Surgical First Assistant - as needed

Hiring Range

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited Surgical Assistant Program or equivalent. (Required)
• Previous OR experience as Surgical Assistant of two years preferred.
• Prior experience as surgical tech or surgical nurse highly desired.
• Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) - National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) preferred.
• CPR/BLS Certification - American Heart Association/American Red Cross/American Safety and Health Institute (AHA/ARC) (Required)

Overview
Works under the supervision of the Surgeon and the Nurse Manager. Serves as first or second assistant on surgical cases in which demonstrated competency has been validated. Performs under the direction of the surgeon to provide technical assistance as required by the type of procedure being performed based on skills validated. Takes an active role in patient preparation and readiness, assists with the surgical suite room turnaround, equipment management, and has knowledge of special soft equipment specific to each surgical specialty. Stays current on service nuances, attends surgical updates and is vigilant in all efforts towards sound infection control practices. Must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to age of the patient served. Assists the surgical team in room preparation, sterilization of equipment, gathering supplies and room turnaround.

What you will do

• The team member works under the supervision of the perioperative registered nurse and assists the physician with all aspects of care during the operative procedure.
• Collaborates with physicians to provide for the specialized needs of the surgical patient. Builds trusting collaborative relationship with surgeons to ensure optimal outcomes. Anticipates supply equipment needs in advance so that arrangements can be made in a timely and cost effective manner.
• Monitor/supports personal departmental productivity through volunteering for and recommending creative changes to include flexing and shift changes to meet the needs of the department.
• Demonstrates advanced proficiency and good problem solving skills and serves as a clinical resource to support and develop peers and assist the surgeon technically.
• Recommends and participates in supply utilization changes that support cost containment. Participates and provides feedback in new equipment/product evaluations; identifies and recommends solutions for cost savings and waste reduction.
• Demonstrates an understanding of how to identify and report suspected noncompliance or violations to the Quality Management System.
• Responsible for following safe practices as referenced in the National Patient Safety Goals, and following policy & procedures, as well as guidelines outlined in AORN, CMS, and DNV. Identifies opportunities and follows through to continuously improve service and patient care outcomes in accordance with patient safety standards, standards of excellence and RHS Code of Ethics. Capable of recognizing emergency situations and responds competently.
• Demonstrates knowledge of surgical case preparation and application of first assistant standards of practice in regard to understanding normal anatomy and physiology and related pathological changes and how to provide technical assistance to the surgeon in 6 out 10 specialty areas with the exception of cardiac. Capable of recognizing limitations and risks related to each surgical assistant experience. Responsible for safe practices and for individualizing care that support expected patient outcomes. Meets physician expectations as surgical first assistant by anticipating needs, retracts, protects, sutures, controls bleeding, suctions and handles tissue skillfully.
• Participates positively in training and support of all team members, volunteers and students.
• Actively supports and assists the perioperative registered nurse and team in the care of the patients. Demonstrates responsibility for accurate handling/management of specimens and surgical count. Demonstrates a sense of urgency to facilitate positive customer throughout the department/facility. Addresses customers' needs regardless of assignment.

To learn more about being a team member with Riverside Health System visit us at https://www.riversideonline.com/careers.