First Assist Surgical Technician

Wellstar Health Systems; Griffin (GA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

Wellstar Health System is seeking a Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) or Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) to join our operating room team in Georgia. The candidate will assist surgeons, maintain sterile technique, and support invasive procedures under physician guidance.

Must have strong anatomy knowledge, be able to work across general, orthopedic, neurovascular, and robotic cases, and be available for on-call shifts.

Qualifications

• Requires English communication skills and basic computer literacy.
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced OR environment.
• Willingness to be on call and respond promptly to emergencies.

Responsibilities

• Assist surgeons and maintain sterile field throughout procedures.
• Prepare and pass instruments; manage supplies and room setup.
• Ensure patient safety, infection control, and proper anesthesia support.
• Participate in room turnover and unit safety/quality initiatives.

Skills

English proficiency

Computer skills

Interpersonal skills

Multitasking

Time management

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Electronic Health Records (EHR)

Job description

How would you like to work in a place where your contributions and ideas are valued? A place where you can serve with compassion, pursue excellence and honor every voice? At Wellstar, our mission is simple, yet powerful: to enhance the health and well-being of every person we serve. We are proud to have become a shining example of what's possible when the brightest professionals dedicate themselves to making a difference in the healthcare industry, and in people's lives.

Work ShiftJob Summary: The Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) or Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) is an allied health professional who is an integral part of the team of medical practitioners providing surgical care to patients. The CSA or CSFA works under the supervision of a surgeon to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of invasive surgical procedures, ensuring that the operating room environment is safe, that equipment functions properly, and that the surgical procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety. Demonstrates expertise in the theory and application of sterile and aseptic technique, as well as combines the knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation tools and technologies to facilitate a physician's performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.

Core Responsibilities and Essential Functions

• In depth knowledge of anatomy and physiology related to surgery achieved with independence on all surgical cases, including general, orthopedic, neuro/vascular, robotic, etc.
• Able to take call with advanced surgical skills required to perform in the CSA or CSFA role with all surgical procedures.
• In depth learning or knowledge of anatomy and physiology, tissue exposure, surgical flow and advanced techniques in surgery.
• Performs a thorough review of the surgeons preferences prior to each surgical procedure.
• Checks supplies and equipment needed for surgical procedure, assists with selection and opening of sterile supplies.
• Sets up sterile table with instruments, supplies, equipment and medications/solutions needed for procedure.
• May assist RN circulator with patient comfort measures, patient positing, application of electrosurgical grounding pads, external defibrillator pads, EKG monitors and skin preparation.
• Gowns and gloves surgeon and surgical team.
• Drapes patient and sterile field.
• Actively participates in all portions of surgical procedure, anticipating and passing instruments and supplies during the surgical procedure. May hold cameras, retract tissue, and/or stabilize tissue, clamp, cauterize, suture, insert retracting, cutting, ligating, etc, all under the physician guidance and direction.
• Practices and maintains highest standard of sterile technique during surgical procedures, participates in infection prevention techniques and ensures patient safety throughout procedure.
• Prepares/applies sterile dressings, splints, casts, immobilizers/stabilizers
• Maintains a safe environment throughout procedure regarding patient physical safety, fire prevention, ESU safety, infection control, and maintains highest of sterile field organization throughout procedure.
• Assists with room turnover between cases and participates in terminal cleaning and organization of the department
• Routine opening and/or closing of the surgical site
• Assist in maintaining hemostasis by direct pressure, use and application of appropriate surgical instruments for the task, placement of ties and suture ligatures, application of chemical hemostatic agents, or other measures as directed by the surgeon.
• Assist in retracting tissue per surgeons directive.
• Use of electrocautery both monopolar and bipolar.
• Clamp, ligation, and cutting of tissue. Per surgeons directive.
• Assist in placement and suturing of surgical drains.
• Closure of all wound layers (fascia, subcutaneous and skin) as per surgeons directive
• Prepare any grafts as directed by the surgeon.
• Assist in all other surgical procedures under the directive of the surgeon.
• Utilizes appropriate suturing techniques, according to surgeon preference and guidance, with closure of body planes and utilizing proper manipulation of suture Quality and Patient Safety

Quality and Patient Safety

• Verifies patient ID using 2 patient identifiers i.e. armband, DOB, verbal identification during pre- procedure time out.
• Follows established drying protocols after skin preparation and before surgical draping.
• Actively participates and follows established guidelines for Safety Time out prior to skin incision
• Ensures antibiotics have been acknowledged and initiated during safety time out.
• Understands, complies with and enforces site/ side marking when indicated.
• Interprets, supports, and aids with implementation of departmental SCIP initiatives.
• Actively demonstrates proper hand hygiene and surgical hand scrubs.
• Wears appropriate scrub attire, including head coverings, eyewear, removes and covers jewelry.

Job Responsibilities, Education and Engagement

• Must be flexible with hours and shifts to meet patient care and departmental staffing needs.
• May be required to take high volumes of call and work extended hours to provide patient care in high stakes, high stress environment.
• Utilizes chain of command, practices open communication, promotes an inclusive team environment and supports all initiatives in the cardiac operating room.
• Must have a strong attention to detail and physical stamina to handle long, intense, and high-risk cases.
• Works independently to deliver education and in-services in areas of expertise, participates in unit safety, quality and performance improvement projects, and actively engaged in evidence-based practice and participates in the department shared governance committee. Works with new staff in education and orientation. Performs other duties as assigned Complies with all Wellstar Health System policies, standards of work, and code of conduct.

Required Minimum Education

• High School Diploma / GED General or Accredited Program Other / Related Field

Required Minimum License(s) and Certification(s)

All certifications are required upon hire unless otherwise stated.CSA - Certified Surgical Asst or CSFA - Certified Surgical First Assis or CST - Cert Surgical TechBLS - Basic Life Support or ARC-BLS - Amer Red Cross Basic Life Support or BLS-I - Basic Life Support - Instructor

Required Minimum Experience

Minimum 2 years surgical scrub experience Preferred and Competent in functioning independently in the scrub and first assist role in multiple complex procedures and in life saving situations.

Required Minimum Skills

• Ability to read, write and speak English language, optimize the use of technology to support clinical care and holds basic computer skills.
• Strong interpersonal, collaborative skills along with customer service skills required.
• High Ability to function in a fast-paced environment and respond to emergencies while using a decisive, composed, and respectful manner.
• High Possess excellent time management skills, practices using evidence and analytical skills along with the ability to multitask and prioritize accurately and quickly in high stakes situations.
• High Expected to be flexible with work hours and shifts due to urgent and emergent patient care needs.
• High Must be available for emergency call on weekdays, weekends, and holidays with a 30-minute response time.

Join us and discover the support to do more meaningful work-and enjoy a more rewarding life. Connect with the most integrated health system in Georgia, and start a future that gives you more.