Surgical First Assistant

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The Surgical Assistant/First Assistant is responsible for assisting the surgeon under direct and indirect supervision throughout preoperative intraoperative and post-operative duties and procedures as needed. The surgical assistant/first assistant 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.

The preoperative phase includes but is not limited to safe positioning assist circulator and anesthesia provider in preparation of the patient.

The intraoperative phase includes but not limited to performing specific tasks according to individual surgeon preference utilizing appropriate techniques.

The postoperative phase includes but not limited to application of specific dressing material assist in transfer of patient and following patient to recovery if needed or directed by surgeon.

Providing visualization of the operative site by the following but not limited to:

• Appropriate placement and securing of retractors with or without padding.
• Packing with sponges.
• Digital manipulation of tissue.
• Suctioning irrigating or sponging.
• Manipulation of suture materials (e.g. loops tags running sutures).
• Proper use of body mechanics to prevent obstruction of the surgeons view.
• Utilizing appropriate techniques to assist with hemostasis.
• Permanent: clamping and/or cauterizing vessels or tissue; tying and/or ligating clamped vessels or tissue; applying hemostatic clips; placing local hemostatic agents.
• Temporary: applying tourniquets and demonstrating awareness of the indications/contraindications for use with knowledge of side effects of extended use; applying vessel loops; applying non-crushing clamps; applying direct digital pressure.
• Utilizing appropriate techniques to assist with closure of body planes.
• Utilizing running or interrupted subcutaneous sutures with absorbable or non-absorbable material.
• Utilizing subcuticular closure technique with or without adhesive skin closure strips.
• Closing skin with method indicated by surgeon (suture staples etc.).
• Postoperative subcutaneous injection of local anesthetic agent as directed by the surgeon.
• Selecting and applying appropriate wound dressing: liquid or spray occlusive materials absorbent material affixed with tape of circumferential wrapping; immobilizing dressing (soft or rigid).
• Familiar with common positions related to the procedure and will be able to use the equipment necessary to provide the position: Fracture tables Head stabilizers Body stabilizer C-arm extensions and Any other equipment needed.
• Upon completion of the procedure the patient shall be evaluated for any possible damage from positioning which will include assessment of the skin.
• 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 patients comfort and safety.
• Points of pressure shall be padded: elbows heels knees eyes face and axillary region.
• Circulation shall not be impaired. Nerve damage shall be guarded against.

Minimum Requirements:

• Certification from surgical assisting programs accredited through ARC/STSA ABSA NSAA.
• 2 years of surgical assistant/first assistant experience is required.
• Some areas may require specialized experience. (i.e. in cardiothoracic surgery two years of directly related experience is required).

JOIN OUR TEAM TODAY! Emory Healthcare (EHC) part of Emory University (EUV) is the most comprehensive academic health system in Georgia and the first and only in Georgia with a Magnet designated ambulatory practice. We are made up of 11 hospitals-4 Magnet designated the Emory Clinic and more than 425 provider locations. The Emory Healthcare Network established in 2011 is the largest clinically integrated network in Georgia with more than 3450 physicians concentrating in 70 different subspecialties.

Emory is an equal opportunity employer and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color religion sex national origin disability protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law.

Emory Healthcare is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Please contact Emory Healthcares Human Resources at . Please note that one weeks advance notice is preferred.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (Medium): 20-50 lbs; 0-33% of the work day (occasionally); 11-25 lbs 34-66% of the workday (frequently); 01-10 lbs 67-100% of the workday (constantly); Lifting 50 lbs max; Carrying of objects up to 25 lbs; Occasional to frequent standing & walking Occasional sitting Close eye work (computers typing reading writing) Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.

ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Factors affecting environment conditions may vary depending on the assigned work area and tasks. Environmental exposures include but are not limited to: Blood-borne pathogen exposure Bio-hazardous waste Chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors Communicable diseases Electrical shock Floor Surfaces Hot/Cold Temperatures Indoor/Outdoor conditions Latex Lighting Patient care/handling injuries Radiation Shift work Travel may be required. Use of personal protective equipment including respirators environmental conditions may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks.