Level II - Surgical Technologist
Atrium Health Pineville
Charlotte, NC

Overview

This position is sign-on bonus eligible! Experienced Full Time Surgical Technologists are eligible for a sign-on bonus with a one-year commitment. New Graduate and Part Time Surgical Technologists are eligible for sign-on bonus with a one-year commitment.

Job Summary:

The Surgical Technologist – First Assist provides immediate support to the surgeon and should act as a vital resource to the staff of the Operating Room suite. The Surgical Technologist – First Assist is supervised by the attending surgeon for the entire procedure.

Essential Functions:

• Listens actively to surgeon, patient, and team to ensure safe patient-centered care.
• Maintains awareness of patient monitoring and responds appropriately to potential complications.
• Describes the assessment and management of acute trauma.
• Responds appropriately to emergency conditions.
• Verifies all implants, supplies, and special procedure equipment is available and functional.
• Monitors the actions immediately surrounding the sterile field ensuring that the integrity is maintained and/or corrected appropriately.
• Evaluates potential causes of surgical site infections, communicating concerns and possible corrective actions to prevent and/or treat potential contamination.
• Utilizes the OR equipment pertinent to the surgical procedure to include Hemostatic equipment and supplies, including monopolar, bipolar, harmonic scalpel, ultrasonic, medications, sponges.
• Adheres to precautions such as the placement of grounding pad, assists scrub and circulator with accuracy of counts when necessary.
• Maintains knowledge in usage of all laparoscopic and robotic equipment necessary for a procedure, such as: Camera, light cord, inserting/removing trocars, (performed under direct visualization of the Surgeon), graspers, scoops, sprayers, suction/irrigation systems, clamps, tenaculum’s, etc.
• Maintains knowledge in usage of open procedure equipment necessary for procedures, including, tissue forceps, retractors, clamps, scissors sponges, suction, irrigation, use of hemostatic agents and any further applicable instrumentation as necessary.
• Proficient in all pertinent abilities required during procedures and follows necessary and appropriate methods applicable to the procedure to include but not limited to:
  • Clamping, cauterizing, suturing, inserting, injecting, manipulating, retracting, cutting, closure of surgical sites, implant surgical devices or drains, suction the surgical site, place catheters and ligating tissue as necessary.
  • Involvement in hemostasis as necessary, to include but not limited to utilization of ties, vessel loops, clip appliers, digital pressure, packing, appropriate manipulation of sutures, etc. Participation in volume replacement or autotransfusion techniques as necessary and appropriate. Any further applicable instrumentation or actions deemed necessary by the surgeon.
• Works independently, or codependently with the surgeon, to finalize the surgery, according to the surgeon preference to include but are not limited to: Initiating appropriate actions or instrumentation in collaboration with the surgeon. Utilizing appropriate suturing techniques, according to surgeon preference, with closure of body planes and utilizing proper manipulation of suture. Using running, or interrupted suture techniques Including absorbable and non-absorbable sutures, staples, adhesives, strips, etc.
• Demonstrates ability to administer local anesthetic, according to surgeon preference.
• Demonstrates ability to secure drainage systems
• Demonstrates ability to apply dressings, splints, casts and immobilizers/ stabilizers, according to surgeon preference.
• Evaluates the patient for any possible damage from positioning. This shall include a skin assessment. Any abnormal condition should be reported to the surgeon, and appropriate treatment be carried out according to surgeon instruction.
• Coordinates the draping procedure effectively correcting any breaks in sterile technique.
• Ensure skin prep is performed to Atrium Health P&P or Standards of Care  (mandatory completion annually LMS -Hand Asepsis and Surgical Prep)
• Assists with room turnover and set up.
• Provides proof of annual competency validation for trocar insertion, suture/ wound closure, administration of local anesthetics and cast application.

Physical Requirements

Works with occasional intermittent noise and exposure to conditions such as dust, fumes, and chemicals. Ability to communication and write. Strenuous physical effort will require walking, stretching, bending, climbing stairs, twisting, and squatting or kneeling while performing tasks. May have lengthy periods of standing. Requires frequent use of side vision, lifting, pushing, and pulling. Must be able to lift and support the weight of 35 pounds. Use of both hands and all fingers and is required to use hands for gripping, speed work and precision during the operation equipment/instruments and movement/positioning of surgical patients. Vision and hearing for distances of up to twenty 20 feet is required, depth perception and able to distinguish basic colors is required. Ability to work for lengthy, or irregular work hours, rotating shifts, working on hard surfaces, being near moving equipment, changes in temperature, humidity, and exposure to Blood Borne Pathogens.

Education, Training, and Experience:

Graduation from and accredited surgical assistance program required. Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) credential required. Meets all ST III qualifications of the Surgical Tech Ladder. Acquires continuing education annually to maintain current competence and credentials as required.