Surgical Tech First Assist

Job Description

Description

Become part of an inclusive organization with over 40,000 diverse employees, whose mission is to improve the health and well-being of the unique communities we serve.

Summary:
The Surgical Tech - First Assistant works in an expanded surgical technologist
role.  The Surgical Tech - First Assistant aids in exposure, hemostasis, closure, and other intraoperative
technical functions that help the surgeon carry out a safe operation with optimal results for the patient. In addition to intraoperative duties, the Surgical Tech- First Assist also performs preoperative and postoperative duties to better facilitate proper patient care. The Surgical Tech- First Assist performs these functions during the operation under the direction and supervision of the surgeon.

Responsibilities:
Under the supervision of the physician: Assisting in positioning, skin preparation and draping of the patient. Placing tourniquets, Insertion of secondary trochars, including skin incision, under direct visualization after initial trochar has been placed by the
surgeon.  Reinsertion and/or changing trochars during laparoscopic / robotic procedures. Providing exposure though
appropriate use of instruments, retractors, suctioning and sponging techniques. Assisting in maintaining hemostasis by direct pressure, placement of ties, placement of suture ligatures, and clamping of blood vessels. Coagulation of bleeding points by using monopolar and bipolar electrocautery devices per surgeon’s directive. Clamping, ligating, dissecting and cutting tissue per surgeon’s directive. Minor manipulation and activation of simple stapling devices once they have been placed by the surgeon. Preparing grafts and other implants on the sterile table for use during surgical procedure. Advancing and removing k-wires while the surgeon reduces a fracture. Inserting screws, pins, etc. once the surgeon has chosen the hardware and drilled/reamed the necessary hole in the bone.  Closing all wound layers (fascia, subcutaneous, and skin) via sutures and/or staples per surgeon’s directive. Securing drains and drainage systems to tissue once they have been placed by the surgeon. Applying wound dressings. Applying wound vacs to surgical sites.
Establishes and maintains sterile field and assures team maintains sterile environment. Demonstrate and practice a good understanding of sterile technique.
Has a basic knowledge of instrumentations. Prepare Operating Room with appropriate instrumentation, equipment and
supplies.
Demonstrates correct and safe instrumentation passing and performs sponge, needle and instrument counts in a safe and accurate manner according to established policy
Ability to work effectively and efficiently under pressure in a stressful environment, and often without relief. Ability to demonstrate knowledge of anatomy relating to the surgical procedure and the instrumentation required in order to effectively anticipate the needs of the surgeon.

Other Information

Other information:
Education Requirements:
● High School Diploma required.
● Graduation from an approved Certified Surgical Assisting program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP).
Licensure/Certification Requirements:
● Certification as a Surgical First Assistant by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)
● Must have current BLS certification
Professional Experience Requirements:
● Requires three (3) years of experience as a surgical tech or one (1) year experience as a Surgical Tech- First Assist.
Knowledge/Skills/and Abilities Requirements:

Job Details

Legal Employer: NCHEALTH

Entity: Caldwell Memorial Hospital

Organization Unit: Operating Rooms 

Work Type: Full Time

Standard Hours Per Week: 40.00

Work Schedule: Day Job

Location of Job: US:NC:Lenoir

Exempt From Overtime: Exempt: No