Demonstrates Competency in the Following Areas

• Under the direct supervision of a surgeon, provides exposure, hemostatis, suturing, stapling and other technical skills to provide quality patient care in the operating room.
• Ability to position patient safely per surgeon's orders.
• Preps and drapes patient according to planned procedure.
• Provides exposure of the operative site for the surgeon through various techniques.
• Assists the surgeon with closure of body planes.
• Applies dressings per surgeon's orders.
• Anticipates needs of surgeon during intraoperative phase.
• Interacts professionally with patient and family.
• Provides patient with explanations and verbal reassurance, as necessary.
• Adapts procedures to meet individual needs of pediatric, adolescent, adult and geriatric patients.
• Ensures room has been prepared with the anticipated instruments, sutures, supplies and equipment for each individual surgical procedure.
• Demonstrates competence in care of specimens and accurately handles specimens at all times.
• Accurately completes operating room counts (instruments, sponges, needles); follows proper procedure in the event of incorrect count; reports all discrepancies to Circulating Nurse and surgeon and/or corrects immediately.
• Carries out medical/surgical asepsis during treatments/procedures.
• Maintains safe environment for patient, co-workers and self, per hospital policies and procedures.
• Protects patient’s sensitivities and right to privacy.
• Treats patients and their families with respect and dignity. Identifies and addresses psychosocial, cultural, ethnic and religious/spiritual needs of patients and their families.
• Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/health care errors.
• Supports and maintains a culture of safety and quality.
• Demonstrates the ability to be flexible, organized and function under stressful conditions.
• Completes documentation within shift and meets current standards, policies and procedures.
• Establishes and maintains effective communication and good working relationship with surgeon and operating room staff for the patient’s benefit
• Makes decisions reflecting knowledge of facts and good judgment within the CST/FA scope of practice.

Regulatory Requirements

• Minimum High School diploma or equivalent.
• Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)
• Certification as First Assistant through the Liaison Council on Certification for the Surgical Technologists affiliated with the Association of Surgical Technologists (LCC-ST) preferred
• Current BCLS Certification.