• Performs other duties consistent with purpose of job as directed by surgeon.

Requirements

• Graduate of an accredited surgical technologist program.
• Credentialed by the LCC-ST as a certified first assistant.
• Certification as a certified first assistant. Must maintain certification status through required continuing education in related field.
• CST with current certification and 2 full years of first assisting experience during the last 4 years with a documented 350 surgical cases.
• CST with current certification who has completed an approved first assistant program and can document 350 surgical cases.
• Documentation of a minimum of 150 surgical cases within the defined specialty area.
• Documentation or demonstration of other advanced-level expertise related to a defined specialty area.
• BLS Certification