What are the responsibilities and job description for the CERTIFIED SURGICAL TECH FIRST ASSIST/RNFA position at Toledo Clinic?
General Summary:
Assists physician(s) by handling instruments and equipment in the OR room
Works under the supervision of the OPS Director of Nursing
Principal Duties & Responsibilities:
Example of Essential Duties:
- Assesses the Operating Room in preparation of procedures.
- Plans for needed supplies and equipment according to procedure.
- Identifies and corrects breaks in sterile technique immediately.
- Uses sterile technique to apply dressings.
- Evaluates proper care of instruments and reports any necessary repairs.
- Provides aid in exposure, hemostasis, closure, and other intraoperative technical functions that help the surgeon carry out a safe operation with optimal results for the patient. The surgical assistant performs these functions during the operation under the direction and supervision of the surgeon.
Other Essential Duties May Include (but are not limited to):
- Collaborates with Circulating Nurse, and other OR staff, regarding procedure preparation in accordance with physician preference cards and policies and procedures.
- Assists in sponge, sharps, and instrument counts in accordance with policies and procedures.
- Participates in Quality Assurance/Improvement.
- Evaluates and updates physician preference cards.
- Positions patient on table and moves patient to stretcher after the case is complete.
- Other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
Required:
- Current certification as a Certified First Assistant (CSFA)
- Maintains knowledge of AORN standards and recommended practices and skill of surgical scrubbing techniques.
- Adheres to Universal Precaution Standards and the policies and procedures of the Toledo Clinic.
- Consistently arrives at work, in professional attire, on time and completes all tasks within established time frame.
- Seeks appropriate tasks when primary tasks are completed and assists co-workers as needed.
- Demonstrates adaptability to expanded roles.
Education:
- Surgical technologist certificate, graduate from surgical assisting programs accredited through ARC/STSA, a collaborative effort of AST, ACS, and SASA, by CAAHEP
Credentials:
-Certification is conferred by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). Initial certification as a Certified First Assistant (CSFA) is based upon satisfactory performance on the national certifying examination following completion of an accredited program in surgical assisting or another pathway acceptable to the NBSTSA. CSFAs maintain their certification by earning 75 hours of approved continuing education in a four-year period or by successfully retaking the certifying examination at the conclusion of the four-year period.
