Certified Surgical First Assistant

A Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) supports surgeons during surgical procedures by assisting with tasks like wound closure, controlling bleeding, and providing exposure to the operative site, all while maintaining a sterile environment and ensuring patient safety.  

Key Responsibilities:  

• Verifies that perioperative personnel provide safe and effective patient-centered care in perioperative services. 

• Uses effective conflict resolution techniques. 

• Acts as a patient advocate and maintains privacy and confidentiality of all appropriate information. 

• Preoperative Care:  

• Reviewing patient history and physical exam results.  

• Verifying patient identification and surgical site markings.  

• Shaving the patient as needed.  

• Appropriate positioning of patient based on procedure need 

• Preparing the surgical site and draping the patient.  

• Intraoperative Surgical First Assisting  

• Providing exposure to the operative site using retractors.  

• Maintaining hemostasis (stopping bleeding) through various methods, such as clamps, cautery, and ligation.  

• Assisting with tissue handling and suturing.  

• Assisting with wound closure. Management of drains.  

• Managing surgical instruments, supplies, and equipment.  

• Communicating with the surgical team about the surgeon's needs and the patient's status.  

• Postoperative Care  

• Applying dressings and tape.  

• Assisting with patient transfer and monitoring for complications.  

• Ensuring the surgical area is cleaned and prepared for the next case.  

• Appropriate handling of Biohazard Waste and surgical tissue for pathology.  

Other Duties:  

• Maintaining a sterile environment.  

• Monitoring patient vital signs.  

• Assisting with specimen collection and handling.  

• Ensuring compliance with safety regulations and hospital policies.  

• Maintaining inventory of surgical supplies.  

• Mentoring of new employees  

Education and Experience:  

• Completion of a surgical technology program.  

• Experience as a surgical technologist  

• Certification as a Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA).   

• Proficiency in surgical techniques and procedures.  

• Knowledge of surgical instruments and equipment  

• Ability to maintain a sterile field.  

• Ability to handle and suture tissues.  

• Excellent communication skills.  

• Ability to work under pressure and in a fast-paced environment.  

• Strong attention to detail.  

• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.  

• Physical stamina to work long shifts and move or lift patients and heavy equipment.  

• Ability to handle difficult situations involving patients, physicians, or others in a professional manner.