What are the responsibilities and job description for the Non-Certified First Assist (FT) position at Highland District Hospital?
Non-Certified First Assist - Surgical Department
Full-Time/Non-Exempt
Position Summary:
Serves as a first assistant to the surgeon on cases assigned by the surgical supervisor or delegate. Duties include retracting and exposing the surgical field, sponging and maintaining proper suction of operative field, hemostasis, suturing subcutaneous and skin tissue, and cutting sutures. Helps with setting up rooms for surgical cases and turning over rooms between cases. Helps restock and maintain supplies and equipment. Helps with pulling cases. Assist with patient care as directed by registered nurse. The First Assistant should be able to work independently, display sensitivity, work with attention to detail, display good organizational skills and demonstrate organizational teamwork and function within the departmental guidelines of First Assistant.
Position Accountabilities:
- Delivers patient care utilizing the 5 steps of the Nursing Process:
- Assessment
- Planning
- Implementation
- Evaluation
- Patient teaching
- Responds to the demands of the changing patient acuity in a positive, efficient manner.
- Demonstrates responsibility and accountability for continuous improvement and practices quality service as evidenced through QI results and patient satisfaction surveys.
- Maintains positive customer relations with patients, families, and co-workers as well as maintain positive team member relations by demonstrating responsibility and accountability for enhancing positive relations.
Unit Specific Position Accountabilities:
- Serve as first assistant to the surgeon on cases assigned by the surgical supervisor in the performance of such duties as retracting and exposing the surgical field, sponging and maintaining proper suction of operative field, hemostatis, suturing subcutaneous and skin tissue, cutting sutures, etc.
- Takes call as first assistant.
- Handles tissue and instruments as directed by the operating surgeon.
- Performs as scrub technician when needed, including pulling cases, turning over rooms, setting up rooms, processing instruments and maintaining supplies.
- Works independently in a safe and appropriate manner.
- Demonstrates both problem solving and problem-prevention skills.
- Displays sensitivity to the needs of patients, families, visitors, physicians and co-workers.
- Demonstrates good communication skills and utilizes and empathy.
- Recognizes time as a customer’s most valuable resource and responds promptly to the needs of patients, families, visitors, physicians and co-workers.
- Works carefully and precisely with attention to detail.
- Demonstrates organizational teamwork.
- Functions within the departmental guidelines of the First Assistant role.
- Demonstrates anatomy and physiology particular to the requirements of the surgical procedure.
- Seeks advice/information from experienced assistants if needed.
- Utilizes library, films, reports to increase knowledge of particular procedure and specific anatomy.
- Demonstrates knowledge of individual preferences of particular surgeon, reviews preference card information for each case assigned as needed.
- Maintains professional demeanor reflecting a general attitude of willingness to help and to learn.
- Certified Surgical First Assistant keeps abreast to changes and innovations in the field and shares them with manager and co-workers. Has knowledge and resources specific to surgical procedures and contributes expertise to the operation of the department (policies, records, standards, etc.). Reads literature specific to surgical procedures and shares it with manager and co-workers.
- Demonstrates understanding and commitment to the organization’s mission, vision and values.
- Highland District Hospital is committed to serving our community by quality healthcare in an atmosphere of safety, compassion and excellence. It is the responsibility of all employees to interact with patients, visitors, and/or co-workers with compassion, dignity, and respect. Employees are to maintain positive behaviors, approaches and attitudes and commitment to interpersonal service. Each employee is to serve as a role model for the organization’s Customer Service initiative; A-I-D-E-T; Acknowledge – Introduce – Duration – Explanation – Thank-you; proactively promoting teamwork and a collaborative culture.
- Responsible for abiding by and adhering to all HDH Corporate Compliance Program initiative and standards.
- Responsible for compliance with HDH safety standards, policies and procedures.
- The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills of personnel so classified.
Position Qualifications:
Education – Required: Completion of an approved program for surgical first assistants or equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. The Non-Certified First Assistant may also be a surgical technician who has had a minimum of two years' experience in the operating room and who, by experience and training, has demonstrated his/her ability through knowledge and skill to assist a surgeon in a major surgical procedure.
Minimum Experience: Two year’s experience in surgery as a surgery technician.
Preferred Experience: One to three year’s experience as first assistant.
Work Environment: The position normally operates within the hospital building, which is heated and air-conditioned. The position may receive some exposure to numerous pathogens. There will be exposure to unpleasant patients and unit elements. Potential to be exposed to emergency and crisis situations.
Work Schedule: The Surgical Assistant is normally scheduled to work 8 hour shifts during the week and “on call” rotation and weekend/holiday coverage system as assigned. Must be willing to work according to hospital needs.
Why join the HDH team?
Highland District Hospital is a critical access designated, 25-bed acute care facility. We currently employ more than 400 people and benefit from the services of community volunteers. Our medical staff includes over 100 physicians and 15 mid-level providers, representing over 25 specialties and subspecialties. While we are a community-centered hospital, we are also known for our technology and sophisticated healthcare services. Our service area includes over 65,000 residents from Highland County and surrounding counties.
At Highland District Hospital we strive to be caring people serving our community by providing exceptional, accessible, quality healthcare in an atmosphere of safety, compassion, and excellence.
Our values provide the framework for fulfilling our mission and vision.
We value:Quality
Teamwork/Collaboration
Integrity
Patient-First Mind Set
Compassion
At HDH we are always focused on doing what is best for those we serve and committed to providing a safe, effective, and efficient environment which promotes healing and growth.
Benefits Available:
Competitive Salary
Cafeteria Discounts/Employee Ordering Options
Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
Company Paid Life Insurance
Generous Paid Time Off
OPERS and Ohio Deferred Compensation
Full-time, Part-time, and PRN schedules available
Professional Development and Educational Assistance Opportunities
Loan Forgiveness Program
Employee Assistance Program
Employee Recognition Programs
