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JOB SUMMARY

The Surgical Tech First Assistant works in a dual role as a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) and a First Assistant. This position assists surgeons and surgical teams during major surgical services and complex surgical procedures. This position functions under the direction of a Registered Nurse when performing the role of CST, and works under the direction of a Surgeon when performing the role of First Assistant.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS OF THE ROLE

Ensures appropriate supplies, equipment and instrumentation are available, opened and functioning properly for each procedre. Creates, corrects and updates surgeon preference cards to reflect equipment, radiology, supplies and specialty notes for current and future procedure. Pulls, opens and sets up cases. Coordinates with surgeons on specialty equipment and supply needs prior to procedure, and assists in constructing specialty instrument trays.

Prepares operating room according to surgical procedure schedules, and arranges sterile setups of instrument table supplies and equipment required for specific procedures. Wraps instruments in preparation for gas or steam sterilization. Performs quality control procedures on equipment and report any issues. Ensures cleanliness of the OR before and after surgery.

Scrubs for cases in major surgical services according to established procedures and standards requiring advanced knowledge of anatomy, surgical instruments, surgeons' preference and other technical knowledge.

Educates and prepares surgical teams according to procedure.

Assist with or performs the positioning, prepping and draping of the patient.

Assists the surgeon during surgical procedures, i.e. passes sterile supplies and equipment to surgeons and assistants, holds retractor devices, anticipates and responds to the surgical team needs, ties off vessels and tissues, repairs incisions and lacerations, cuts and cauterizes tissues, stabilizes drains, applies wound dressings, etc.as needed and as directed for wide variety of surgical cases. Performs complex surgical techniques as needed and as directed by physician and in accordance with Texas scope of practice for surgical scrub tech first assistants. Receives surgical specimens following specimen protocol and notifies circulating nurse of source material and delivers to appropriate location.

Contacts the pharmacy for RX with Registered Nurse or circulating nurse collaboration.

Coordinates and collaborates with system vetting vendors on behalf of surgeon and department. Researches and coordinates quotes for capital purchase, new equipment and supplies with specialty coordinators. Requisitions supplies.

Keeps current regarding developments in surgical equipment, trends and techniques through attendance at in-service or other internal education programs. Acts as a resource and preceptor to those learning the scrub role. Supports the department through in-services, precepting and mentoring staff accordingly.

KEY SUCCESS FACTORS

Must have good communication skills.

Must have excellent knowledge of operating room protocol.

Must be able to work effectively with all hospital departments.

Must have excellent knowledge of patient protocols within a clinic setting.

Must be able to work well with all members of the office staff.

Must be able to assist the physician in all aspects of the practice including assisting in surgery.

BENEFITS

Our competitive benefits package includes the following
- Immediate eligibility for health and welfare benefits
- 401(k) savings plan with dollar-for-dollar match up to 5%
- Tuition Reimbursement
- PTO accrual beginning Day 1
Note: Benefits may vary based upon position type and/or level

QUALIFICATIONS

- EDUCATION - Grad of an Accredited Program

- EXPERIENCE - 2 Years of Experience

- CERTIFICATION/LICENSE/REGISTRATION -
       Basic Life Support (BLS): BLS or BLS within 30 days of hire or transfer.

       Cert Surgical First Asst (CSFA), Cert Surgical Technologist (CST), ABSA Surgical Assistant-Cert (SA-C): Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) or CSFA (Certified Surgical First Assistant) required from NBSTA or NCCT Currently Certificated by the American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA) as a Surgical Assistant - Certified.

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