Certified Surgical First Assistant
Qualifications
Education
High school diploma or equivalent GED
Graduate from a surgical assisting program accredited through ARC/STSA, a collaborative effort of ASA, ACS, and SASA, by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). CAAHEP is a recognized accreditation agency of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
Experience/Skills
Has at least two years of surgical technician experience with additional experience as Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA)
Exhibits verbal and written communication skills
Demonstrates a working knowledge of general computer skills and applications
Understands specialized first assistant techniques, procedures, and adequate equipment related to hemostasis, retracting and suturing skills
Demonstrates self-motivation
Works effectively in collaboration with others
Multitasks effectively
Adaptable
Required Licenses/Certifications
Operating Room Technician/First Assistant Certification
CPR
Working Conditions
Works in a clean, well-lit working environment
Occupational exposure
Routine Responsibilities
Patient Positioning
The surgeon shall convey the exact position that will give the best exposure for the surgical procedure. The surgical assistant will collaborate with the RN Circulator to carry out the order with consideration to the patient's comfort and safety
Points of pressure shall be padded: elbows, heels, knees, eyes, face, and axillary region
Circulation shall not be impaired
Nerve damage shall be guarded against
The temperature of the patient should be discussed with the anesthesia personnel and methods employed to maintain the desired temperature range
Familiar with common position related to surgical procedure and will be able to use the equipment necessary to provide the position. Competencies will include the following: fracture tables; head stabilizers; body stabilizers; C-arm extensions; any other equipment needed
Upon completion of the procedure, the patient shall be evaluated for any possible damage from positioning which will include assessment of the skin. The abnormal condition shall be reported to the surgeon and treatment and documentation shall be carried out
Visualization of the Operative Site
Appropriate placement and securing of retractors with or without padding
Packing with sponges
Digital manipulation of tissue
Suctioning, irrigating, or sponging
Manipulation of suture materials (e.g., loops, tags, running sutures)
Appropriate Hemostasis Assisting Techniques
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; applying vessel loops; applying non crushing clamps; applying direct digital pressure
Appropriate Closure of Body Planes Assisting Techniques
Utilizing running or interrupted sutures with absorbable or nonabsorbable material of wound layers, including muscle and fascia
Utilizing subcuticular closure technique with or without adhesive skin closure strips
Closing skin with method per surgeon's directive (suture, staples, etc.)
Postoperative subcutaneous injection of local anesthetic per surgeon's directive
Appropriate Wound Dressings Selection and Application
Liquid or spray occlusive materials
Absorbent material affixed with tape or circumferential wrapping
Immobilizing dressing (soft or rigid)
Provides assistance in securing drainage systems to tissue
Miscellaneous
In addition to the responsibilities outlined in this job description, the Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) is also expected to perform all duties described under the Surgical Technologist duties outlined in policy # 215.69.
Day Shift 80 hours/Bi-Weekly