Certified First Assistant

Minimum Entry Level Qualifications Experience and/or level of competency: Certification as a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST). Certification as First Assistant through the Liaison Council on Certification for the Surgical Technologists affiliated with the Association of Surgical Technologists (LCC-ST). Current BLS and ACLS certification. Basic computer knowledge. Able to communicate effectively in English, both verbally and in writing. Additional languages desirable.

Academic Preparation:

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job Summary:

Assists the surgeon during operative and invasive procedures to provide optimal patient care in the operating room. Provides surgical exposure, hemostasis, assists with suturing and stapling and other technical skills. Participates in departmental staff meetings and performance improvement activities.

Specific Responsibilities:

Under the direct supervision of a surgeon, provides exposure, hemostasis, and suturing, stapling and other technical skills to provide quality patient care in the operating room. Ability to position patient safely per surgeon's orders. Preps and drapes patient according to planned procedure. Provides exposure of the operative site for the surgeon through various techniques. Assists the surgeon with closure of body planes. Applies dressings per surgeon's orders. Anticipates needs of surgeon during intraoperative phase. Interacts professionally with patient and family. Provides patient with explanations and verbal reassurance, as necessary. Adapts procedures to meet individual needs of pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients. Ensures room has been prepared with the anticipated instruments, sutures, supplies and equipment for each individual surgical procedure. Demonstrates competence in care of specimens and accurately handles specimens at all times. Accurately completes operating room counts (instruments, sponges, needles); follows proper procedure in the event of incorrect count; reports all discrepancies to Circulating Nurse and surgeon and/or corrects immediately. Carries out medical/surgical asepsis during treatments/procedures. Maintains safe environment for patient, co-workers and self, per hospital policies and procedures. Protects patient's sensitivities and right to privacy. Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity. Identifies and addresses psychosocial, cultural, ethnic and religious/spiritual needs of patients and their families. Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors. Demonstrates the ability to be flexible, organized and function under stressful conditions. Establishes and maintains effective communication and good working relationship with surgeon and operating room staff for the patient's benefit Makes decisions reflecting knowledge of facts and good judgment within the CST/CFA scope of practice. Performs other duties as assigned.