Certified Surgical First Assistant

General Summary

Performs a variety of duties in the operative treatment of surgical patients. Assists in positioning, skin preparation and draping of the patient. Provides hemostasis, wound exposure, handles tissue appropriately to reduce the potential for injury, sutures tissue, and applies dressings to the wound under the direction of the surgeon. Uses surgical instruments skillfully in ways consistent with their design and purpose. Performs other medical services as required within the scope of practice for a Certified Surgical Technologist.

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Functions:

• Provides primary surgical assistance to the surgeon during the operative procedure.
• Assists in positioning, skin preparation, and draping of the patient.
• Provides hemostasis, wound exposure, handles tissue appropriately to reduce the potential for injury, sutures tissue, and applies dressings to the wound under the direction of the surgeon.
• Uses surgical instruments skillfully in ways consistent with their design and purpose.
• Assists in transporting the patient postoperatively.
• Communicates information to the post anesthesia care unit.

Common Expectations:

• Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span of the assigned patient population. Assesses and interprets patient age specific data and provides appropriate, age specific treatment. Provides direct patient care to assigned patient age group(s).
• Demonstrates a commitment to patient, visitor and staff by: complying with all applicable safety regulations; learning the impact of medical errors and methodology that will lead to reduction of errors; reporting actual and potential errors, as well as hazardous conditions; identifying opportunities to standardize processes and "error proof" systems that will lead to increased safety; and participating in safety education programs and root cause analyses as required.
• Maintains professional affiliations and enhances professional growth and development to keep abreast of latest trends in field of expertise.
• Participates in professional activities and medical education to maintain national certification.
• Provides outstanding service to all customers; fosters teamwork; and practices fiscal responsibility through improvement and innovation.

Required for All Jobs:

• Performs other related duties as identified.
• WellSpan Health has adopted and implemented a compliance program to support WellSpan's values and standards for professionalism, integrity, and ethics. Expected to support and meet the values and standards of the organization and the performance expectations of the job, the department, and the compliance program.
• WellSpan Health has adopted and implemented a privacy program to safeguard the patient information and the business and operational information of the organization. Expected to support and meet the values and standards of the organization to safeguard patient and business/operational information.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified.

Physical Demands:

• Standing - Frequently
• Walking - Frequently
• Sitting - Occasionally
• Carrying/Lifting - Occasionally (50lbs)
• Pushing/Pulling - Occasionally (50lbs)
• Kneeling/Crouching - Occasionally
• Reaching - Occasionally
• Talking - Frequently
• Hearing - Frequently
• Repetitive Motions - Occasionally
• Eye/Hand/Foot Coordination - Occasionally

Working Environment:

• Occupational Hazards - Occasionally
• Bloodborne Pathogen - Exposure

Qualifications

Minimum Education:

• Certificate Program Post High School Vocational/Specialized Training. Required
• Associates Degree Preferred

Work Experience:

• 3 years As a Certified Surgical Technologist. Required

Licenses:

• Certified Surgical Technologist Upon Hire Required or
• Certified Surgical First Assistant Upon Hire Required or
• Certified Surgical Assistant - ABSA Upon Hire Required and
• Basic Life Support Upon Hire Required

Courses and Training:

• Successful completion of a Certified Surgical First Assistant program that includes a didactic and at least 140 documented procedures. Upon Hire Required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrates knowledge and skill in applying principles of asepsis and infection control.
• Demonstrates knowledge of surgical anatomy, physiology, and operative technique relative to operative procedures wherein the CSFA assists.
• Demonstrates ability to recognize safety hazards and initiate appropriate corrective action.
• Demonstrates ability to function effectively and harmoniously as a team member.