Surgical Technologist First Assist, Cardiovascular Operating Room (CVOR)

Required Skills

1.  Performs duties in capacity of “scrub” technologist as prescribed by hospital policies and procedures.

• Sets room for a routine, uncomplicated procedure with supplies and equipment in 5-15 minutes.
• Sets room for complicated or multi-procedure case requiring many special supplies in 30 minutes.
• Assists circulator in checking equipment.
• Assists circulator in obtaining supplies prior to bringing patient to room.
• Has basic knowledge of instrumentation and its appropriate use.
• Checks instrumentation regarding cleanliness, function, correct number of pieces, and completeness of tray.
• Allows adequate time for preparation of supplies and counting (i.e., routine case 15 minutes, complicated case 30-40 minutes).
• Has basic knowledge of surgical procedures.
• Organizes and maintains a neat, clean mayo, instrument, and back tables.
• Attempts reasonable anticipation of sequence of instrumentation.
• Properly identifies medication.
• Handles floor stock medications or medications delivered from pharmacy directly or through the pneumatic tube station. Relocate these medications, in original containers, to designated secure storage locations or delivers directly to appropriate licensed staff.
• Keeps track of sponges, needles, and instruments during procedure at all times.
• Relays accurate identification of specimens and cultures.
• Organizes and assists in end-of-case clean up.
• Separates sharp and delicate instruments during clean up.
• Assists in pulling cases.

2.  Assists in maintenance of safe environment for patients and staff.

• Has knowledge and applies principles of good aseptic practice (i.e., appropriate scrub length, OR attire, proper gowning, gloving, and draping methods).
• Checks sterile supplies for proper packaging and dating.
• Actively assists in recognizing and reporting breaks in sterile technique.
• Requests assistance of Sterile Processing personnel in preparation of instruments for immediate reuse.
• Follows protocol for universal blood- and body-fluid precautions at all times.
• Prevents loss of instruments by thorough search of drapes before they are discarded.

3.  Assists in the orderly function of the OR.

• Demonstrates flexibility in a team effort (i.e., takes required supplies from circulator when offered).
• Checks room for and puts away excess supplies and equipment.
• Takes initiative and seeks appropriate opportunities to update and maintain surgical skills (i.e., requests certain cases and attends inservices).
• Assists in checking to-follow cases for completeness and accuracy.
• Assists in orientation of new personnel.
• Actively participates in checking and maintaining assignment by participating as a permanent team member.
• Participates in updating surgeon’s preference list.
• Reports to assigned room on time.
• Understands and follows disaster plan.
• Follows hospital/unit policies, procedures, and behavioral expectations.
• Uses designated lines of communication and authority.
• Willingly assists co-workers to facilitate patient care.
• Attends 65 percent or a minimum of 6 unit staff meetings per year, whichever number is greater. Seeks excused absences by OR director or specialty supervisor when needed.  Reviews and signs minutes.
• Attends or participates in JCAHO and other mandatory inservices.

4.  Initiates appropriate intraoperative behaviors unique to first assistant, if trained to do so.

• Provides hemostasis to reduce potential for post-operative infection and potential for fluid volume deficit by clamping and/or ligating vessels, using electrosurgical cautery, applying direct pressure, applying chemical agents that promote coagulation, and other means as directed by surgeon.
• Provides exposure of the operative site through the appropriate use of retractors and other instruments and through suctioning and sponging.
• Uses surgical instrumentation skillfully in ways consistent with their design and purpose as directed by the surgeon.
• Handles all variety of tissue appropriately to reduce potential for injury or compromised blood supply.
• Sutures skillfully all varieties of tissue with the appropriate suture materials and suturing techniques.

5.  Performs other duties as assigned.