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Description
Essential Functions
The Surgical First Assistant should not simultaneously function in the scrub role when serving as a First Assistant.
Aseptic technique
- Follows the appropriate technique as defined by AORN guidelines for the hand scrub
- Initiates corrective action when a break in technique occurs
- Inspects/maintains sterility of supplies/trays
- Protects integrity of the sterile field
Maintenance of surgical site
- Provides correct sponging, direct pressure and clamping
- Operates suction equipment
- Provides cautery as directed, demonstrating correct use to avoid destruction of tissue
- Responds to the needs and anticipates the needs of the surgeon
- Adheres to the standards of care as outlined by the American Operation Nurses Association
Preparation of surgical field
- Assists in gathering all supplies needed for the procedure
- Assists in transferring the patient to the OR table and verifies identity of the patient
- Positions patient safely on the table
- Performs the proper surgical scrub on the correct operative site
- Drapes for maximum exposure to the operative site
Retracting
- Retracts as directed by the physician
- Consistently retracts the tissues to maintain adequate exposure while maintaining the safety of the patient
Closure of incision
- Identifies the correct suturing method for the area involved
- Demonstrates competency in the correct method of suturing/knot tying for the various types of tissue
- Coordinates suturing move with the surgeon and cuts sutures appropriately
- Utilizes stapling devices appropriately
Secures drainage devices
Other surgical duties may include:
- assist with intraoperative positions
- injection of local anesthesia
- insertion of trocars
- preparation of grafts
- securing drains
- application of casts
- facilitating patient rounds
- changing of dressings
- and other duties as assigned by the supervising physician
Medical Office Duties:
- Summons and prepares patient for office visit.
- Assists the physician with medical office procedure.
- Administers medication, including injections; documents medication given or prescribed by ordering physicians as required by specialty.
- Adheres to nursing policy and procedure when documenting information in patient's medical record.
- Maintains the integrity of the office
- Performs additional duties specific to the specialty, and/or acquires additional license or credentials.
- Accepts responsibility for reading and referencing new policies and procedures and Nursing Update newsletters and assumes responsibility for maintaining current certification in CPR.
Supervisory Responsibility
None
Work Environment & Physical Demands
Ability to walk or stand for up to 80% of work time, and to push /pull equipment weighing up to approximately 40 pounds for up to 20% of work tune.
Exposures to blood and body fluids, and all areas of patient care. Also exposed to
cool temperatures, hazardous equipment, fumes /odors and noise. Physical/Mental- Standing in one place for prolonged periods of time.
Manual Dexterity- Handling of surgical instruments
Travel
No travel is expected for this position except to satellite offices.