PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Demonstrates through behavior Florida Hospital’s Core Values of Integrity, Compassion, Balance, Excellence, Stewardship and Teamwork as outlined in the organization’s Performance Excellence Program

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
 

• 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.

 

• B.  Packing with sponges

 

• C.  Digital manipulation of tissue

 

• D.  Suctioning, irrigating, or sponging

 

• E.  Manipulation of suture materials (e.g., loops, tags, running sutures).

 

• F.  Proper use of body mechanics to prevent obstruction of the surgeon’s view.

3. Utilizing appropriate techniques to assist with hemostasis.
 

1. Permanent

      (1) Clamping and/or cauterizing vessels or tissue
      (2) Tying and/or ligating clamped vessels or tissue
      (3) Applying hemostatic clips
      (4) Placing local hemostatic agents
      (5) Intraoperative Stapling Devices

   B. Temporary
      (1) Applying tourniquets and demonstrating awareness of the indications/contraindications for use with knowledge of side effects of extended use.
      (2) Applying vessel loops
      (3) Applying non-crushing clamps
      (4) Applying direct digital pressure

4. Participating in volume replacement or auto-transfusion techniques as appropriate.

5. Utilizing appropriate techniques to assist with closure of body planes.
 

• Utilizing running or interrupted subcutaneous sutures with absorbable or non-absorbable material.

 

• Utilizing subcuticular closure technique with or without adhesive skin closure strips.

 

• Closing skin with method indicated by surgeon (suture, staples, etc.

 

• Postoperative subcutaneous injection of local anesthetic agent as directed by the surgeon.

6. Selecting and applying appropriate wound dressings, including the following:
 

• Liquid or spray occlusive materials

 

• Absorbent material affixed with tape or circumferential wrapping.

 

• Immobilizing dressing (soft or rigid)

7. Providing assistance in securing drainage systems to tissue.

8. Performs operative shave prep, scrub, urinary catheterization, or other patient care tasks as assigned by the RN.

9.   Anticipates the moves of the surgeon.

10. Prepares and maintains surgical area:

• Proficient in scrubbing for all operative procedures within the scope of service
• Setup of procedure/operating room with correct instrumentation and supplies for the scheduled case
• Identifies unsafe or defective instrument/equipment and implements appropriate corrective action
• Verifies completeness of instruments/sponge/needle count
• Cleans instruments, equipment and room as appropriate when procedure is completed

11. Ensures proper disposal of instruments, linen, trash, needles, sponges and other biohazardous waste.
          
12. Completes all annual mandatory educational requirements.

13. Attends 75% of unit staff meetings.

14. Assist in orientation and instruction of surgical personnel


KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS REQUIRED:

Individuals must possess these knowledge, skills and abilities and be able to explain and to demonstrate that s/he can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation, using some other combination of skills and abilities.

• Knowledge of Anatomy
• Assist the surgeon in the Surgical Procedures
• Prepares and maintains surgical area
• Performs technical responsibilities for optimal patient care
• Serves as a resource person

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
 

• High School education or equivalent.

 

• Successful completion of an accredited Surgical Technology Course.

 

• Four years’ experience as a Surgical Technologist prior to CFA.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE PREFERRED:
 

• Completion of Certified Surgical First Assisting Program

LICENSURE, CERTIFICATION OR REGISTRATION REQUIRED:

·    Certification as a First Assistant (CSFA) through an accredited program
 

• BLS

 

• National Board of Surgical Technician and Surgical Assistant (NBSTA) or American Board of Surgical Assistants (ABSA) or National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) - Tech in Surgery Certified or National Commission for the Certification of Surgical Assistants (NCCSA)

To hear more about these opportunities or other opportunities that may be available, please reach out to Karly directly at 585-450-4002 or email karlyn.pellman@ nursefinders.com.
 

Job Benefits

In addition to per diem nursing assignments that let you choose your location and schedule, Nursefinders offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Excellent Pay
• Direct Deposit
• Comprehensive Medical Benefits (for those determined to have worked full-time after a 12 month ACA eligibility period)
• Supplemental Benefits: Dental, Vision, Medical Indemnity, Life Insurance with optional Critical Illness and Short Term Disability.
• 401k
• FREE Online CEU’s to all Active Staff’
• “Star Rewards”- performance incentives

 

About The Company

Nursefinders, an AMN healthcare company, is your trusted local and per-diem nursing staffing agency, offering thousands of top-quality nursing (RN) career opportunities in the locations and times that best suit your lifestyle. With a nationwide network of offices to serve you, Nursefinders has the most exclusive contracts with top-ranked hospitals and facilities across the nation. AMN Healthcare is an EEO/AA/Disability/Protected Veteran Employer.  We encourage minority and female applicants to apply.