Surgical Tech- First Assist

Northern Light Inland Hospital

Department: Operating Room

Position is located: Inland Hospital-Waterville, ME

Work Type: Full Time

Hours Per Week: 36.00

Work Schedule: 7:00 AM to 3:30 PM

Summary:

Using Standards of Behavior-demonstrate professionalism at all times with patients and co-workers. A team player is necessary for this position of variable skills, organization and independent working environment. Fast paced setting requires independent thinking and ability and willingness to be flexible and adaptable to changes. The CSTFA (Certified Surgical Technologist-First Assist) will be supervised and managed by the OR Manager. He/she will report directly to the OR Supervisor or Charge Nurse for assistance/questions/concerns/issues regarding responsibilities (see Essential Duties below). The CSTFA will take direction from the surgeon they are working with/under during surgical procedures.

Responsibilities:

• Knows how to set up a sterile instrument and surgical field and maintain the sterility of that field.
• Greets, identifies, and transports patients to and from the Operating Room and/or Recovery Room.
• Assists in maintaining a safe and clean environment.
• Functions as the assistant to the surgeons during the operative procedure.
• Has in-depth knowledge of surgical instruments and proper care of those instruments.
• Holds retractors, cuts sutures, holds camera, closes wound etc. in assisting the surgeon as directed by the primary surgeon.
• Has in-depth knowledge of the surgeon’s requirements for the various procedures and provides for those requirements.
• Has knowledge of the theory and application, and practice of aseptic/sterile technique is demonstrated.
• Participates in data collection as necessary for Performance Improvement.
• Has in-depth knowledge of surgical procedures and is able to collect and coordinate the supplies, instruments, and equipment needed for those procedures.
• Has knowledge of accepted and approved policies and procedures relating to sponge, needle, and instrument counts.
• Assists in turning and positioning patients on the OR table.
• Understands the use of preference sheets and knows who to seek out to make changes and updates.
• Operates sterilizers, lights, suction machines, and diagnostic equipment.
• Has ability to scrub, gown, and glove in preparation for surgical procedure.
• Has the ability to drape the surgical site of the patient and maintain sterility of that field.
• Has in depth knowledge of anatomy and physiology.
• Has in-depth knowledge of surgical instruments, where they are located, their proper handling and care, and their application to the surgical procedures.
• Has knowledge of proper use of specialized instruments, electrical equipment, machines, light sources, microscopes, laser, and other equipment, as needed, for special procedures.
• Has knowledge of the medications and solutions used in the Operating Room and administers them according to physician and/or hospital policy.
• Identifies, handles and cares for the surgical specimen appropriate to the procedure being performed.
• Assists with the maintenance and revisions of the surgeon preference sheets.
• Identifies own learning needs and assume responsibility for personal and professional growth.
• Other Duties.

Other Information:

• Certified as Certified Surgical First Assist (CSFA) or Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA).
• BLS required upon hire, or prior to independently caring for patients and is to be kept current.

