Status: PRN - As Needed
Shift: Minimum of 1 shift per pay period (including night call) + 1 weekend per month
Exempt: No
Summary:
The Certified Surgical First Assistant/MA is a specially trained individual who actively assists the surgeon during the pre-op, intraop and post-op phases of care. The Certified Surgical First Assistant/MA provides aid in exposure, hemostasis, closure and other intraoperative technical functions that aid the surgeon in providing a safe operation with optimal results for the patient. The Certified Surgical First Assistant/MA performs these functions under the direction and supervision of the surgeon and in accordance with hospital policy and appropriate laws and regulations. In addition, the Surgical First Assist/MA will perform basic patient triage in the clinic and assist patients to and from the examination rooms. The Surgical First Assistant/MA will assist with direct patient care and clerical duties associated with all aspects of patient care within the clinic setting. The contribution of the Surgical First Assistant/MA to the clinic health care plan ensures optimal patient flow thought the health care delivery system.
Other information:
Graduate from Surgical Assisting Program accredited by CAAHEP Current certification/CSFA or CFA Clinic/OR experience preferred. Manual or Physical Skill Required: Must be capable of assisting with the lifting and moving of patients. Must have a thorough knowledge of body mechanics. Must be capable of prolonged standing and walking. Physical Effort Required: Certified Surgical Technologist
Strength: Medium
Push: Frequently
Pull: Frequently
Carry: Frequently
Lift: Frequently
Sit: Occasionally
Stand: Constantly
Walk: Frequently
Responsibilities:
Role of Surgical Assistant/MA (OR)1. Facilitates safe positioning of the patient according to the surgeon’s preference.
A. The surgeon shall convey the exact position that will give the best exposure for the surgical procedure. The surgical assistant will carry out this order. Consideration will be given to the patient’s comfort and safety.
B. Points of pressure shall be padded: elbows, heels, knees, eyes, face, and axillary region.
C. Circulation shall not be impaired. (A tourniquet may be required for some procedures.)
D. Nerve damage shall be guarded against.
E. The temperature of the patient should be discussed with the anesthesia personnel and methods employed to maintain the desired temperature range.
F. The surgical assistant shall be familiar with common positions related to the surgical procedure and will be able to use the equipment necessary to provide the position. Competencies will include the following:1) Fracture tables2) Head stabilizers3) Body stabilizers4) C-arm extensions5) Any other equipment needed
G. Upon completion of the procedure, the patient shall be evaluated for any possible damage from positioning which will include assessment of the skin. The abnormal condition shall be reported to the surgeon and treatment and documentation shall be carried out.
2. Provides visualization of the operative site by the following
:A. Appropriate placement and securing of retractors with or without padding
B. Packing with sponges
C. Digital manipulation of tissue
D. Suctioning, irrigating, or sponging
E. Manipulation of suture materials (e.g., loops, tags, running sutures)
F. Proper use of body mechanics to prevent obstruction of the surgeon’s view
3. Utilizes appropriate techniques to assist with hemostasis
A. Permanent
1) Clamping and/or cauterizing vessels or tissue
2) Tying and/or ligating clamped vessels or tissue
3) Applying hemostatic clips
4) Placing local hemostatic agents
B. Temporary
1) Applying tourniquets and demonstrating awareness of the indications/contraindications for use with knowledge of side effects of extended use
2) Applying vessel loops
3) Applying noncrushing clamps
4) Applying direct digital pressure
4. Utilizes appropriate techniques to assist with closure of body planes
A. Utilizing running or interrupted subcutaneous sutures with absorbable or nonabsorbable material
B. Utilizing subcuticular closure technique with or without adhesive skin closure strips
C. Closing skin with method indicated by surgeon (suture, staples, etc.)
D. Postoperative subcutaneous injection of local anesthetic agent as directed by the surgeon
5. Selects and applies appropriate wound dressings, including the following:
A. Liquid or spray occlusive materials
B. Absorbent material affixed with tape or circumferential wrapping
C. Immobilizing dressing (soft or rigid)
6. Provides assistance in securing drainage systems to tissue
7. Other
A. Complies with AORN/ASA Standards.
B. Maintains a safe environment by following established OR policies/protocols.
C. Demonstrates good interpersonal relationships.
D. Maintains an employment record in accordance to hospital policy.
E. Maintains and increases standards of performance and education.
F. Flexibility of hours and assignments as needed.
G. Function as scrub nurse in all specialties as needed.
H. Performs other duties as requested by charge nurse or coordinator.
I. Follows North Oaks Health System’s Compliance Program and Federal and State Regulatory Guidelines.
Role of Surgical Assistant/MA (Clinic)
1The Medical Assistant will greet patients presenting to the office in a courteous and friendly manner.
2The Medical Assistant will call patients from the waiting area in the order their record becomes available. The Medical Assistant will obtain and record patient’s weight, height and vitals and escort patient to examination room and continue preparing the patient for the physician encounter. Document and graph on growth chart as appropriate and according to policy.
3The Medical Assistant will record medications the patient is currently taking and chief complaint(s) in the patient’s medical record. Responsible for Pain Assessment and Master Problem List documentation. Reassess and document as directed. Responsible for Patient Education and documentation.
4Assist physician with patient examination and procedures, inclusive of set-up.
5Administer injections; perform phlebotomy, EKG’s, resting/respiratory treatments, as ordered by physician.
6Perform DOT and non-DOT urine drug screen and breath alcohol tests, if applicable.
7Assist with the processing of employee medical information and test results to the client in expeditious, accurate, comprehensive and confidential manner. Assist all clients with attaining any required medical information.
8Assist with aseptic and sterile dressing application.
9Assist with stocking and maintaining supplies in the patient care areas.
10. Assist with the washing, identifying and returning of instruments to Sterile Services Department for sterilization.
11Assist with the collection and preparation for transport of patient specimens in accordance with Universal Precaution Policy, clinic and laboratory requirements.
12Assist with cleaning the patient treatment area after the patient visit is completed.
13Perform waived laboratory testing as ordered. (Refer to clinic specific laboratory policy and procedure manual)
14Perform daily quality control and clinic checklist functions as assigned. (Refer to clinic specific policy and procedure manual.)
15Attention to patient’s/significant other’s psychosocial needs by appropriate social interaction.
16Assist physicians and other staff members, as needed.
17Call in medication refills and return calls in response to patient’s messages as directed by a physician.
18Issue physician’s excuse for school/work, record in EMR.
19Schedule hospital tests/surgeries as directed by a physician. Obtain proper pre-authorization as required. Ensure procedures meet medical justification, if applicable, or have an ABN signed.
20Call patients regarding test results as directed by a physician.
21Assist in the retrieval, logging and stocking of sample medications.
22Communicate effectively by expressing ideas clearly, actively listening and always following appropriate channel of communication. Demonstrate responsiveness to others ensuring a complete follow up on matters requiring additional attention.
23Follow any other job related instructions and perform any other job related duties as requested by department management.
24Consistently attend monthly staff meetings.
25Follow North Oaks Health System’s compliance programs and federal and state regulatory guidelines.
