Surgical Technologist

West Tennessee Healthcare•Dyersburg, TN

About The Position

The Surgical Technologist/Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) supports surgeons by providing aid in exposure, hemostasis, and other technical functions to help ensure safe operations and optimal patient outcomes. Under direct supervision, the CSFA performs technically advanced intraoperative functions and assists a professional nurse or physician in providing patient care that addresses age-specific needs. The role is assigned to a single operating room in a surgical assistant capacity and may also involve assisting a physician on the floor or in a clinic. The employee works scheduled full-time or part-time shifts under the supervision of the Clinical Manager and is subject to call back and overtime as required by the hospital. The position requires proficiency in surgical first assisting acquired through completion of the CSFA certification process. A CSFA certification is required, and BLS certification must be obtained during the orientation period and maintained. The ability to scrub during surgical cases is acquired through three months of departmental education.

Requirements

Certified Surgical First Assist (CSFA) certification, obtained through the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
BLS certification obtained within the orientation period and kept current.
Ability to scrub during surgical cases, acquired through three months of departmental education.
Knowledge of hospital and department policies and procedures, surgical procedures, instruments, equipment, documentation policies, and documentation programs.
Technical skill and proficiency in surgical first assisting, acquired through completion of the CSFA certification process.

Responsibilities

Maintain thorough knowledge and use of aseptic principles and practices while providing age-specific patient care.
Assist with surgical wound closure under the surgeon’s direction, including proper tissue handling with forceps to facilitate skin closure.
Advance the rigid endoscope during endoscopic procedures to provide optimal visualization under the surgeon’s broad authority.
Scrub, gown, and glove self and the physician for surgical procedures.
Handle and pass instruments correctly and ensure their proper functionality and storage.
Participate actively in correct sponge, needle, and instrument counts.
Handle laboratory and tissue specimens according to established protocols.
Handle, sterilize, and stock supplies as needed.
Identify needed supplies and prepare equipment, packs, and the room for the patient and procedure, addressing age-specific care needs.
Relieve colleagues during cases at shift changes, breaks, or meal times according to protocol to ensure continuity of care.
Assist with table and room cleanup after procedures and prepare the room for the next procedure within allocated times.
Access and handle medications deemed necessary for operating-room procedures.
Perform related responsibilities as required or directed.