Surgical Tech First Assist Practitioner - Elective Ortho Operating Room

Job Summary:
A Surgical First Assistant Practitioner 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 also performs preoperative and postoperative duties to better facilitate proper patient care. The Surgical First Assistant Practitioner performs these functions during the operation under the direction and supervision of the surgeon.

Education:
Required:
Graduate approved Surgical Technologist School with Completion First Assistant Course or Orthopaedic Physician Assistant Program

Preferred:
Orthopedic Physician Assistant

Experience:
Required:
Documentation/demonstrated knowledge and skills required to perform Surgical First Assistant role in surgery.

Preferred:
Two (2) years experience as a Surgical Technician in the operating room.

Position Requirement(s): License/Certification/Registration
Required:
Completion First Assistant Certification
BLS completed prior to going to unit/department and maintained going forward
Completion of 8 Hours of Erlanger Online Education specific to Total Ankle, Hip, Knee and Shoulder Replacement
Completion of 4 of these hours as Erlanger Online Education upon hire (EOLS's and other training will be assigned by Department Leadership and/or Educator).

Department Position Summary:
A Surgical First Assistant Practitioner must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to function as a first assistant under the direction and supervision of a Surgeon. The First Assistant Practitioner is a specifically trained in patient positioning, providing visualization of the operative site by appropriate placement of retractors, utilizing appropriate techniques to assist with hemostasis, wound closure, and applying wound dressings.

The individual must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development over the life span and possess the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interpret the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his or her age-specific needs and to provide the care needed as described in the unit's policies and procedures. This is done through evaluation of direct supervisor by direct observation, in a skills lab, or discussed verbally or written. Competency can also be evaluated by a formal peer review process and/or by self assessment based on objective criteria that is reviewed and validated.