Job Summary:

As valued members of the team, our Certified Surgical First Assist (CSFA), extends our culture of excellence into the operating rooms in the Ambulatory Surgery Centers and Hospital settings. They provide 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. They work under the direction and supervision of the surgeon in accordance with ASC/Hospital policy and appropriate laws and regulations.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Meet the following description of the surgical assistant that has been approved by the American College of Surgeons and Association of Surgical Technologists:
  • 1. Positioning the patient
    • The surgeon shall convey the exact position that will give the best exposure for the surgical procedure. The surgical assistant will carry out this order. Consideration will be given to the patient’s comfort and safety.
    • Points of pressure shall be padded: elbows, heels, knees, eyes, face, and axillary region.
    • Circulation shall not be impaired. (A tourniquet may be required for some procedures.)
    • Nerve damage shall be guarded against.
    • The temperature of the patient should be discussed with the anesthesia personnel and methods employed to maintain the desired temperature range.
    • The surgical assistant shall be familiar with common positions related to the surgical procedure and will be able to use the equipment necessary to provide the position. Competencies will include the following:
      • (1) Fracture tables
      • (2) Head stabilizers
      • (3) Body stabilizers
      • (4) C-arm extensions
      • (5) Any other equipment needed.
    • g. Upon completion of the procedure, the patient shall be evaluated for any possible damage from positioning which will include assessment of the skin. The abnormal condition shall be reported to the surgeon and treatment and documentation shall be carried out.

• • 2. Providing 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 surgeon’s view
  • 3. Utilizing appropriate techniques to assist with hemostasis
• Abide by policies and procedures set forth by OrthoSouth, licensing and accreditation bodies, OSHA, and other governing bodies as applicable.
• Perform other duties as outlined by the clinic supervisor, manager, or provider.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent customer service skills with the ability to project a professional, pleasant image while interacting with others; must demonstrate tact and diplomacy in interpersonal interactions.
• Knowledge of instruments and surgical techniques; instrument and needle counts; isolation techniques and terminal cleaning of surgical instruments and rooms.
• Demonstrates knowledge of specific technical surgical skills.
• Participates in opportunities of continuing education.
• Ability to responsibly handle and maintain confidential information.
• Travel to multiple locations is required.

Education and Experience:

• High school graduate or equivalent GED required.
• Graduate of approved surgical assisting program accredited through ARC/STSA, a collaborative effort of AST, ACS, and SASA, by CAAHEP. CAAHEP is a recognized accreditation agency of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
• Certification is conferred by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA). CSFAs maintain their certification by earning 75 hours of approved continuing education in a four-year period or by successfully retaking the certifying examination at the conclusion of the four-year period.

Required Licensure and Certification:

• Current Certification by National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
• Current Basic Cardiac Life Support Certification.

Qualified and interested candidates send resume to Tammy Cook: tcook@orthosouth.org