Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA)

Responsible for the delivery of safe, effective, and quality patient-family centered care in the OR and other areas of perioperative services for all patient populations.

Functions as a CSFA during operative and other invasive procedures and throughout the perioperative continuum in accordance with scope of practice credentials, privileges, experience, education, and competency verification.

JOB SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Promote the mission, vision, and values of the organization.Act as a patient advocate and maintain privacy and confidentiality of individuals and health information.Positioning the patient: 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.

(A tourniquet may be required for some procedures.)Nerve damage shall be guarded against.The temperature of the patient should be discussed with the anesthesia personnel and methods employed to maintain the desired temperature range.The surgical assistant shall be familiar with common positions related to surgical procedure and will be able to use the equipment necessary to provide the position.

Competencies will include the following: fracture tables, head stabilizers, body stabilizers, 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 abnormal condition shall be reported to the surgeon and treatment and documentation shall be carried out.

Providing visualization of the operative site by the following: 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, and placing local hemostatic agents.Temporary applying tourniquets and demonstrating awareness of the indications/contraindications for use with knowledge of side and effects of extended use.Temporary applying vessel loops, applying non-crushing clamps, and applying direct digital pressure.

Participating in volume replacement or autotransfusion techniques as appropriate.Utilizing appropriate techniques to assist with closure of body planes: Utilizing running or interrupted sutures with absorbable or nonabsorbable material of wound layers, including muscle and fascia.Utilizing subcuticular closure technique with or without adhesive skin closure strips.Closin...