First Assistant, Full time

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Nurse, performs sub-professional duties including utilizing sterile technique to assist physicians during surgery.  Assists licensed staff and physicians as directed within approved standards.  Performs other related duties as directed.  Assumes the responsibility for meeting the basic needs of all patients assigned.  Provides care to a patient population ranging from infants to geriatric, unless otherwise indicated.  Works collaboratively with the health care team, is customer focused and strives to meet unit and hospital goals.  Provides quality care according to established practice standards and guidelines for the area(s) assigned. Under the direct supervision of the surgeon performs assistant tasks during intra-operative procedures. 

Other Qualifications

• Must be able to adapt to varying patterns of supervision. 
• Takes call for in alignment with surgical group.
• Must be able to perform duties accurately under stress. 
• Must perform duties within scope of practice and conforming to standards of practice. 
• Must have the ability to exercise tact and diplomacy when dealing with physicians, patients and family members.
• Discretion is required in handling confidential information. 
• Must be able to work irregular schedules, weekends, and holidays due to staffing and census fluctuations.

Education

• Required: Must meet one of the following criteria: A surgical assistant program accredited for the entire duration of applicant's attendance by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), OR; Registered Nurse First Assistant program. OR; Surgical Physician Assistant program, OR; Completed medical school to include receiving a physician's degree.
• Must meet one of the following: (1) Current Licensure by the State Board of Medical Examiners as a Surgical Assistant and current certification by the by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting - OR - (2) Current certification by the American Board of Surgical Assistants and current certification by the National Surgical Assistant Association.
• Must have current BCLS certification
• Two years of experience as a Licensed Surgical Assistant required; three years preferred

Competently performs unit specific duties as assigned