SUMMARY OF POSITION

As defined by the American College of Surgeons (ACS), the Surgical First Assistant provides aid in exposure, hemostasis, and other technical functions that will help the surgeon carry out a safe operation with optimal results for the patient. This role will vary considerably with the surgical procedure, specialty area, surgeon, and type of facility.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES & EXPECTATIONS

STERILE TECHNIQUE:

• Perform the appropriate preoperative skin scrub for the particular procedure

                and circumstance.

• Demonstrate the understanding of aseptic technique and sterile vs.

                non-sterile areas.

• Display surgical conscience for the safety of the patient, other employees

                and themselves.

• Wear appropriate barriers as outlined in the Infection Control Manual for

                protection against blood and body contamination of patient and self.

PREOPERATIVE PREPERATION OF THE PATIENT:

• Demonstrate timely movement of the patient to the OR.


• Properly identifies the patient:

1. Verbally check with the patient (patient name, surgeon,

                       and procedure)

                2.    Visually checks the ID band, chart, surgery schedule and bed tag.

                3.    Display a professional and courteous manner while reassuring

                        the patient that asks questions; give support to the patient.

                4.    Respect the patient's confidentiality.

• Facilitate voluntarily in an assistant or non-assistant room, and work

                efficiently with the OR team, performing duties in an efficient and safe

                manner, proceeding smoothly throughout the day.

• Collect and properly display the appropriate x-rays.


• Properly measure patients for intra-operative procedures.


• Review patient chart.


• Assist anesthesia under direct supervision, if time permits.


• Properly bi-valve any cast that needs to be removed, having patient

                safety in mind at all times.

• Position the patient properly, being aware of and padding areas that

                require special protection, making adjustments for surgeon's preferences.

• Prepare and properly perform surgical preps and urethral catheter insertions.


• Routinely inspects the surgical site to insure that a proper shave

                prep was performed according to the type of surgery and

                surgeon's preference.

• Routinely verify any patient allergies and changes the prep

                solutions accordingly.

• Display knowledge of the surgeon's preferences and prepare

                the prep tray in a sterile, economical, and uniform manner with the

                supplies needed.

• Ready to insert the catheter and/or perform the skin prep when

                anesthesia permits.

• Following skin preparation, checks that there is no pooling of fluids beneath the patient or near the Bovie pad.

INTRA-OPERATIVE:

• The Ability to First or Second Assist any Surgeon on any case with minimum difficulty

KNOT TYING:

• Knots are square, secure and they approximate the tissue, do not slip, and have

                the correct number of knots required for that particular tissue.

• Is familiar with tensile strength using appropriate tension for the

                type of suture.

• Demonstrates dexterity and knowledge of one handed and two-handed ties,

                surgeon's knot, and instrument ties in a smooth and efficient manner.

CLOSURE OF INCISIONAL SITE:

• Demonstrates skill and knowledge of maintaining hemostasis by proper use of

                pressure, clamps, ties, suture ligatures, clips or electrocautery according to

                surgeon's preference.

• Provides and maintains the proper exposure necessary to perform the

                operative procedure while protecting vital organs, tissues and other structures.

• Sponges and suctions at the appropriate time without interfering with the flow

                of the surgery in order to allow a clear and unobstructed view of the

                operative field.

KNOWLEDGE OF EQUIPMENT AND INSTURMENTATION:

• Demonstrates the proper use of equipment in a smooth, safe, and

                efficient manner.

• Demonstrates proper use of instrumentation at the field:


• Selects appropriate instrument according to need and

                doctor's preference.

• Operates instrumentation in a smooth, safe, and efficient manner to

                achieve the desired result.

• Practices care and economy in the use of equipment and materials.

CUTTING SUTURE

• When cutting suture, the assistant demonstrates promptness, proper

                handling of scissors, and safe cutting techniques.

• Assistant displays ability to adjust cutting length to various sutures

                and doctor's preference.

WOUND CLOSURE:

• Assistant closes the proper anatomical layers with the appropriate type

                of suture and stitch according to the surgeon's preference.

• Demonstrates knowledge of suture material, various types of stitches,

                and properly closes the incision in a smooth and efficient manner

                according to the surgeon's preference.

• Applies the appropriate dressing for the procedure and according to

                surgeon's preference.

ANTICIPATION OF THE SURGEON'S NEEDS:

• Assistant follows the pace set by the surgeon, and without delay in the

                thought process, participates in the procedure to maintain a smooth

                and efficient flow of the operation.

• Displays knowledge of the different routines, procedures and anatomy

                which enables anticipation of the surgeon's needs.

EXTRA-OPERATIVE RESPOSIBILITIES:

• Maintains a Professional Working Relationship with Staff and Physicians.


• Changes behavior in response to guidance. Collaborates, communicates, and works

                harmoniously with peers and other departments.

• Observes own verbal and nonverbal communication and selects proper

                communication techniques.

• Demonstrates awareness of team responsibility by accepting additional

                duties and responsibilities to improve the SA department, OR and

                Aultman Hospital.

• Works harmoniously with other health care personnel in the adjustment of

                duties in a team like fashion as necessary to attain patient care goals.

• Establishes a professional rapport with physicians.


• Self Responsibility and Accountability for Own Practice

 

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Minimum of Associate Degree in related field. Advanced training and/or certification for Surgical Assisting. Working knowledge of medical terminology.  Intermediate computer skills.  Excellent oral and written communications skills.  BLS required within 3 month of hire.

 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or veteran status. 

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Normal hours are based upon shift requirements. 


• Requires occasional paid overtime to handle peak work times


• Subject to frequent interruptions and changes in priority of duties throughout the day


• Sitting/standing/moving about during working hours

 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS ADDENDUM

O = Occasionally = 0- 33% of the work shift or   0- 32   repetitions.

F = Frequently = 34-66% of the work shift or 32-200+ repetitions.  

C = Constantly = 67-100% of the work shift or 200+ repetitions.

N = Not essential job requirement.

 

O         Sitting

F          Standing

F          Walking

O         Lifting (50 pounds or greater)

O         Carrying (50 pounds or greater)

F          Pushing (50 pounds or greater)

N          Climbing with (50 pounds or greater)

O         Stooping/Bending

O          Twisting/Turning

O         Kneeling/Squatting

O         Crawling

O         Reaching Up/Reaching Forward