Certified Surgical First Assistant

Hours of Work :

Days Of Week :

tuesdays and wednesdays

Work Shift :

Job Description :

Essential Duties:                                                                          

• Consistently demonstrates excellent ability or performance trait.

• Consistently demonstrates good to very good ability or performance trait.

• Consistently demonstrated acceptable ability or performance trait.

• Is able to demonstrate acceptable ability or performance trait.  Can be further developed.  Requires frequent supervision and encouragement.

• Ability or performance trait is absent or nominally developed.  Requires constant supervision.

• Determine, obtain and check supplies and equipment needed for surgical procedure.

• Assist in moving and positioning the patient.

• Inserts and removes of indwelling catheter.

• Appropriately place pneumatic tourniquet.

• Confirms the procedure with the surgeon and the consent.

• Dons PPE, scrubs, gowns, and gloves according to aseptic standards, using open and closed gloving technique.  Gowns and gloves team members.

• Sets up sterile table with instruments, supplies, equipment, medications, and solutions needed for procedure.  Labels all medications and solutions. 

• Maintains the integrity of the sterile field and observe for breaks in sterile technique during procedure.  Observes and coaches students and inexperienced staff on proper aseptic technique

• Follows count policy and time-out procedure with circulating nurse.  Verifies correct counting practice and time-out procedure.

• Appropriately drape the patient within the surgeon’s preference and guidelines.

• Assists in maintaining hemostasis by direct pressure, using and applying of appropriate surgical instrument, placement of ties, placement of ligatures or sutures, apply hemostasis agents, or other measures directed by the surgeon.

• Utilizing appropriate techniques to assist with closure of body planes and closing skin with method per surgeon’s directive.

• Not limited to passing instruments to surgeon and assistant during procedure. 

• Begins cleaning up back table and preparing instruments for terminal cleaning and sterilization as circulator prepares patient to leave the room.  Places instruments back in trays for transport to SPD.  Sprays instruments with enzymatic cleaner prior to sending down to SPD.

• Assists with terminal cleaning of room and preparation for the following case.

• Maintain working knowledge of operating procedures with respect to attire, infection control, and individual requirements and recommended practices of compliance.

• Keep abreast of new technology with respect to surgical intervention and its pertinence to patient management. 

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Non-Essential Duties & Measurements:                                                                               

• Maintain a quality standard of continuing education as described and set by (ASA). Earning 75 hours of approved continuing education hours in a four year period.

• BLS Certification.

Knowledge and Experience Required:

 A.  Education:

• One year experience as a Certified Surgical First Assistant.

• Surgical Assist graduate from a surgical assist program accredited through ARC/STSA, a collaborative effort of AST, ACS, and SASA by CAAHEP. CAAHEP is a recognized accreditation agency of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Certification is conferred by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).

B.  Licenses and/or Certifications Required:

• Certification

C.  Related Work Experience:

• One year experience

Prior experience in all specialties with emphasis in advanced procedures, i.e., neuro, orthopedic, plastics, gynecology, vascular, urology, maxillofacial and advanced laparoscopic procedures robot assisted and obstetrics (cesarean sections).

 D.  Other Considerations (communication, interpersonal skills, etc.)

• Ability to professionally and effectively communicate (orally and in writing).

• Ability to read, write, and speak English.

• Ability to develop and maintain a good working relationship with all levels of staff and physicians.

• Ability to prioritize multiple job tasks in a fast paced environment.

• Ability to make fast and correct judgments and decisions when necessary.

• Ability to be trained or perform computer functions.

• Exposure to hazards from blood born pathogens, needles, blades, and instruments, but little chance of injury when safety precautions are followed.

• Access to confidential information.

Methodist Celina Medical Center is located on a 40+ acre campus just off of Dallas Parkway, and will serve as the community’s first full-service hospital, serving Celina and surrounding communities. The four-story medical center will open with 51 beds, with plans for expansion, and will feature a range of services including cardiology, women’s services, orthopedics, robotic surgery, and more. The campus will also include a 40,000-square-foot medical office building.

The $237 million facility will be one of Celina’s largest employers in the fastest growing city in the country. We strive to have a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.