Technologist- Surgical - First Assist - TidalHealth

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Surgical Technologist - First Assist Position Summary

A Surgical Assistant, as defined by the American College of Surgeons, provides 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 performs preoperative and postoperative duties to better facilitate proper patient care. The surgical assistant performs these duties under the direction and supervision of the surgeon and accordance with hospital policy and appropriate laws and regulations. The surgical assist cannot be involved in any other role or function during the surgical procedure and will be listed on the perioperative record as the first assistant.

The Surgical First Assistant practices under either the “direct” or “indirect” supervision of the surgeon and does not concurrently function in the role of the scrub nurse or technologist. Direct supervision implies that the surgeon remains scrubbed within the surgical field. Indirect supervision implies that the surgeon remains within the surgical suite in which the procedure is being performed, but not necessarily scrubbed or within the surgical field. Competencies of these skills will be evaluated yearly with surgeon input as part of the annual evaluation of these staff members by their manager.

Surgical Technologist - First Assist Position Requirements

• Certified Surgical Technician preferred.
• Graduate of a certified surgical tech program conducted by a community college, vocation school, military program or hospital school preferred or will accept an Operating Room Technician with documented on-the-job experience.
• Six contact hours of continuing education or three college credits related to the nursing field per year is encouraged.
• A Surgical Technologist who has graduated from a certified program or an LPN trained as a Surgical Technologist.
• A minimum of two years scrub experience in the OR.
• A graduate of a formal SA Certificate or Degree Program that is approved by ABSA, NDAA, or NBSTA. Hands on training must include basic and advanced suturing and tying, ligating pedicles, identifying anatomical structures, hemostasis, dissection, and exposure techniques.
• Must achieve certification as an STFA within a reasonable time following the rules of the certifying body.
• Once certification is achieved it must remain current.
• A minimum of two letters of recommendation from surgeons who have had recent opportunity to observe the assistant’s professional and personal behavior.
• Current American Heart CPR.
• The person acting as a first assistant must have acquired the necessary knowledge, judgment, and skills specific to the Surgical First Assistant role

Surgical Technologist - First Assist Benefits

• At TidalHealth, team members working at least 36 hours per pay period based on 12-hour shift schedules or at least 37.5 hours for non 12-hour shift schedules and part-time team members working at least 30 hours or more on weekends only are eligible for benefits.
• Benefits include medical, prescription, vision, dental, flexible spending accounts, disability insurance plans, life insurance, paid time off plans, retirement plans, tuition assistance, employee assistance, and access to on-site childcare and a credit union.

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