Physician Assistant- Surgical First Assist

Job Description
General Summary
Under clinical supervision and under the direction of the surgeon assigned, the Physician Assistant – First Assist, assists in the facilitation and performance of surgical procedures. This role collaborates with the surgeon and the health care team by performing and facilitating in safe operations resulting in optimal outcomes for the patient. Also provides an advanced level of comprehensive health care to a specific patient population in collaboration with the medical staff. Follows established applicable medical standards, procedures and practices, and gives specific patient care directions to nursing and other support staff. Patients served include adolescent through adult-older adult.
Principal Responsibilities and Tasks
The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. These are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by personnel so classified.
1. Functions as a surgical assistant as requested by the surgeon and as assigned. Under the direct supervision of a surgeon, assists with the performance of surgical procedures and general patient care in the operating room in accordance with established nursing protocol, policies and procedures. Observable duties may include: Tissue handling including making incisions, retracting, dissecting, tying, ligating, stapling, suturing and providing hemostasis.
2. Assists in the pre-operative preparation of patients (i.e. draping, patient positioning, surgical scrub, insertion of catheter).
3. Responsible to be in the designated operating room prior to the start of surgical cases.
4. Responds to the needs of O.R., nursing and anesthesia staff to expedite patient care.
5. Formulates and implements treatment and therapeutic plans.
6. Demonstrates proficiency in skills specific to surgical technique, infection control, crisis management, resource management, effective decision-making, etc.
7. Assists in moving patient from table to stretcher and accompany patient to PACU. Responsible to assist operating room staff in the postoperative transportation of patients to a designated recovery facility.
8. Knowledge of surgical anatomy, physiology and operative technique related to the specific operative procedures.
9. Uses proper intraoperative performance techniques when using instruments and medical devices, provides surgical site exposure, handling and/or cutting tissue, providing hemostasis, suturing, and wound management.
10. Anticipates the surgeon needs.
11. Vein Harvesting: Independently performs endoscopic vein harvesting under supervision of the surgeon.
12. Exhibits knowledge about positioning with regard to not only optimum exposure but also positive patient outcomes.
13. Knowledgeable with regard to proper functioning of equipment or instrumentation that may be required.
14. Anticipates any special needs of the patient with regard to comfort and safety
15. Seeks and supports opportunities for professional growth and development.
16. Maintains the privacy and security of all confidential and protected health information. Uses and discloses only that information which is necessary to perform the function of the job.
17. Exhibits highly effective communication skills necessary in explaining procedures to patients, preparing written reports for patient medical charts, and providing preliminary results to health care providers.
18. Ensures patient safety in the performance of job functions and through participation in hospital, department or unit patient safety initiatives.
19. May complete and/or contribute to the immediate post-operative note.
20. Documents medical findings and care provided in the patient’s clinical record, including information of laboratory and radiographic studies.
21. Teaches health maintenance procedures and provides educational resources to patients as needed.
22. Collaborates with physician or other health care team members regarding patients’ health needs, outcomes and effectiveness of care plan.
23. Initiates appropriate contact with other health care providers as required.
24. Maintains the privacy and security of all confidential and protected health information. Uses and discloses only that information which is necessary to perform the function of the job.
25. Performs other duties as assigned.