The Surgical First Assistant 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 First Assistant also performs pre-operative and post-operative duties to better facilitate proper patient care. These functions are performed during the operation under the direction and supervision of the surgeon and in accordance with hospital policy and appropriate laws and regulations.  Collaborates as part of the OR team to ensure efficient and timely room set up and turnover. Adheres to the AdventHealth Corporate Compliance Plan and to all rules and regulations of all applicable local, state and federal agencies and accrediting bodies. Actively participates in outstanding customer service and accepts responsibility in maintaining relationships that are equally respectful to all.

• Graduate from a school of surgical technology, LPN program, or military training program for surgical technology

• Completion of a training program for surgical first assisting

• If LPN, current valid State of Florida or multi state license as a Licensed Practical Nurse

• Current certification by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) as a Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA), or through the National Surgical Association as a Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA), or American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA)

• BLS
   
  You Will Be Responsible For:
   

  Demonstrates through behavior AdventHealthâ™s core Values of Keep Me Safe, Love Me, Make it Easy, and Own It.

   

• Maintains familiarity with common positions related to the surgical procedure and uses the equipment necessary to provide the positions. (The surgeon conveys the exact position that gives the best exposure for the surgical procedure.) The Surgical First Assistant carries out the surgeonâ™s order in collaboration and conjunction with the RN. Considers the patientâ™s comfort and safety.

• Provides visualization of the operative site by the following:  Appropriate placement and securing of retractors, with or without padding, packing with sponges, digital manipulation of tissue, suctioning, irrigating, or sponging, manipulation of suture materials (e.g., loops, tags, running sutures), proper use of body mechanics to prevent obstruction of the surgeonâ™s view.

• Utilizes appropriate techniques to assist with hemostasis. Ensures all safety measures related to use of electrocautery are implemented intraoperatively.

• Utilizes appropriate techniques to assist with closure of body planes. 

• Selects and applies appropriate wound dressings and provides assistance in securing drainage systems to tissue.

• Collaborates with team members to select and utilize appropriate supplies and equipment for procedures. Ensures proper set up of OR prior to procedure. Utilizes clinical judgment in opening surgical supplies in order to avoid waste and manage costs. 

• Assists team with safe and appropriate operating room turnover times in an efficient and organized manner.  Directs ancillary personnel participating in room turnover.

• Supervises other healthcare team members in the surgical environment.  Utilizes knowledge base to assist with orientation, training and education of new personnel.

• Promotes a safe environment.  Takes appropriate action in emergency situations, maintains awareness and control of hazards which may endanger patients, visitors and employees; identifies and reports environmental concerns to the management team.  Ensures adherence to appropriate regulatory standards and Florida Hospital policies and procedures.

• Follows CDC isolation guidelines, demonstrates appropriate use of PPE, performs hand washing according to policy and enforces safety regulations. Strictly adheres to all infection control practices and diligently monitors aseptic technique of the entire surgical team.  Takes immediate corrective action for breaks in technique.