Certified Surgical Technologist - First Assist

Certified Surgical Technologist / First Assist
Department: Surgery Center
Reports To: Surgery Center Manager / Director of Surgical Services
Employment Status: Full-Time
Location: Outpatient Orthopaedic Surgery Center

Position Summary
The Certified Surgical Technologist / First Assist is responsible for providing comprehensive surgical support to physicians and the surgical team in an outpatient orthopaedic surgery center. This position functions as a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) while also assisting the surgeon as a First Assistant during surgical procedures, within the individual's education, certification, training, and applicable scope of practice.

The Surgical Technologist / First Assist is responsible for maintaining a safe and efficient surgical environment, anticipating the needs of the surgeon and surgical team, preparing instruments and equipment, maintaining sterile technique, assisting with patient positioning and preparation, and supporting the surgical team throughout the perioperative process.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Surgical Technologist Responsibilities
Prepare operating rooms for scheduled orthopaedic surgical procedures.
Review the surgical schedule and ensure appropriate instruments, implants, supplies, equipment, and medications are available for each case.
Assist with room turnover and preparation between procedures.
Perform surgical hand scrub, gowning, and gloving according to established sterile technique.
Prepare and maintain the sterile field throughout surgical procedures.
Pass instruments, supplies, and equipment to the surgeon and surgical team in an efficient and timely manner.
Anticipate the needs of the surgeon and other members of the surgical team.
Assist with surgical counts, including instruments, sharps, sponges, and other supplies, in accordance with facility policy.
Assist with surgical specimen handling, labeling, and documentation.
Maintain proper sterile technique and immediately report any breaks in sterility.
Operate and assist with surgical equipment, including power equipment, arthroscopy equipment, C-arm/imaging equipment, and other specialty equipment as trained.
Assist with the preparation and handling of orthopaedic implants and instrumentation.
Ensure instruments and equipment are properly cleaned, transported, and processed according to infection-control and sterilization standards.
Assist with room cleaning, stocking, and inventory management.
Monitor supplies and communicate shortages or equipment concerns to appropriate personnel.
First Assistant Responsibilities
Provide first-assist support to orthopaedic surgeons during surgical procedures within applicable scope of practice and facility policies.
Assist with patient positioning and preparation for surgery.
Assist with exposure of the operative site through appropriate retraction and tissue handling.
Provide assistance with hemostasis, including appropriate use of suction, cautery, and other approved techniques.
Assist with wound closure, dressing application, and other surgical tasks as directed by the surgeon and permitted by applicable laws, credentials, and facility policies.
Assist with maintaining visualization of the surgical field.
Anticipate the surgeon's needs and provide appropriate instruments, supplies, and equipment without unnecessary interruption to the procedure.
Assist with application and removal of surgical dressings, splints, braces, and other postoperative devices as appropriate.
Communicate effectively with the surgeon, anesthesia team, nurses, and other members of the surgical team.
Maintain a high level of awareness regarding patient safety throughout the surgical procedure.
Patient Safety and Infection Prevention
Follow all facility policies and procedures related to patient safety, infection prevention, and sterile technique.
Participate in surgical time-outs and verification processes.
Follow appropriate identification, site verification, and surgical safety protocols.
Maintain compliance with OSHA, CDC, and applicable regulatory standards.
Properly handle sharps, biohazardous materials, specimens, and other regulated materials.
Report patient safety concerns, equipment malfunctions, injuries, exposure incidents, or other unusual occurrences immediately.
Maintain confidentiality of patient information in accordance with HIPAA and practice policies.
Administrative and Team Responsibilities
Maintain accurate and timely documentation as required for the position.
Assist with inventory management and organization of surgical supplies and instrumentation.
Participate in quality assurance and performance improvement activities.
Maintain required certifications, education, competencies, and continuing education.
Attend required staff meetings, in-services, and training programs.
Work collaboratively with surgeons, nurses, anesthesia personnel, surgical technologists, and other staff.
Demonstrate professionalism, dependability, and effective communication with patients, physicians, coworkers, and leadership.
Assist with other surgery center duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Required
High school diploma or equivalent.
Completion of an accredited Surgical Technology program.
Current Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) certification.
Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
Demonstrated experience in an operating room setting.
Strong knowledge of surgical aseptic technique and infection prevention.
Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced outpatient surgical environment.
Ability to safely lift, move, and position patients and equipment as required.
Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
Preferred
Surgical First Assistant certification/credential.
Previous experience as a Surgical First Assistant.
Orthopaedic surgical experience.
Experience with arthroscopic and total joint procedures.
Experience with C-arm/imaging equipment.
Experience with orthopaedic implants and specialized instrumentation.
Experience working in an ambulatory surgery center.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Strong understanding of surgical anatomy, procedures, instrumentation, and equipment.
Ability to anticipate the needs of the surgeon and surgical team.
Excellent knowledge of sterile technique.
Ability to remain calm and focused during complex or unexpected surgical situations.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to patient safety.
Ability to prioritize and multitask effectively.
Ability to work independently while functioning as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Professional demeanor and strong physician, patient, and coworker communication skills.
Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
Commitment to maintaining current knowledge of orthopaedic surgical procedures and technology.
Physical Requirements
The position requires the ability to:

Stand for extended periods during surgical procedures.
Frequently walk, bend, stoop, reach, and maneuver within the operating room.
Lift and move equipment and supplies.
Assist with positioning and transferring patients using appropriate safety techniques and available equipment.
Occasionally lift or assist with movement of items weighing up to approximately 50 pounds.
Perform duties requiring fine motor coordination and manual dexterity.
Work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining concentration and attention to detail.
Work Environment
This position works primarily in an outpatient orthopaedic surgery center and routinely involves exposure to blood, bodily fluids, surgical specimens, sharps, medical equipment, and other potentially hazardous materials. Appropriate personal protective equipment must be worn in accordance with facility policy.

The position may require early morning start times, extended periods on one's feet, occasional schedule changes, and participation in cases requiring additional time beyond the normal scheduled shift.

Performance Expectations
The Certified Surgical Technologist / First Assist is expected to:

Consistently prioritize patient safety.
Maintain strict adherence to sterile technique.
Demonstrate competency with surgical instrumentation and equipment.
Anticipate and effectively respond to the needs of the surgeon and surgical team.
Maintain a professional and respectful work environment.
Demonstrate reliability, accountability, and attention to detail.
Follow all applicable laws, regulations, credentialing requirements, and facility policies.
Maintain all required certifications and competencies.
Disclaimer: This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by an employee in this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or requirements. Duties may be modified or assigned as necessary based on the needs of the practice and surgery center and within the employee's applicable scope of practice, credentials, and training.