Surgical First Assistant - General Surgery

CHRISTUS Health; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

CHRISTUS Health in San Antonio, TX is seeking a Surgical Assistant to support the surgeon across preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative duties under supervision. You will assist with exposure, hemostasis, closure, and instrument handling to promote patient safety and optimal outcomes.

A High School diploma or equivalent is required, along with completion of an accredited Surgical First Assistant program and BLS certification.

Qualifications

• 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.
• BLS certification required.
• Certified Surgical Technologist First Assistant is required.
• ACLS preferred.

Responsibilities

• Meets expectations of OneCHRISTUS competencies demonstrating leadership and teamwork.
• Assist the surgeon under direct and indirect supervision during preoperative, intraoperative, and post-operative procedures.
• Facilitate safe patient positioning per surgeon preference and patient limits.
• Assist with exposure, hemostasis, closure, tissue handling, and use of energy sources as needed.
• Prepare and move equipment, drapes, and dressings; assist in implants, devices, and drains as required.
• Support patient transfer to recovery and follow postoperative orders.
• Perform other duties delegated by the surgeon in accordance with hospital policy.

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Accredited Surgical First Assistant program or equivalent

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