Location: University of Oklahoma Medical Center Edmond
Shift: Full-Time, 40hrs/wk, 4-10hr shifts, Call required
The Surgical Technologist First Assist practices in collaboration with and under the direction of the surgeon during the intra-operative phase of the peri-operative experience. The Surgical Technician (ST) First Assistant does not concurrently function as a surgical technologist.
Essential Responsibilities:
Responsibilities listed in this section are core to the position. Inability to perform these responsibilities with or without an accommodation may result in disqualification from the position.
Assists in the positioning, skin preparation, and draping of the patient. Provides hemostasis, wound exposure, handles tissues appropriately to reduce the potential for injury, sutures tissue, closes all wound layers, and applies dressings to the wound under the direction of the surgeon.
Uses surgical instruments and equipment skillfully in ways consistent with their design and purpose.
Collaborates with the surgeon and the health care team in performing a safe operation with optimal outcomes for the patient.
Places urinary catheters.
Assists in placement and suturing of surgical drains, laparoscopic procedures with camera and instrumentation, and endoscopic procedures.
Scrubs in and sets up instruments and supplies prior to procedure.
Prepares sterile field by obtaining, opening, and arranging instruments and supplies anticipated for the procedure.
Cleans operating room areas and disposes of sharps from the sterile field according to the policy.
Utilizes physician preference cards to assist in preparing the operating room for the surgical procedure.
Assists in maintaining and updating preference cards.
Maintains an adequate supply of instruments and supplies to meet the patient's changing needs.
After the surgical procedure, works in conjunction with the operating team to safely transport the patient from the operating room table to the recovery area and to prepare the operating room for the next procedure by removing/exchanging dirty/used equipment, instruments, and supplies.
Prepares for surgical procedures in conjunction with the surgeon by reviewing imaging studies and preparing/reviewing surgical procedure videos to optimize surgical outcomes prior to surgical procedure.
Works with service line coordinators to maintain instrument sets by working with Sterile Processing and to ensure supplies and devices are available the day of surgery.
General Responsibilities:
Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Graduation from a STFA program, which meets the AORN recommended education standards for STFA programs, required.
Experience: No experience required. Previous hospital experience preferred.
Licensure/Certifications/Registrations Required:
Basic Life Support issued by the American Heart Association required.
Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) issued by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) or Tech in Surgery (TS-C) issued by the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT) required.
Certified Surgical First Assist required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of principles of asepsis and infection control.
Knowledge of surgical anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and operative technique related to operative procedures.
Ability to perform effectively in stressful and emergency situations.
Ability to recognize safety hazards and initiate corrective and preventative action.
Ability to perform effectively and harmoniously as a member of the operative team to ensure quality patient care.
Meets requirements of statutes, regulations, and institutional policies relevant to role.
Effectively reads, writes, and speaks fluent English.
Strong communication skills, both oral and written.
Proficient in basic computer functions and programs.
Strong problem-solving skills.