Surgical First Assistant

Surgical Technologist/First Assistant

POSITION: Surgical Technologist/ First Assistant

RESPONSIBLE TO: Administrator, Clinical Supervisor, Physicians

JOB SUMMARY: Provides professional patient care, under supervision, for practice site patients.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Graduate of an accredited surgical technology program or military program
• Proper Technologist certification required (if not already certified, must obtain certification within one (1) year of employment.)
• Training in Orthopaedic procedures a plus

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• At least two years of experience in a physician office or hospital, preferred
• Experience working in an operating room required
• Knowledge of casting and splinting a plus

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Patient and Clinical Care

• Removes sutures or dressings as indicated by the surgeon; reapplies dressings as needed

• Prepares patients for exam or treatment by taking a history, all vitals and then recording the information in the patient's chart or EMR

• Assists physicians in preparing for examinations and minor procedures

• Reviews pre-operative instructions and explains the surgical process to patients who are about to have surgery

• Applies or removes casts/splints in accordance with physician instructions. Will assess previously applies splints/cast to determine if adjustments need to be made or replaced.

• Performs patient education duties; shows surgical videos, hands out brochures, and directs patients to specific Internet sites for more information

Procedure Preparation, Care and Follow Up

• Assists the surgeon in the operating room by positioning patient, assist during the surgical procedure, wound closure and applying dressing, casts and/or splints.

• Schedules operating room time, according to the physician scheduling protocols

• Makes sure all appropriate surgical instruments are ready for the surgeon

• Completes paperwork when submitting pathologic specimens, and notifies lab that a specimen needs to be picked up; verifies patient insurance for the appropriate lab

• Returns patient phone messages at designated times throughout the day; documents action taken in patient chart when the Triage Nurse is not available.

• Triages incoming telephone calls; instructs patient and family regarding treatment instruction

• Oversees appointment bookings and ensures emergency situations are scheduled appropriately; maintains timely flow of patients

• Replenishes supplies—stocks and cleans exam rooms and manages supply of pharmaceutical supplies and samples

• Participate in call schedule approximately one of the seven nights and weekends

Other

• Participates in professional development activities and maintains professional affiliations and certification requirements

• Attends annual CPR and OSHA training programs

• Attends all regular meetings

• Performs all other tasks and projects assigned by the Manager or physicians

Supervisory Responsibilities
This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Typical Physical Demands
Position requires full range of body motion including handling and lifting patients, as well as manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination. This job involves standing and walking for long periods at a time. Employee will occasionally be asked to lift and carry items. Normal visual acuity and hearing are required. Employee will work under stressful conditions, and work irregular hours. Employee will be exposed to bodily fluids on a regular basis.

Typical Working Conditions
Employee will have frequent exposure to communicable diseases, toxic substances, ionizing radiation, medicinal preparations and other conditions common to a clinical environment.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• On call
• Weekends as needed

Experience:

• surgical technologist: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• certificaiton (Preferred)

Work Location: In person