Certified First Assistant-Surgical Technician

Summary

Job Description

Job Title: Certified First Assist - Surgical Technician

This position is located in Lancaster, PA.

FTE 1.0, flexibility with scheduling based on surgical volume/needs may work 5-8hr shifts or 4-10hr shifts. No required weekends at this time; unless FA & unit needs change in the future. Minimal on-call requirements. Holiday coverage is required, working with a team to cover 1 winter and 1 summer holiday. This position is primarily for Robotic cases at WBH and may encompass complex plastic surgery cases at the ASF. Occasionally rotation to the main OR at LGH to assist their FA team when not scheduled at primary location (WBH/ASF).

POSITION SUMMARY:

Manages a focused surgical program, consistent with the mission of the Department of Surgical Services, by performing a variety of duties related to the preparation, processing and arrangement of surgical instruments, supplies and staffing coordinating with the physicians and Surgical Specialty Supervisor to ensure continuity of care based on knowledge of clinical needs of patients, established standards of care and resource utilization. Also assists in the delivery of patient care by handling instruments during operative procedures and by performing a variety of duties related to the preparation, processing and arrangement of surgical instruments and supplies under a Registered Nurse during other operative procedures not related to the focused surgical programs. Patient care includes care to patients in the following age groups: neonatal (birth to 30 days), pediatric (30 days through 12 years), adolescent (13 through 18 years), adult (19 through 64 years), and geriatric (65 years and above).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: Qualified individuals must have the ability (with or without reasonable accommodation) to perform the following duties:

• Provides primary surgical assistance to the surgeon during the operative procedure. Functions as first assistant to the surgeon by handling tissue, using instruments to provide wound exposure and hemostasis, suction, sponge and bovie when needed, cutting and clipping tissue and tying suture as directed by surgeon, which may include closure of surgical wound. Demonstrates expertise with laparoscopic equipment and techniques.

• Works with Surgical Specialty Supervisor and Perioperative Management Team to develop and establish focused surgical programs including but not limited to educational requirements and programs, instrument and supply requirements, coordination of staffing, development of processes and procedures and support processes.

• Directs daily room activities in their focused programs working cooperatively with their Surgical Specialty Supervisor and physicians to maximize operational efficiency and staff and physician support.

• Establishes rapport with physicians and provides accurate technical and operational recommendations. Discusses any physician concerns and issues with Surgical Specialty Supervisor.

• Functions as a patient, staff and physician advocate - especially as it pertains to their program area.

• Assures that all LGH, department of Surgical Services and LHA policies and procedures are followed.

• Takes corrective action to eliminate inter/intradepartmental problems. Reports problems beyond his/her scope of responsibility to the Surgical Specialty Supervisor.

• Utilizes techniques of infection control. Monitors all personnel for compliance with aseptic techniques and safety standards.

• Secures, sets up and otherwise prepares the Operating Room equipment, instruments and supplies. Adjusts equipment within the Operating Room to meet the needs of the surgeon and operative requirements.

• Anticipates and supplies surgeon's needs for instruments, supplies and equipment in such a way that the surgeon need not divert his/her attention from the operative field.

• Identifies emergency situations and responds in a calm and efficient manner. Recognizes surgical complications and anticipates corrective measures, assuring expeditious treatment.

• Cares for contaminated instruments and supplies during and after the surgical procedures utilizing appropriate environmental control techniques.

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS: The following duties are considered secondary to the primary duties listed above:

• Assures relief of personnel to facilitate education, unit maintenance, PI work and for special meetings.

• Works with Educational Staff to ensure educational programs are developed and education and testing is facilitated.

• Participates in the on-call responsibilities for this position as required.

• Other duties as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED).

• Graduate of an accredited Surgical Technology program.

• If hired after 12/28/2020, must be certified Surgical Technologist within 6 months of hire or validation of completion of a surgical military training program (Army, Navy or Air Force).

• All individuals hired after 12/29/2022, must be certified Surgical Technologist within 6 months of hire or validation of completion of a surgical military training program (Army, Navy or Air Force).

• Graduate from a CAAHEP-accredited surgical assistant program.

• Must become a Certified First Assistant (CST-FA) within two years of graduation from surgical assistant program.

• CPR Certification required.

• Five (5) years of Operating Room experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• One (1) year of experience in focused program that position will be responsible for (i.e. Bariatrics, Transplant, Robotics, etc.).

• One (1) year of leadership experience.

COGNITIVE REQUIREMENTS

ATTENTION/CONCENTRATION - The following level of ability is essential for the jobholder to focus on certain aspects of current experience and reject others:

The position requires strong concentration skills. The individual must have the ability to voluntarily sustain concentration to a task over an extended period of time as a result of an effortful and usually deliberate heightened and focused state of attention.

NEW LEARNING AND MEMORY - The following level of ability is essential for the jobholder to learn and retain material:

A large portion of this position required reliance on verbal memory and new learning. Efficiency in processing of verbal information, either in written or spoken form, is a major requirement and prerequisite of the job. The individual must be able to attend to and process multiple bits of information simultaneously. The individual must be able to organize and categorize this information effectively so that later recall is feasible.

