Facility: Kennestone Hospital

Overview
The CVOR First Assist is an allied health professional who is an integral part of the team of medical practitioners providing cardiac surgical care to patients. The CVOR First Assist works under the supervision of a surgeon to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of invasive surgical procedures, ensuring that the operating room environment is safe, that equipment functions properly, and that the surgical procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety. Demonstrates expertise in the theory and application of sterile and aseptic technique, as well as combines the knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation tools and technologies to facilitate a physician's performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures. At Wellstar, the CVOR suite is separate from the main OR.
Responsibilities
Core Responsibilites and Essential Functions

In depth knowledge of anatomy and physiology related to cardiac surgery achieved with independence on all CVOR cases, including TAVRS and combined Vascular cases.
* Able to take call independently with advanced cardiac surgery skills required to perform in the First Assist role with all cardiac surgery procedures, including TAVR cases.
* In depth learning or knowledge of cardiac anatomy and physiology, tissue exposure, surgical flow and advanced techniques in cardiac surgery specialty. May second assist and/ or first assist during CV surgery.
* Performs a thorough review of the surgeon’s preferences prior to each surgical procedure.
* Checks supplies and equipment needed for surgical procedure, assists with selection and opening of sterile supplies.
* Sets up sterile table with instruments, supplies, equipment and medications/solutions needed for procedure.
* May assist RN circulator with patient comfort measures, patient positing, application of electrosurgical grounding pads, external defibrillator pads, EKG monitors and skin preparation.
* Gowns and gloves surgeon and surgical team.
* Drapes patient and sterile field.
* Actively participates in all portions of surgical procedure, anticipating and passing instruments and supplies during the surgical procedure. May hold cameras, retract tissues, stabilize tissue and/or utilize mister blower to expose coronary artery lumens.
* Practices and maintains highest standard of sterile technique during surgical procedures, participates in infection prevention techniques and ensures patient safety throughout procedure.
* Prepares chest drainage systems and sterile dressings.
* Maintains a safe environment throughout procedure regarding patient physical safety, fire prevention, ESU safety, infection control, and maintains highest of sterile field organization throughout procedure.
* Assists with room turnover between cases and participates in terminally cleaning and organization of the department
* Routine opening and/or closing of the surgical site
* Assist in maintaining hemostasis by direct pressure, use and application of appropriate surgical instruments for the task, placement of ties and suture ligatures, application of chemical hemostatic agents, or other measures as directed by the surgeon.
* Assist in retracting tissue per surgeon’s directive.
* Use of electrocautery both monopolar and bipolar.
* Clamp, ligation, and cutting of tissue. Per surgeon’s directive.
* Assist in placement and suturing of surgical drains.
* Closure of all wound layers (fascia, subcutaneous and skin) as per surgeon’s directive
* Prepare ACL graft as directed by the surgeon.
* Assist in all other surgical procedures under the directive of the surgeon.

Quality and Patient Safety
* Verifies patient ID using 2 patient identifiers i.e. armband, DOB, verbal identification during pre- procedure time out.
* Follows established drying protocols after skin preparation and before surgical draping.
* Actively participates and follows established guidelines for Safety Time out prior to skin incision
* Ensures antibiotics have been acknowledged and initiated during safety time out.
* Understands, complies with and enforces site/ side marking when indicated.
* Interprets, supports, and aids with implementation of departmental SCIP initiatives.
* Actively demonstrates proper hand hygiene and surgical hand scrubs.
* Wears appropriate scrub attire, including head coverings, eyewear, removes and covers jewelry.

Job Responsibilities, Education and Engagement
* Must be flexible with hours and shifts to meet patient care and departmental staffing needs.
* May be required to take high volumes of call and work extended hours to provide patient care in high stakes, high stress environment.
* Utilizes chain of command, practices open communication, promotes an inclusive team environment and supports all initiatives in the cardiac operating room.
* Must have a strong attention to detail and physical stamina to handle long, intense, and high-risk cases.
* Works independently to deliver education and in-services in are of expertise, participates in unit safety, quality and performance improvement projects, and actively engaged in evidence-based practice and participates in the department shared governance committee.

Required for All Jobs

Performs other duties as assigned

Complies with all WellStar Health System policies, standards of work, and code of conduct.

Qualifications
Required Minimum Education

High school graduate from an accredited program Required or

GED from an accredited program Required and

Graduate of an approved first assistant program as outlined by CAAHEP. Required

Required Minimum Experience

Minimum 2 years surgical scrub experience Preferred and

Prior Cardiovascular Operating Room experience Preferred and

Competent in functioning independently in the scrub and first assist role in multiple complex procedures and in life saving situations Required and

Competent with scrubbing interventional radiology procedures for hybrid OR cases Preferred

Required Minimum Skills

Ability to read, write and speak English language, optimize the use of technology to support clinical care and holds basic computer skills.

Strong interpersonal, collaborative skills along with customer service skills required.

Ability to function in a fast-paced environment and respond to emergencies while using a decisive, composed, and respectful manner.

Possess excellent time management skills, practices using evidence and analytical skills along with the ability to multitask and prioritize accurately and quickly in high stakes situations.

Expected to be flexible with work hours and shifts due to urgent and emergent patient care needs.

Must be available for emergency call on weekdays, weekends, and holidays with a 30-45minute response time.

Required Minimum License(s) and Certification(s)

Certified Surgical Asst 1.00 Preferred 1.00

Certified Surgical First Assis 1.00 Preferred 1.00

Basic Life Support 2.00 Required 2.00

Additional Licenses and Certifications

ABSA (American Board of Surgical Assistants) Certification Preferred