Surgical First Assist

Under the direction and supervision of the surgeon, the Surgical First Assist (SFA) is fully engaged in Quality/No Harm, Customer Experience and Stewardship by providing aid in exposure, hemostasis, closure, and other intraoperative technical functions to help the surgeon carry out a safe operation with optimal patient results. The SFA also performs preoperative and postoperative duties to optimize patient safety and experience. When the SFA is not functioning under the direct supervision of the surgeon, they will perform technical and support activities in the operating room as a Surgical Technologist under the direction of a registered nurse.

Primary Accountabilities

1. Properly positions the patient in accordance with surgeon directions to give the best exposure for procedure and consideration for comfort and safety including padding points of pressure, guarding against nerve damage, and ensuring circulation is not impaired.