PROBLEM SOLVING, REASONING AND CREATIVE THINKING - The following level of ability that is essential for the jobholder to think (in order to solve a problem) by combining two or more elements from past experience or imaginative thought:

The position required much autonomy of thought and problem solving. The individual must be able to apply principles of logical or scientific thinking to define problems. The individual must be able to think abstractly, which is manifested in the ability to form concepts, use categories, generalize from single instances, apply procedural rules and general principles, and be aware of subtle or intrinsic aspects of a problem. The development of hypothesis and potential solutions to problems involves careful interpretation, analysis and diagnosis. The individual must be able to collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. The individual must be able to think creatively with a degree of inventiveness, experimentation and intuition. They must be able to deal with a variety of concrete and abstract variables.

APTITUDES : The following are essential requirements of the position in relation to job-worker situations. These items describe how a worker must adapt, adjust, conform or act:

Leadership, control and planning: Ability to accept responsibility for leadership, direction, control, planning, negotiating, organizing, directing, supervising, formulating practices, or making final decisions.

Repetitive work: Ability to continuously perform the same type of work for extended periods of time, according to set procedures, sequence or pace.

Performing under stressful conditions: Ability to perform under stress when confronted with emergency, critical, unusual, or dangerous situations, or in situations in which working speed and sustained attention are critical aspects of the job. Is subject to danger or risk, or to tension as a regular, consistent part of the job.

Variety and change: Ability to perform a variety of duties, often changing from one task to another of a different nature without loss of efficiency or composure involving significant differences in technologies, techniques, procedures, environmental factors, physical demands, or work situations.

Communication: Ability to exchange information with others clearly and concisely; to present ideas, facts and technical information.

Interpersonal relations: Ability to maintain relationships that facilitate task accomplishment; to cooperate and resolve conflicts; to recognize needs and be sensitive of others.

EQUIPMENT USAGE REQUIREMENTS

Equipment/Tools: : Computer, Phone, Copier, Printer, Fax, Office Supplies, Bovie, scrub sinks, autoclaves, lap chole machines, laser, cusa, ritter, microscope, micro-chair, suction, table, neuro headrests, craniotome, steris system, irrigation pump, mayo stands, oscillating saw, defibrillator cables and paddles, Systec, ototome, dental drill, a variety of other surgically related equipment, Fish hooks, scoville, forcep, currettes, suction tips, rany applicators, needles and syringes, nervehooks and freer, hemoclip appliers, a variety of other surgical instruments

Software: Microsoft Office Products, clinical information systems, software based biomedical equipment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Rarely 0-10%; Occasionally 11-35%; Frequently 36-70%; Continuously 71-100%

Body Position/Movement:

• Sit: Occasionally

• Stand: Continuously

• Walk: Frequently

• Bend: Frequently

• Push: Frequently

• Pull: Frequently

• Kneel/Squat: Frequently

• Reach: Frequently

• Twist: Rarely

• Balance: Rarely

• Climb: Rarely

Lifting: Degree of physical exertion is : Moderate , exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.

Sensory Abilities specifically required:

• Vision

• Hearing

PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

WORKING CONDITIONS: Position involves exposure to the following harmful elements:

• Bio hazardous Waste

• Blood borne Pathogens

• Chemicals

• Extreme Noise Levels

• High Pressure Steam/Gas

• Moving/Rotating Machinery

• Radioactive Agents

Disclaimer: This job description is not intended and should not be construed to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with the job. It is intended to be a reflection of those principal job elements essential for recruitment and selection, for making fair job evaluations, and for establishing performance standards. The percentages of time spent performing job duties are estimates, and should not be considered absolute. The incumbent shall perform all other functions and/or be cross-trained as shall be determined at the sole discretion of management, who has the right to amend, modify, or terminate this job in part or in whole. Incumbent must be able to perform all job functions safely.

Benefits At A Glance:

PENN MEDICINE LANCASTER GENERAL HEALTH offers the following benefits to employees

• 100% Tuition Assistance at The Pennsylvania College of Health Sciences

• Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays

• Shift, Weekend and On-Call Differentials

• Health, Dental and Vision Coverage

• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability

• Retirement Savings Account with Company Matching

• Child Care Subsidies

• Onsite Gym and Fitness Classes

Disclaimer

PENN MEDICINE LANCASTER GENERAL HEALTH is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to hiring a diverse workforce. All openings will be filled based on qualifications without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability, age, religion or any other classification protected by law.

Search Firm Representatives please read carefully: PENN MEDICINE LANCASTER GENERAL HEALTH is not seeking assistance or accepting unsolicited resumes from search firms for this employment opportunity. Regardless of past practice, all resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at PENN MEDICINE LANCASTER GENERAL HEALTH via-email, the Internet or directly to hiring managers at Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health in any form without a valid written search agreement in place for that position will be deemed the sole property of PENN MEDICINE LANCASTER GENERAL HEALTH, and no fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by PENN MEDICINE LANCASTER GENERAL HEALTH as a result of the referral or through other means.

PENN MEDICINE LANCASTER GENERAL HEALTH, a member of the University of Pennsylvania Health System (Penn Medicine), is a not-for-profit health system with a comprehensive network of care encompassing Lancaster General Hospital (LGH), Women & Babies Hospital and the Lancaster Rehabilitation Hospital (a partnership with Kindred Healthcare). We are an Accredited Trauma Center-Level I through the Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation with 805 Licensed beds. Our membership in Penn Medicine brings together the strengths of a world-renowned, not-for-profit academic medical center and a nationally recognized, not-for-profit community healthcare system.

Outpatient services are provided at the Downtown Outpatient and Suburban Outpatient Pavilions, along with additional outpatient centers and Express and Urgent Care locations throughout the region. Lancaster General Health Physicians is a network of more than 300 primary-care and specialty physicians, at more than 40 offices throughout the region.