Surgical First Assist

Overview

Location: UF Health Flagler Hospital

400 Health Park Blvd St. Augustine, Florida 32086  

Schedule: Variable

Employment Type: PRN

Join UF Health and be part of a team committed to exceptional patient care, innovation, and community impact. We are currently seeking a passionate individual who is eager to make a difference in a dynamic healthcare environment.

The scrub technician first assistant, under direct guidance and immediate supervision from the primary operative surgeon, assists in the perioperative care of patients in the Operating Room. Does not allow for any independent performance of any surgical procedures. 

Responsibilities

• The certified surgical first assistant (CSFA) in a surgical operation is a trained individual who is able to participate in and actively assist the surgeon in completing the operation safely and expeditiously by helping to provide exposure, maintain hemostasis, and other technical functions. The CSFA helps surgeons to make incisions and close surgical sites, manipulate or remove tissues, implant surgical devices or drains, suction the surgical site, place catheters, clamp or cauterize vessels or tissue, and apply dressings to the surgical site. These individuals are not authorized to operate independently.
• Under direct supervision the surgical first assistant may maintain hemostasis by direct pressure, use and application of appropriate surgical instruments for the task, placement of ties and suture ligatures, application of chemical or electrical hemostatic agents/methods, or other measures as directed by the surgeon.
• Under direct supervision by the surgeon, the CSFA may retract, clamp, and/or cut tissue, close all wound layers (fascia, subcutaneous and skin), assist in patient positioning, prepping, draping, injection of local anesthetic, insertion of trocars, preparation of grafts, appropriate use of suturing and stapling devices.
• Must be able to scrub, gown and glove self by using open and closed gloving technique.
• Follows hospital policy and procedures, directives, quality and risk management initiatives, safety, environmental, and infection prevention standards appropriate to this position. The CSFA will be required to take call as needed and/or stay to the conclusion of assigned cases.
• All other duties as assigned by supervisor within job scope. 

Qualifications

Required Education: GED or High School Diploma 

Required Licensure/Certifications:

• Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) from The National Board of Surgical Technology Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA).
• BLS from the American Heart Association or American Red Cross 

Required Experience: 1-2 years surgical technology experience 

Preferred Experience: 1-2 years surgical first assist experience 

Necessary Skills

1. Must possess a working knowledge of operating room fundamentals, including aseptic principles and techniques.

2. Strong working knowledge of patient care and basic human needs throughout the life span.

3. In depth knowledge of medical terminology.

4. Strong working knowledge of acute and chronic disease processes.

5. Demonstrates teamwork and communicates in a professional manner with all members of the healthcare team.

6. Adapts quickly and easily to change and adjusted behavior and approach to work when necessary to achieve goals.