Position Summary
The Surgical First Assistant works closely with surgeons in the operating room during a surgical procedure. They anticipate the needs of the surgical team and during an operation, assist the surgeon with tasks such as selecting equipment, holding open incisions, controlling bleeding, closing the incision, among other technical tasks. Surgical first assistants interact with surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and other health care staff. The Surgical First Assist provides support for surgical procedures by serving as general assistant to nurses and physicians and by preparing the operation rooms with necessary equipment, instruments, and supplies.
Essential Job Functions/Accountabilities
Positions patient and tends to patient’s warmth and comfort needs. The surgeon shall convey the exact position that will give the best exposure for the surgical procedure. The surgical assistant will carry out this order. Consideration will be given to the patient’s comfort and safety. Works with anesthesia provider and RN Circulator to adequately pad all points of pressure (elbows, heels, knees, eyes, face and axillary region). Confirms that circulation is not impaired. Guards against nerve damage. Upon completion of the procedure, evaluates patient for any possible damage from positioning which includes assessment of the skin. Reports any and all abnormal conditions to surgeon and Circulating RN. Confirms that treatment and documentation is carried out.
Inspects and prepares skin for surgical procedures (e.g., hair removal by clippers, preps. area, etc.) as needed. Under the supervision and as directed by physician, performs the following activities while acting in Assistant role. Assists in the visualization of the operative site by the following: appropriate placement and securing of retractors. Digital manipulation of tissue, suctioning, irrigating, or sponging.
Manipulation of suture materials (e.g. loops, tags, running sutures). Proper use of body mechanics to prevent obstruction of the surgeon’s view. Utilizing appropriate techniques to assist with hemostasis. Permanent: clamping and/or cauterizing vessels or tissue, tying and/or ligating clamped vessels or tissue, applying hemostatic clips, placing local hemostatic agents.
Temporary: applying tourniquets and demonstrating awareness of the indications/contraindications for use with knowledge of side effects of extended use/applies vessel loops, non-crushing clamps and direct digital pressure. Under the supervision and as directed by physician, performs the following activities while acting in Assistant role independently applies electrocautery and instrumentation directly to tissue as appropriate during surgical intervention; prepares grafts (bone, tendon, skin, etc.)
Under the supervision and as directed by physician, performs the following activities while acting in Assistant role utilizes appropriate techniques to assist with closure of body planes. Performs wound closure of fascia, subcutaneous and skin closures and applies post-operative wound dressings, slings, etc.; provides assistance in securing drainage systems to tissue and connecting drains to suction apparatus. Foley catheter insertion as evidenced by competency.
All other duties not specifically assigned.
Position Requirements
Education:
High School Diploma/GED
Experience: N/A
Technical Skills: Proficiency in suturing as evidenced by required competency of surgical team and verification evidenced by competency of all required skills.
Certifications/Licenses/Registrations: Completion of an approved CST/CSFA program (The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting) or military training. BLS preferred.
