Surgical First Assistant, General Surgery - PRN

Surgical First Assistant, General Surgery - PRN at Christus Health summary:

A Surgical First Assistant supports surgeons during general surgery by providing critical intraoperative technical functions such as exposure, hemostasis, and closure to ensure patient safety and optimal outcomes. They also perform preoperative and postoperative duties under surgeon supervision, including patient positioning, assisting with catheter placements, and dressing application. This role requires certification and experience in surgical technology and complies with hospital policies and regulatory standards.

Description

Summary:

As defined by the American College of Surgeons (ACS), surgical assistants provide 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. In addition to intraoperative duties, the surgical assistant also performs preoperative and postoperative duties to better facilitate proper patient care. The surgical assistant performs these functions under the direction and supervision of the surgeon and in accordance with hospital policy and appropriate laws and regulations.

Responsibilities:

• Meets expectations of the applicable OneCHRISTUS Competencies: Leader of Self, Leader of Others, or Leader of Leaders.
• The surgical assistant is responsible for assisting the surgeon under direct and indirect supervision throughout preoperative, intraoperative, and post-operative dillies and procedures at all times.
• The surgical assistant facilitates the safe positioning of the patient according to the surgeon's preference, patient's anatomical and physiological limits, and surgical procedure to be performed. A preoperative introduction visit may be done to assess the surgical site to better aid in positioning. Assists circulator and anesthesia provider in preparation of the patient to include but not limited to: Foley catheter placement, tourniquet application, placement of intravenous catheters, cricoid pressure application, and other procedures as needed.
• The surgical assistant performs specific tasks according to individual surgeon preference utilizing appropriate techniques including, but not limited to: incision and layered closure of surgical sites, providing exposure, achieving hemostasis by means of injection, manual, and topical methods, and application of appropriate energy sources, manipulation and dissection/removal of tissues, aides in implanting, securing, and/or removal of devices and drains, and applying appropriate dressing material specific to procedure.
• The surgical assistant applies any other specific dressing material such as splints or casts. Assesses skin integrity, assists in transfer of the patient, and follows the patient to recovery if needed or directed by surgeon.
• The surgical assistant who has appropriate training also performs under surgeon supervision other procedures including but not limited to: vein and graft harvesting, and graft and implant preparation.
• The surgical assistant performs additional duties as delegated by the surgeon in cooperation with state and local policy.

Job Requirements:

Education/Skills

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required
• Graduation from an accredited Surgical First Assist Program, State Board accredited Vocational School of Nursing, or Graduate of School of Surgical technology required

Experience

• 2 years of Surgical Tech experience preferred

Licenses, Registrations, or Certifications

• BLS required
• Certified Surgical Technologist First Assistant required
• ACLS preferred

Work Schedule:

TBD

Work Type:

Per Diem As Needed

Keywords:

surgical first assistant, general surgery, intraoperative support, hemostasis, patient positioning, surgical technology, preoperative care, postoperative care, medical certification, operative assistance