Certified Surgical First Assist (FULL TIME)

JOB SUMMARY

Under the general direction of the Director of Surgical Services, the CST First Assist will interact with surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and other health care staff, working very closely with patients of all ages requiring surgical procedures before, during, and after the operative recovery phase. They combine the overall knowledge of surgical procedures and human anatomy and implement technologies and tools to facilitate healthcare professional’s performing invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in accordance with JCAHO, federal, state, and local guidelines, organizational and departmental policies, and procedures. The position requires self-motivation, creativity, and capabilities to function in a semi-autonomous, fast-paced, dynamic environment.  

STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE

1. Acts as First Assistant and provides intraoperative skills during surgical procedures: holds retractors, ties off vessels and tissues, repairs incisions and lacerations, cuts and cauterizes tissues, etc., as needed, and as directed for wide variety of surgical cases.
2. Communicates the surgeon’s preferences and specific patient needs to surgical team.
3. Positions the patient to provide the necessary exposure for the procedure and the surgeon preference.
4. Provides intraoperative skills such as visualization, trocar insertion, injection of local anesthetics, hemostasis, tissue handling, placement and securing of wound drains, and closure of body planes.
5. Utilizes appropriate suturing techniques, according to surgeon preference, to close the incision at the end of the procedure
6. Provides postoperative skills in patient care such as applying dressings to surgical wounds, patient transfer and transport, transfer of care, and monitoring for immediate complications.
7. Collaborating with others to provide continuity of care.
8. Ensures that appropriate supplies, equipment, and instrumentation are available, opened and functioning properly for each procedure.
9. Works as a team member with surgeons and nurses to provide safe and efficient care while focusing on limiting waste in the O.R (Operating Room).
10. Ensures appropriate test results, i.e., CT scans, MRI, Angiograms and X-rays are in the room and visible for surgeon.
11. Assumes responsibility for patient positioning, prepping, and draping appropriately for procedures and to follow all safety and procedural guidelines.
12. Performs complex surgical techniques as needed and as directed by physician.
13. Maintains the highest standards of sterile technique during the operative procedure.
14. Ensures proper transport of patient to recovery area after completion of procedure.
15. Assists personnel in the clean-up and turnover of room to facilitate start of next procedure.
16. Perform other projects/tasks as requested.

Minimum Level of Education: Education level equivalent to an Associate or vocational degree from an accredited Surgical Technologist/Surgical Assistant Program is required.

Formal Training: Proficiency in technical skills required during a surgical procedure, including, but not limited to clamping, cauterizing, suturing, inserting, injecting, manipulating, retracting, cutting, and ligating tissue as necessary, having knowledge of and using all open, laparoscopic, and robotic equipment necessary for a procedure. Strong Written and Verbal Communication Skills required.

Licensure, Certification, Registration: Certification as CSFA and CST required and must be maintained as a condition of employment. Must have and maintain BLS-CPR certification.

Work Experience: Two years of hospital experience required. One-Year directly related experience in an operating room setting as a Surgical Technologist or First Assistant Surgical Technologist and/or equivalent combination of training, education, and experience.