Certified Surgical Assistant

Job Code: 470

Job Summary

The CSTFA is a certified surgical technologist who works in collaboration with the surgeon and health care team members to achieve optimal patient outcomes. The CSTFA must have acquired the necessary knowledge, judgment, and skills specific to the expanded role of CSTFA clinical practice. Intraoperatively, the CSTFA practices at the direction of the surgeon and does not concurrently function as a surgical technologist.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

Required

Successful completion of an accredited surgical technology program.

Must have completed an accredited CSTFA program.

2 Years Operating Room Experience

CERTIFICATION, LICENSURE, REGISTRATION

Min/Preferred

Certification, Licensure, Registration

Comments

Minimum

Surgical Technologist Certification

Minimum

Basic Life Support Certification

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Key Competencies and Skills

Essential Duties

Shares knowledge of surgeons’ preferences of planned surgical procedure, needed supplies, and equipment to minimize waste and improve efficiency in the delivery of care.

Applies advanced knowledge as the basis for effective problem solving and decision making when providing perioperative patient care.

In collaboration with the entire surgical team, verifies operative procedure, surgical site, and laterality. Actively participates in Universal Protocol per hospital policy.

Participates in positioning the patient in collaboration with the surgeon, anesthesia provider, and circulating RN.

Functions as first assistant to the primary surgeon during operative procedures in accordance with scope of practice and experience.

Minimizes the length of the operative procedure and maximizes surgeon’s efficiency of movement within the surgical wound.

Implements and maintains sterile technique to prevent patient exposure to microorganisms and other particulates.

Protects patients from thermal, electrical, chemical, or mechanical injury throughout the perioperative continuum.

Implements hemostasis techniques.

Implements measures to prevent injury related to retained surgical items.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements

Reports To

Reports to OR Manager

Works collaboratively with physician involved in patient care and all members of the patient care team.

Organizational Expectations

• Models Munson Healthcare’s Purpose – We Improve Lives

• Embraces and supports the Munson Healthcare Alignment Framework including our Purpose, Mission, Vision, Values, True North Goals, Strategic Vision and Goals, and Operating System.

• Promotes personal and patient safety.

• Uses effective customer service/interpersonal skills at all times.

• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.