Surgical Assistant Certified Float - Full Time

Required Education and Experience : Graduate of an accredited school of OR technology or RN. Two years experience in a surgical environment. CST certification.

CPR certification within three months of employment. Credentialing with LRH within six months of employment

Essential Functions : The Surgical First Assistant should not simultaneously function in the scrub role when serving as a First Assistant.

Aseptic technique; Follows the appropriate technique as defined by AORN guidelines for the hand scrub. Initiates corrective action when a break in technique occurs, Inspects / maintains sterility of supplies / trays.

Protects integrity of the sterile field

Maintenance of surgical site; Provides correct sponging, direct pressure and clamping. Operates suction equipment. Provides cautery as directed, demonstrating correct use to avoid destruction of tissue.

Responds to the needs and anticipates the needs of the surgeon. Adheres to the standards of care as outlined by the American Operation Nurses Association.

Preparation of surgical field; Assists in gathering all supplies needed for the procedure. Assists in transferring the patient to the OR table and verifies identity of the patient.

Positions patient safely on the table. Performs the proper surgical scrub on the correct operative site. Drapes for maximum exposure to the operative site

Retracting; Retracts as directed by the physician. Consistently retracts the tissues to maintain adequate exposure while maintaining the safety of the patient.

Closure of incision; Identifies the correct suturing method for the area involved. Demonstrates competency in the correct method of suturing / knot tying for the various types of tissue.

Coordinates suturing move with the surgeon and cuts sutures appropriately. Utilizes stapling devices appropriately Secures drainage devices

Other surgical duties may include; Assist with intraoperative positions. Injection of local anesthesia. Insertion of trocars.

Preparation of grafts. Securing drains. Application of casts. Facilitating patient rounds. Changing of dressings and other duties as assigned by the supervising physician.

Medical Office Duties; Summons and prepares patient for office visit. Assists the physician with medical office procedure.

Administers medication, including injections; documents medication given or prescribed by ordering physicians as required by specialty.

Adheres to nursing policy and procedure when documenting information in patient’s medical record. Maintains the integrity of the office.

Performs additional duties specific to the specialty, and / or acquires additional license or credentials. Accepts responsibility for reading and referencing new policies and procedures and Nursing Update newsletters and assumes responsibility for maintaining current certification in CPR.