Job Description

At Memorial Hermann, we pursue a common goal of delivering high quality, efficient care while creating exceptional experiences for every member of our community. When we say every member of our community, that includes our employees. We know that when our employees feel cared for, heard and valued, they are inspired to create moments that exceed expectations, while prioritizing safety, compassion, personalization and efficiency. If you want to advance your career and contribute to our vision of creating healthier communities, now and for generations to come, we want you to be a part of our team.

Job Summary

Neuro Surgical First Assistant

*Full time; 7am-4pm, Monday-Friday

*BLS (American Heart Assoc) required

*Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) -OR- Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) required

*2+years of Neuro experience preferred

*Will be covering cases at Memorial Hermann Southwest and Memorial Hermann Memorial City Hospital.

The Surgical First Assistant (SFA) works under the direction of a surgeon and functions as an integral member of the perioperative team and provides direct assistance to the surgeon during operative and invasive procedures. Responsibilities include preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative support; maintaining optimal visualization of the operative field; achieving hemostasis; handling tissues; wound closure; and promoting positive patient outcomes through adherence to evidence-based practice, patient safety standards, and organizational policies. Must be able to travel between Memorial Hermann facilities, ambulatory surgery centers, physician offices, and other assigned locations as needed to support surgical services and patient care needs.

Job Description

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Graduate of an accredited Surgical Technology Program or Surgical First Assistant Program required

Licenses/Certifications: Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required

One of the following certifications required:

• Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) -OR-
• Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA)

Experience / Knowledge / Skills:

• Two (2) years of recent operating room experience and successful completion of an approved Surgical First Assistant program required.
• Knowledge of surgical anatomy, physiology, and operative techniques.
• Knowledge of aseptic technique and infection prevention principles.
• Ability to anticipate procedural needs and respond rapidly in emergent situations.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to prioritize and function effectively in a fast-paced operating room environment.
• Proficiency in surgical instrumentation, equipment, and technology utilized in assigned specialties.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES

Assists surgeons and proceduralists in performing surgical and invasive procedures such as: exposure, homeostasis, retracting tissues, clamping and tying vessels to control bleeding, keeping the operative site dry, closing the incision by applying sutures and wound dressings.

Preoperative Responsibilities:

• Reviews procedure schedules and surgeon preferences.
• Assists with preparing and positioning patients according to procedure requirements and safety standards.
• Participates in surgical time-out and pre-procedure verification processes.
• Verifies availability and functionality of equipment, instruments, implants, and supplies

Intraoperative Responsibilities:

• Provides first-assist support including:
• Tissue handling
• Exposure of the operative site
• Retraction
• Hemostasis
• Suturing and wound closure
• Application of drains and dressings as delegated by the surgeon
• Maintains sterile technique and monitors the sterile field throughout procedures
• Assists with robotic, minimally invasive, and open surgical procedures, as applicable
• Anticipates surgeon needs and facilitates efficient procedural flow

Postoperative Responsibilities:

• Assists in patient transport and transfer according to established protocols.
• Participates in specimen handling and documentation processes.
• Assists with room turnover and preparation for subsequent procedures.

Other:

• Must be able to travel between Memorial Hermann facilities, ambulatory surgery centers, physician offices, and other assigned locations as needed to support surgical services and patient care needs.
• Ensures safe care to patients, staff and visitors; adheres to all Memorial Hermann policies, procedures, and standards within budgetary specifications including time management, supply management, productivity and quality of service.
• Promotes individual professional growth and development by meeting requirements for mandatory/continuing education and skills competency; supports department-based goals which contribute to the success of the organization; serves as preceptor, mentor and resource to less experienced staff.
• Demonstrates commitment to caring for every member of our community by creating compassionate and personalized experiences. Models Memorial Hermann’s service standards of providing safe, caring, personalized and efficient experiences to patients and our workforce.
• Other duties as assigned.