Surgical Technologist First Assist

Townsen Memorial Hospital; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A Texas-based healthcare facility is seeking a Surgical Technologist First Assist to provide crucial support during surgeries. Responsibilities include assisting the surgeon, maintaining sterile technique, and preparing necessary equipment. Candidates should have a high school diploma, an associate degree, and experience in surgical technology, alongside certifications in BLS and ACLS. The position emphasizes teamwork and effective communication, essential for ensuring patient safety and comfort during procedures.

Qualifications

• Demonstrates good judgement in performing duties and resolving conflicts.
• Skilled in suturing and harvesting saphenous veins.
• Strong analytical skills and computer dexterity for data entry.

Responsibilities

• Assist the surgeon in exposure, hemostasis, and closure during surgery.
• Prepare supplies and equipment needed for the surgical procedure.
• Maintain sterile technique and assist in patient positioning.

Skills

Suturing

Conflict resolution

Effective communication

Analytical skills

Computer skills

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Associate Degree

Completion of an Accredited Surgical First Assist program

Four (4) years of experience as a Surgical Technologist

BLS certification

ACLS certification (within 30 days)

Job description

Surgical Technologist First Assist

Townsen Memorial Hospital is looking for a Surgical Technologist First Assist to join our team!

Assists the surgeon in exposure, hemostasis, closure, and other intraoperative technical functions. Performs preoperative and postoperative duties to facilitate proper patient care. Performs these functions under the direction and supervision of the surgeon, and in accordance with hospital policy and applicable laws and regulations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Gathers, checks, and opens supplies and equipment needed for the surgical procedure. Performs the surgical scrub, and donning gown and gloves. Sets up the sterile back table and Mayo stand with instruments, supplies, equipment, and medications/solutions needed for the procedure.
• Performs initial instrument, sharps and sponge counts with the circulator. Assists the team members with gowning and gloving. Assists with draping the patient and establishing the sterile field. Participates in the surgical site and patient verification during the time out procedure.
• Secures tubing, cords, and other sterile accessories.
• Prepares and anticipates additional instrumentation, equipment, and supplies for usage during the procedure. Anticipates the needs of the surgeon by passing instruments and supplies to surgeon during procedure. Measures and passes medications, hemostatic agents and irrigation solutions utilized during the surgical procedure.
• Holds retractors or instruments as directed by the surgeon. Sponges or suctions the operative site. Sponges or suctions the operative site. Cuts suture material as directed by the surgeon. Coordinates the camera or changes out robotic arms/instruments during endoscopic surgery as directed by the surgeon.
• Maintains highest standard of sterile technique during the procedure. Prepares sterile dressings and/or immobilization devices. Prepares and passes off specimen(s) as appropriate. Cleans and prepares instruments for terminal sterilization.
• Assists in prepping the OR for the next patient.
• Review the patient's chart, identifies patient, and, using consent forms, verifies the surgery to be performed, and brings the patient to the assigned operating room. Assists with transferring patient to the operating room table. Monitors the comfort of the patient and provides verbal and tactile reassurance to the patient.
• Assists in maintaining normothermia. Assists the anesthesia provider. Assists with positioning the patient, using appropriate equipment and anatomical principles to avoid patient injury. Assists with applying tourniquets and monitors before the procedure begins. Completes the patient skin prep prior to draping by the sterile surgical team.
• Performs instrument, sharps, and sponge counts with the surgical technologist in the first scrub role prior to the operation and before the incision is closed. Anticipates additional supplies needed during the procedure. Keeps accurate records throughout the procedure.
• Anticipate the needs of the surgical team and during an operation, assist the surgeon with tasks such as selecting equipment, holding open incisions, stopping bleeding, closing the incision.
• Secures dressings after incision closure. Helps transport the patient to the post‑anesthesia care unit. Updates and keeps accurate records of the surgeon's preferences.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Demonstrates good judgement in performing duties and conflict resolution.
• Skilled in suturing and saphenous vein harvesting.
• Basic analytical skills.
• Computer skills and dexterity required for data entry and retrieval of patient information.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills and the ability to present information clearly and professionally to varying levels of individuals throughout the patient care process.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Associate Degree.
• Completion of an Accredited Surgical First Assist program.
• Four (4) years of experience as a Surgical Technologist.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
• Advanced cardiac life support (ACLS) certified or must be obtain within first 30‑days of employment.

Compensation and Employment

Compensation to be determined by the education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities of the applicant, internal equity, and alignment with market data.

Employment for this position is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screening.