Competencies and Skills

• Achieves Results: Sets high standards for their own outcomes and seizes opportunities to engage others towards objectives. Consistently moves forward with direct actions in order to attain or exceed objectives. Manages their own time effectively to accomplish assigned tasks. Successfully prioritizes multiple projects and duties as needed.
• Basic Life Support
• Behaves with Integrity and Builds Trust: Acts consistently in line with the core values, commitments and rules of conduct. Leads by example and tells the truth. Does what they say they will, when and how they say they will, or communicates an alternate plan.
• Cultivates Respect: Treats others fairly, embraces and values differences, and contributes to a culture of diversity, inclusion, empowerment and cooperation.
• Demonstrates Adaptability: Learns quickly when facing a new problem or unfamiliar task; is flexible in their approach with changing priorities and ambiguity. Manages change effectively and does not give up during adversity. Capable of changing one's behavioral style and/or views in order to attain a goal. Absorbs new information readily and puts it into practice effectively.
• Demonstrates Emotional Intelligence: Exhibits a high level of self-awareness, self-management, other awareness and relationship management. Conducts themselves in an empathic, appropriate way, with a sense of humor and stimulates a collaborative work environment. Is respectful of the attitudes, feelings, or circumstances of others and aware of the influence of their own behavior on them. Is aware of relevant social, political, system, and professional trends and developments and uses this information for the organization's benefit.
• Develops Self and Others:Takes responsibility for engaging in professional self-development activities and programs. Strives to gain insight into their own values, strengths and weaknesses, interests and ambitions and takes action in order to enhance competencies and skills when possible. As a leader, encourages and guides employees towards growth opportunities to enhance performance and help them reach goals. Reviews and analyzes employees' strengths and weaknesses to distinguish their talents and development needs, and to ensure they are enhanced appropriately.
• Effectively Communicates: Listens, speaks and writes appropriately, using clear language. Communication methods are fitting to the message(s), audience, and situation and follow-ups are regular and timely. Shows that important (non-) verbal information is absorbed and understood and asks further questions to clarify when necessary. Expresses ideas and views clearly to others and has ability to adjust use of language to the audiences' level.
• Exercises Sound Judgment & Decision Making: Understands and processes complex information, which allows for appropriate and accountable conclusions. Does not react too quickly or slowly. Balances facts, goals, and potential approaches taking the appropriate criteria into account. Makes active decisions and commits oneself by communicating confidently and respectfully.
• Fosters Accountability: Creates and participates in a work environment where people hold themselves and others accountable for processes, results and behaviors. Takes appropriate ownership not only of successes but also mistakes and works to correct them in a timely manner. Demonstrates understanding that we all work as a team and the quality and timeliness of work impacts everyone involved.
• Influences and Inspires: Builds enthusiasm and commitment among others to move in a desired direction and models it personally. Creates a compelling vision of success that motivates workplace initiative and energizes others to follow. Provides direction and guidance to encourage cooperation between team members in order to attain an objective. Has the ability to appropriately influence others' actions and decisions with and without express authority.
• Email application with the ability to manage email as well as calendars, managing tasks and contacts, note taking, journaling, and web browsing.
• Practices Compassion: Exhibits genuine care for people and is available and ready to help; displays a deep awareness of and strong willingness to relieve the suffering of others.
• Promotes Health and Safety: Promotes a healthy and safe environment for patients, employees and visitors. Advocates and models healthy physical and mental health behaviors even in challenging circumstances. Sets high quality standards and strives for continuous improvement and quality assurance by reporting and encouraging others to report near misses and safety issues.
• Provides Patient-Centered Care: Demonstrates understanding of patient care quality and service as organizational priority. Proactively supports change to improve patient experience and results. Exhibits the ability and willingness to find out what the patient wants and needs and to act accordingly, taking the organizational and outside resources into account. Cooperates, collaborates, communicates, and integrates care within and between teams to ensure that care is continuous and reliable.
• Resolves Conflict: Promptly acts to find alternatives/solutions when team members disagree. Addresses issues in a direct, honest, and appropriate manner. Handles conflicting interests diplomatically and helps to solve them. Transforms difficult situations into teachable moments using respect and accountability .
• Serves Others: Strives to understand, meet and exceed the expectations and requirements of internal and external customers which may include the people and communities in our service areas. Develops and maintains relationships, alliances and coalitions within and outside the organization and leverages them in order to obtain information, support, and promote cooperation and collaboration.
• Sterile Gloving Technique
• Utilizes Resources Effectively: Understands how to get the most out of available resources and uses cost-benefit thinking in decision-making and in setting priorities. Monitors and analyzes resource usage to identify and eliminate areas of waste and maximize resources. As a leader, defines targets and provides appropriate means; oversees progress and makes adjustments when necessary. Appropriately delegates work, sets clear direction and manages workflow and time.

Credentials

• Required Credentialed Provider

Education

• Required High School Diploma/General Educational Development (GED)Graduate of approved program of Surgical Assisting.

Required Experience

• 5 year/years of Relevant Work Experience