CERTIFIED SURGICAL FIRST ASSISTANT

Posting Number: SRGV8185

Number of Vacancies: 1

Location: McAllen, Texas

Department: School of Medicine / Surgical Specialty and MSK ISU

FLSA: Non-Exempt

Scope of Job: To provide direct support to the surgical team by assisting the surgeon before, during and after surgical procedures.

Description of Duties:

• Assists the surgeon in performing technical tasks, and providing support to facilitate a safe, efficient, and effective operation, ultimately contributing to optimal patient outcomes.
• Gathers and determines specific equipment and supplies needed per procedure, including the selection and placement of x-rays for reference and assists with the proper positioning of the patient for the surgical procedure.
• Reviews permit to confirm the procedure and any special needs and participates in "time out" sessions prior to surgery.
• Responsible for placement of the pneumatic tourniquet, drapes patients according to surgeon's guidelines, and maintains integrity of sterile field.
• Provides retraction of tissue and organs for optimal visualization with regard to tissue type and appropriate retraction instrument and/or technique under direct supervision of surgeon.
• Assists in maintaining hemostasis by applying direct pressure, understands use of appropriate surgical instrument to be used for the task, placement of ties, placement of suture ligatures, application of chemical hemostatic agents, or other measures under direct supervision of surgeon.
• Assists with the use of electro-cautery mono and bi-polar, clamp, ligation and cutting of tissue under the active participation and direct supervision of the surgeon.
• Maintains and assists the surgeon in stabilizing fractures, drilling, and placing implants under the active participation and direct supervision of surgeon.
• Performs the application of casts and splints per surgeon's directive.
• Assists with the removal of pins, wires and screws under the active participation and direct supervision of surgeon.
• Applies post-operative subcutaneous injection of local anesthetic agent per surgeon's directive.
• Participates in the selection and application of wound dressings as well as closure of wounds including all layers (fascia, subcutaneous & skin or the equivalent tissue layers) as per surgeon's directive.
• Performs the insertion of drainage tubes under direct supervision of surgeon.
• Actively participates in department performance improvement activities to improve department efficiencies and patient care outcomes.
• Performs any other duties or procedures deemed necessary and as directed by the surgeon.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervision Received: General supervision from assigned supervisor.

Supervision Given: Direct supervision of assigned staff.

Required Education: High School diploma or equivalent and Graduate from an accredited Surgical Technologist program.

Preferred Education: Associate degree in Surgical Technology from an accredited college/university.

Licenses/Certifications: Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA), Surgical Assistant-Certified (SA-C), or Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) by the National Board of Surgical Technology and First Assisting (NBSTFA) or another recognized certifying body. Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or ability to attain certification within 90-days of hire.

Required Experience: Two (2) years of experience as a certified surgical first assistant.

Preferred Experience: More than the required experience as a Certified Surgical First Assistant.

Equipment: Use of standard office equipment including computers, printers, scanners and handheld scanning devices. Proficiency in the use and understanding of medical equipment such as oxygen tank operation and other surgical equipment. Working knowledge of surgical instrument sterilization equipment and flexible scope high-level disinfection washer.

Working Conditions: Needs to be able to successfully perform all required duties. Usual health care facility conditions with possible medical or psychiatric emergencies. Exposure to all common diseases. Must constantly consider safety risks and provide safe environment conducive to patients, visitors and staff. Work environment involves exposure to potentially dangerous materials and situations that require following extensive safety precautions and may include the use of protective equipment. Work is performed primarily at the Ambulatory Surgery Center in McAllen.

Other: Exceptional planning and organizational skills. Must possess a working knowledge of all operating room procedures with respect to attire, infection control, and is familiar with individual requirements and recommended practices of compliance. Must accept responsibility for his/her integrity with respect to maintenance and compliance, to and of these policies. Will have the ability to anticipate the needs of the surgeon, and other team members, with respect to the requirements of a particular surgical procedure. Must be able to demonstrate and maintain dexterity sufficient to successful completion of his/her assistant duties on each particular procedure. Will maintain a professional attitude with respect to the dignity, privacy, and safety of the patient. Must possess the ability to only function within the limits of his/her ability, and within the scope of practice set forth by the medical facility.

Physical Capabilities: N/A

Employment Category: Full-Time

Minimum Salary: Commensurate with Experience

Posted Salary: Commensurate with Experience

Position Available Date: 06/02/2025

Grant Funded Position: No

If Yes, Provide Grant Expiration Date:

EEO Statement: It is the policy of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to promote and ensure equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information or protected veteran status. In accordance with the requirements of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, our University is committed to comply with all government requirements and ensures non-discrimination in its education programs and activities, including employment. We encourage women, minorities and differently abled persons to apply for employment positions of interest.

Special Instructions to Applicants: Dear Applicant, Human Resources will not be held responsible for redacting any confidential information from the documents you attach with your application. The confidential information includes the following: *Date of Birth *Social Security Number *Gender *Ethnicity/Race Please make sure that you omit this information prior to submission. We are advising that Human Resources will be forwarding your application to the department as per your submission. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at (956)665-8880 and/or careers@utrgv.edu.

Additional Information: UTRGV is a distributed location institution and working location is subject to change based on need. All UTRGV employees are required to have a criminal background check (CBC). Incomplete applications will not be considered. Substitutions to the above requirements must have prior approval from the VP of HR & Talent Development.