Surgical First Assistant - General Surgery

CHRISTUS Health; Longview (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

CHRISTUS Health in Longview, Texas, seeks a Surgical Assistant to support the surgeon across preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative phases. The role emphasizes patient positioning, exposure, hemostasis, and wound closure, under supervision, in compliance with hospital policy.

The candidate must have a high school diploma, graduate from an accredited surgical program, and hold current BLS; certification as Surgical Technologist First Assistant is required, ACLS preferred.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Graduation from an accredited Surgical First Assist Program, State Board accredited Vocational School of Nursing, or Graduate of School of Surgical technology required.
• 2 years of Surgical Tech experience preferred.
• BLS required; Certified Surgical Technologist First Assistant required; ACLS preferred.

Responsibilities

• Meets expectations of OneCHRISTUS Competencies.
• Assist surgeon under direct and indirect supervision throughout preoperative, intraoperative, and post-operative procedures.
• Assist in patient positioning and preparation, including Foley catheter placement and IV access as needed.
• Perform incision, closure, exposure, hemostasis, and other intraoperative tasks as directed by the surgeon.
• Assist in dressing, transfer of the patient, and post-operative care as directed.

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Graduate of accredited Surgical First Assist Program or State Board accredited Vocational School of Nursing or Surgical Technology program

Job description

Summary:

As defined by the American College of Surgeons (ACS), surgical assistants provide aid in exposure, hemostasis, closure, and other intraoperative technical functions that help the surgeon carry out a safe operation with optimal results for the patient. In addition to intraoperative duties, the surgical assistant also performs preoperative and postoperative duties to better facilitate proper patient care. The surgical assistant performs these functions under the direction and supervision of the surgeon and in accordance with hospital policy and appropriate laws and regulations.

Responsibilities:

• Meets expectations of the applicable OneCHRISTUS Competencies: Leader of Self, Leader of Others, or Leader of Leaders.
• The surgical assistant is responsible for assisting the surgeon under direct and indirect supervision throughout preoperative, intraoperative, and post-operative dillies and procedures at all times.
• The surgical assistant facilitates the safe positioning of the patient according to the surgeon's preference, patient's anatomical and physiological limits, and surgical procedure to be performed. A preoperative introduction visit may be done to assess the surgical site to better aid in positioning. Assists circulator and anesthesia provider in preparation of the patient to include but not limited to: Foley catheter placement, tourniquet application, placement of intravenous catheters, cricoid pressure application, and other procedures as needed.
• The surgical assistant performs specific tasks according to individual surgeon preference utilizing appropriate techniques including, but not limited to: incision and layered closure of surgical sites, providing exposure, achieving hemostasis by means of injection, manual, and topical methods, and application of appropriate energy sources, manipulation and dissection/removal of tissues, aides in implanting, securing, and/or removal of devices and drains, and applying appropriate dressing material specific to procedure.
• The surgical assistant applies any other specific dressing material such as splints or casts. Assesses skin integrity, assists in transfer of the patient, and follows the patient to recovery if needed or directed by surgeon.
• The surgical assistant who has appropriate training also performs under surgeon supervision other procedures including but not limited to: vein and graft harvesting, and graft and implant preparation.
• The surgical assistant performs additional duties as delegated by the surgeon in cooperation with state and local policy.

Job Requirements:

Education/Skills

• High School Diploma or equivalent is required
• Graduation from an accredited Surgical First Assist Program, State Board accredited Vocational School of Nursing, or Graduate of School of Surgical technology required

Experience

• 2 years of Surgical Tech experience preferred

Licenses, Registrations, or Certifications

• BLS required
• Certified Surgical Technologist First Assistant required
• ACLS preferred

Work Schedule:

4 Days - 10 Hours

Work Type:

Full Time