Surgical First Assisting Program

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The Surgical First Assistanting program is an advanced level course for experienced operating room professionals who wish to become surgical assistants. As defined by the American College of Surgeons, the surgical assistant provides aid in exposure, hemostasis, and other intraoperative technical functions that will assist the surgeon to carry out a safe operation with optimal results for the patient. This role will vary based on the surgical operation, specialty area, and type of facility. Perioperative skills are performed under the direct supervision of the surgeon and may include the following:

• Patient positioning
• Surgical skin preparation
• Providing visualization for the operative site
• Utilizing appropriate techniques to assist with hemostasis
• Participating in volume replacement or auto-transfusion techniques as appropriate
• Utilizing appropriate techniques to assist with closure of body planes
• Selection and application of appropriate wound dressings
• Providing assistance in securing drainage systems to tissue

Watch the video of CSI Surgical First Assisting Program.

Working conditions
Surgical first assistants work in clean, well-lighted, cool environments. They must stand for long periods and remain alert during operations and procedures. At times they may be exposed to communicable diseases and unpleasant sights, odors and materials. Most surgical first assistants work a regular 40-hour week, although they may be on call or work nights, weekends and holidays on a rotating basis.

Workers with impaired immune systems resulting from HIV infection or other causes are at increased risk of acquiring or experiencing serious complications of infectious disease. Surgical first assistants must be aware that hospitals perform a pre-employment drug screening test and background test.

Entrance Requirements:

• Must possess a working knowledge of operating room fundamentals
• Must know how to “scrub” and work in a sterile field
• Must be a CST (Certified Surgical Technologist) RN or CNOR (Certified Nurse Operating Room) or  PA-C (Physicians Assistant –Certified)
• RN, LPN and CNOR must hold certification in Surgical Technology OR meet evaluation criteria.  The CST program is available through the College of Southern Idaho or an accelerated program can be found on the ARC-ST web site:http://www.arcst.org/pdfs/AADApprovedPrograms.pdf
• Must have verifiable/documented current operating room scrub experience

Additional requirements:

• College Transcripts
• Certification or Registration #
• If RN or LPN must be licensed in the state that your clinical will be in
• Current CPR/BLS certification
• Acceptable health and immunization records
• Computer literacy
• Able to be employed as a surgical first assist including drug testing/background testing etc.

RN evaluation criteria:

• Eligible RN candidates do not need a Bachelor degree to enroll or complete program.
• Must be licensed to practice as a registered nurse in the state in which the clinical internship will be accomplished.
• Must provide proof of RN license.
• The RN candidate must have at least one year of perioperative nursing experience. This experience must include demonstrated competency in the scrubbing, circulating or first assisting roles of the intraoperative nursing dimension.
• CNOR or eligible. CNOR status must be obtained before graduation.  Visit the CCI FAQ page to ascertain eligibility.
• CPR or basic life support (BCLS.)
• Completion of the perioperative skills check list found on the program web site.
• Two Recommendation letters (from a surgeon, OR administrator or an appropriate individual(s) in a position of responsibility. These letters must utilize the form found on the program web site.

Physical requirements:
Surgical first assistants must not be infected with any infectious diseases that could be transmitted to patients.

Surgical first assistants must:

• Be able to bend, walk, stand for long periods of time, lift carry, push, and handle equipment, supplies or patients exceeding 25 pounds.
• Be able to work in environmental temperatures from 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit range.
• Be aware that exposure to latex gloves may cause the development of allergic reactions
• Be aware that their skin should be clear and free of conditions which would impair the integrity of the skin.
• HEARING: must demonstrate ability to functionally perceive the nature of sounds and spoken work.  May use adaptive techniques or devices. 
• SPEECH:  must demonstrate the ability to functionally express self orally and or in writing.
• VISION: must be able to demonstrate the functional ability to obtain impressions of shape, size, and motion by passing routine vision screening and to distinguish red and green colors. 

Mental and emotional requirements
Surgical first assistants must be able to:

• Manage stress appropriately
• Make decisions under pressure
• Prioritize tasks
• Manage anger/fear/hostility/violence of others appropriately
• Work alone or as a team member

Wages:
Nationally the salary for a Surgical first assistant varies from $18-22 dollars per hour and could be higher depending on call time, surgical specialty etc.

Accreditation Timeline

• Download the application form