Surgical Tech First Assist
Full-time, Day shift with call, 6:45 AM - 3:15 PM or until cardiac/vascular cases are completed. This position will be working mainly in cardiac and vascular service lines, however, may work in the main OR if no cardiac or vascular cases are scheduled.
AFSCME - Union
Posted: October 17, 2024
Purpose:
The Certified 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. In addition to intraoperative duties, the Certified Surgical First Assistant also performs preoperative and postoperative duties to better facilitate proper patient care. The Certified Surgical First Assistant performs these functions during the operation under the direction and supervision of the surgeon and in accordance with hospital policy and appropriate laws and regulations. Responsible for performing various procedures or may specialize in a surgical specialty where appropriate. Performs responsibilities of a Surgical Technologist as needed or required.
Responsibilities:
- Prepare patients for surgery by washing, shaving, and ensuring aseptic incision sites. May transport patients to the operating room, help position them on the operating table, and cover them with sterile surgical drapes.
- Demonstrate excellent communication skills and collaborate with the surgeons, specialty team members, and other departments. Serve as a resource for staff and other disciplines. Identify process improvement opportunities and assist in implementation.
- Utilize appropriate techniques to assist with hemostasis, including clamping, cauterizing vessels or tissue, tying and ligating clamped vessels or tissue, applying hemostatic clips, and placing local hemostatic agents.
- Assume responsibility under the direction of the Clinician for all repairs, ordering, and maintenance of supplies, equipment, lasers, and instrumentation related to the specialty service. Assist the Clinician in supervising the use of supplies and equipment for patient care and safety in all procedures.
- Support cost containment in the use of materials and equipment.
- Provide visualization of the operative site through appropriate placement and securing of retractors, packing with sponges, digital manipulation of tissue, suctioning, irrigating, or sponging, and manipulation of suture materials.
- Position the patient according to the surgeon's directive, ensuring comfort and safety, and prevent nerve damage and impaired circulation.
- Close all wound layers as per the surgeon's directive, being familiar with different sutures and suturing techniques to provide the desired outcome.
- Demonstrate initiative in problem-solving related to patient and technical issues that contribute to the improvement of the Operating Room function and operation.
- Select and apply appropriate wound dressings, including liquid or spray occlusive materials and immobilizing dressings.
Minimum Qualifications:
Completion of a formal surgical technician program offered by a community or junior college, vocational school, university, hospital, or the military. Graduate of an accredited Surgical First Assist Program. Current certification as a Certified First Assist (CFA) through the National Board of Surgical Technologists and Surgical Assistants. Three years of current Operating Room experience is preferred. Advanced knowledge of at least two surgical specialties with one year of experience in the selected specialty desired. Requires full range of motion, manual and finger dexterity, and eye-hand coordination. Advanced knowledge and skill in major operative surgical specialties performed. Advanced knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and potential complications for procedures performed. Advanced knowledge and skill in aseptic surgical techniques used in the preparation of materials, supplies, and equipment for various surgical procedures and suturing. Ability to anticipate and recognize physician's needs and changes that require unplanned or unanticipated interventions and respond appropriately.
Licensure, Certifications, and Clearances:
- Cert Surgical Technician Cert First Assist through NBSTSA or ABSA to be obtained within one year of hire/transfer date.
- Basic Life Support (BLS) for healthcare providers.
- Act 31 Child Abuse Reporting with renewal.
- Act 33 with renewal.
- Act 34 with renewal.
- Act 73 FBI Clearance with renewal.
UPMC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Disability/Veteran
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