LPN/Certified Surgical Technician

Job Summary :

Certified Surgical First Assistants (CSFAs) are trained individuals who are able to participate in and actively assist the surgeon in completing an operation safely and expeditiously by helping to provide exposure, maintain hemostasis, and other technical functions. CSFAs must have operating room experience in the role of a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST). CSFAs should meet national standards and be credentialed by the appropriate local authority and organization and are not authorized to operate independently.

Job Description

Essential Responsibilities: 

Note: While these are considered essential responsibilities of the position, alternatives or accommodation may be considered, when situations require.

Note: This job description should be used in conjunction with the CST or RN job description.

A. Fiscal Responsibility

1. Expedite total surgical time by assisting the surgeon with the operation and assisting with other patient care activities as appropriate.

2. Collaborates with the anesthesia provider and other associates to promote OR efficiency and expedite turnover times.

3. Prepares for operation and judiciously uses supplies.

4. Willing to be flexible with assignments, call coverage, and days/hours worked.

5. Follows manufacturer’s guidelines when using or cleaning instruments and equipment.

6. The CSFA will prioritize effectively.

B. Quality

1. Follows operating room policies and guidelines established by professional organizations.

2. Participates in practice changes that lead to improved patient outcomes.

3. Participates in inter-professional quality improvement projects.

C. Patient Satisfaction

1. Maintain professional environment and keep noise to a minimum at all times.

2. Exemplify excellent guest relations to patients, visitors, providers, and co-workers.

3. Maintain professional demeanor when interacting with and around patients and visitors.

4. Maintain patient privacy at all times and adhere to HIPAA and social media policies.

D. Patient Safety

1. Assist the surgical team in maintaining a sterile environment with minimal distractions.

2. Actively participate in time-outs.

3. Acknowledge a just culture and speak up with any patient safety concerns.

4. Adhere to established OR policies and guidelines.

5. Plan and prioritize surgical care according to individual patient characteristics.

E. Professional Growth

1. Maintain certification by completing all continuing education requirements as required by the certifying body and outlined by national standards.

2. Serve as a mentor and preceptor to grow the profession.

3. Participate in professional organization through membership or conference attendance.

4. Assist the organization in the design of in-services and other training programs.

F. Customer Service

1. Report any ethical concerns regarding patient care.

2. Contribute to a Healthy Work Environment.

3. Demonstrate clear and effective communication skills.

Additional Skills and Abilities

Advanced skills of a CSFA include:

*Making incisions.

*Closing surgical sites.

*Manipulating tissue.

*Suctioning the surgical site.

*Cauterizing tissue.

*Injection of local anesthesia.

*Insertion and removal of trocars. 

*Preparation of grafts.

*Use of appropriate suturing or stapling devices.

*Securement of drains.

Application of casts.

Application of dressings and dressing changes.

*Note: Above items with an asterisk(*) must be performed in the presence of the

scrubbed supervising surgeon.

Education and Experience Required:

1. A CST who holds a CSFA designation must have successfully completed a certified surgical technology program and maintain certification.

2. A CSFA must be a CST with operating room experience who has successfully completed and graduated from a CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs) accredited surgical assisting program.

Mandatory Licensure/Certifications:

1. (CST) Currently certified by The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).

2. CSFA must maintain certification per the requirements established by the Association of Surgical Assistants (ASA).

​*Job description is not meant to cover or include all the tasks, duties or responsibilities the employee may be required to perform. Job duties and responsibilities can change at any time, with or without notice due to business need.

Work Shift :

1st Shift (United States of America)

Scheduled Weekly Hours :

40