Surgical Technician/First Assist

Description

POSITION SUMMARY
Functions as surgical first assistant to the surgeon during the operation working under the direction and supervision of that surgeon and in accordance with hospital policy and appropriate laws and regulations. On occasion the surgical first assistant may have to perform the duties of a surgical technician. All surgical staff assists with room turn over.

CORE FUNCTIONS
1. Interacts professionally with patient and family. Provides patient with explanations and verbal reassurance, as necessary.

2. Adapts procedures to meet individual needs of pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients for treatment. Anticipates needs of surgeon during intraoperative phase.

3. Performs aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.

4. Follows written procedures for steam sterilization; knows responsibilities and the necessity for chemical and biological monitoring. Is fully responsible for care of instruments/equipment during intra/postoperative phase, including cleaning and processing of instruments.

5. Accurately completes operating room counts (instruments, sponges, needles); follows proper procedure in case of incorrect count; reports all discrepancies to circulating nurse and surgeon and/or corrects immediately. Carries out medical/surgical asepsis during treatments/procedures.

6. Regularly collaborates with other members of the nursing team, in order to maintain equipment and supplies for surgical procedures. Sets up, scrubs and prepares for procedures at least 15 minutes prior to scheduled time, unless otherwise directed by Circulating Nurse or Nurse Manager. Prepares room in a timely manner with all anticipated instruments, sutures, supplies and equipment for each individual surgical procedure.

7. Utilizes initiative; strives to maintain steady level of productivity; self-motivated. Organization and management of activities reflects due consideration for the needs of the department.

8. Always maintains an orderly and sterile instrument table for the purpose of efficiency; follows department standard set-up.

9. Applying sutures, staples, clips, and drainage systems and clamping, or cauterizing blood vessels to control bleeding.

10. Covering patients with surgical drapes to ensure and maintain a sterile operating field, removing patients' body hair, and disinfecting the incision site.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ENVIRONMENT FACTORS

DP - Typical Direct Patient Care environment:
Able to stand, walk, bend, squat, reach, and stretch frequently.
Possess physical agility and adequate reaction time to respond quickly and appropriately to unexpected patient care needs.
Needs adequate hearing and visual acuity, including adequate color vision.
Requires fine motor skills, adequate eye-hand coordination, and ability to grasp and handle objects.
Able to use proper body mechanics to assist patients in ambulating, transferring in and out of bed, chair or wheelchair.
May be required to lift up to 50 pounds.
Must use standard precautions due to threat of exposure to blood and bodily fluids.
Needs ability to communicate effectively through reading, writing, and speaking in person or on telephone.
May require periodic use of personal computer.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Must have graduated from an accredited Surgical Technician Program AND First Assist Program

Requires a current Certification as a Surgical Technician/First Assist. BLS Certification is required.

Requires a knowledge level typically obtained with two (2) years of Surgical Technician experience.

Relates throughout the interview process the experience, training and education needed to perform the job.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Additional related education and/or experience preferred.