Surgical First Assistant

Job Description

Job Summary:

• This job collaborates with the surgeon and the healthcare team in performing a safe operation with optimal results for the patient.
• Performs these functions under the direction and supervision of the surgeon and in accordance with hospital policy and appropriate laws and regulations.
• This job and surgical technologist perform separate roles which is defined by job description and advanced education which requires knowledge in the use of surgical instruments on tissues versus the handling of instruments.
• This job exhibits actions consistent with Client Expectations as duties are performed.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Practices strict adherence to sterile technique.
• Facilitates in preparing the patient for surgery.
• Provides visualization of the operative field.
• Under the direct supervision of the surgeon, harvest the saphenous vein for coronary artery grafting purposes.
• Utilizes appropriate techniques to assist with closure of body planes.
• Selects and applies appropriate wound dressing and secures drainage system or intra aortic balloon pump to tissue.
• Adapts behavior to the specific patient population, including but not limited to: respect for privacy, method of introduction to the patient, adapting explanation of services or procedures to be performed, requesting permissions and communication style.
• Other related duties as required.

Education:

• Required – High School diploma or equivalent.
• Preferred- Certified course in Endoscopic Saphenous Vein Harvesting.

Required Experience:

• 5 years experience working in surgery.
• 3 years minimum experience in Surgical First Assisting.
• Proficient in Endo Vein Harvesting/Radial Vein Harvesting.

Certifications:

• Required – Certification from an accredited Surgical First Assistant Program
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from American Heart Association
• Current Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) from the American Heart Association

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrates good judgement in performing duties and conflict resolution.
• Skilled in suturing and saphenous vein harvesting.
• Basic analytical skills.
• Computer skills and dexterity required for data entry and retrieval of patient information.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present information clearly and professionally to varying levels of individuals throughout the patient care process.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

• Heavy Work – Exerting 50 to 100 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 25 to 50 pounds of force frequently, and/or 10 to 20 pounds of force constantly to move objects. (Constantly: activity or condition exists 2/3 or more of the time) to move objects.
• Physical demand requirements are in excess of those for Sedentary Work.
• Even though the weight lifted may be only a negligible amount, a job should be rated Light Work:
• When it requires walking or standing to a significant degree; or
• When it requires sitting most of the time but entails pushing and/or pulling of arm or leg controls; and/or
• When the job requires working at a production rate pace entailing the constant pushing and/or pulling of materials even though the weight of those materials is negligible.