Certified Surg Tech First Assist

The Certified and Licensed (Nebraska) Surgical (Scrub) Technician First Assistant reports to the Director/Manager of Surgical Services and works under the guidance of the surgeon and the operating room registered nurse when not performing first assistant duties. When performing first assist duties the first assistant is working directly under the supervision of a surgeon performing routine surgical duties to assist the surgeon on operative procedures in the operating room. The First Assistant consistently and collaboratively works as a resource to the department sharing their technical expertise and knowledge with other members of the health care team and serves as a preceptor and role model for others.

In addition to fulfilling the requirements of the job description for Surgical Tech this position will include the
following:
• Has knowledge of surgical anatomy, physiology and operative techniques related to first assisting.
• Will meet all Surgical First Assistant competencies of department and national standards.
A certified/licensed (Nebraska) surgical first assistant may engage in the practice of surgical assisting, including,
but not limited to, the following:
• Assisting in the intraoperative care of a surgical patient
• Assists in moving and positioning patients under the direction of the physician and /or operating room
registered nurse.
• Preparing and draping the patient for the surgical procedure under the guidance of the surgeon
• Tissue manipulation/use of instruments: consists of the handling of tissue and appropriate selection and use
of surgical instruments to assure proper treatment of tissue, decreased incidence of infections and rapid healing
of the surgical site. These may include clamp, ligate, and cut tissue per surgeon’s directive
• Retraction: Provide exposure and visualization of the operative site by; retracting, suctioning, irrigating, and
or sponging while preventing tissue/organ injury at the operative site.
• Assisting with hemostasis-use of surgical techniques at the operative site, which will promote adequate visual
assessment of and access to the operative site; prevent blood loss, decrease operative time and promote wound
healing. Techniques include; direct pressure use of chemical hemostatic agents or other measures as directed
by the surgeon along with the use of electrocautery mono and bi-polar to assist surgeon with hemostasis.
• Wound Closure: Assisting with closure of body planes, including the following-

• ◦ Inserting running or interrupted subcutaneous sutures with absorbable or nonabsorbable material;
  ◦ Utilizing subcuticular closure technique with or without adhesive skin closure strips; and
  ◦ Closing skin with method indicated by surgeon, including, but not limited to, suture and staples;
  • Applying appropriate wound dressings;
  • Providing assistance in securing drainage systems to tissue;
  • Participate in preparing specimens
  • Performing other tasks during the surgical procedure delegated by and under the personal supervision of a
  physician that are identified in the Nebraska State Statutes regarding First Assist duties.
  Source: Nebraska Laws 2016, LB721, § 11. Section 38-3511

Completion of an accredited Surgical Technology First Assist program

Certified Surgical First Assist Certification required

At CHI Health Creighton University Medical Center - Bergan Mercy, our focus is patient-centered care. Our level I trauma center and academic medical center campus is designed to heal the body, mind, and spirit of every person in a more comfortable, less stressful hospital environment. Our full range of medical services includes trauma services, heart and vascular care, emergency services, surgery, maternity, cancer care, and diagnostic imaging.