Certified Surgical First Assistant

About City of Hope,
City of Hope's mission is to make hope a reality for all touched by cancer and diabetes. Founded in 1913, City of Hope has grown into one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the U.S., and one of the leading research centers for diabetes and other life-threatening illnesses. City of Hope research has been the basis for numerous breakthrough cancer medicines, as well as human synthetic insulin and monoclonal antibodies. With an independent, National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center that is ranked top 5 in the nation for cancer care by U.S. News & World Report at its core, City of Hope’s uniquely integrated model spans cancer care, research and development, academics and training, and a broad philanthropy program that powers its work. City of Hope’s growing national system includes its Los Angeles campus, a network of clinical care locations across Southern California, a new cancer center in Orange County, California, and cancer treatment centers and outpatient facilities in the Atlanta, Chicago and Phoenix areas.

Certified First Assist (CFA) responsibilities include, but are not limited to assisting with cleaning, shaving, and positioning patient on operating room table. The Certified First Assist prepares surgical instruments before and after procedure, keeping count of surgical instruments with the Registered Nurse (Circulator). They will monitor all members of the surgical team in order to maintain a sterile field during each procedure. The CFA passes instruments and retracts tissues to help visualize the area of the patient where surgeons and surgical assistants are working. Operates suction machines, diagnostic equipment, and learns operation of new instrumentation dependent upon specialty. The CFA assists with procedures by providing appropriate methods of wound exposure/closure, functions as a surgical technologist when needed or when the needs supersede the surgical assist needs and is available to work when and as needed to provide adequate coverage for the patient care needs of the surgical services department.

The successful candidate:

Assists with procedures by functioning under the direct supervision and direction of the operating surgeon.

• Assists with procedures by providing appropriate method of wound exposure.
• Assists with procedures by providing adequate hemostasis.
• Protects patient by demonstrating knowledge of safe tissue handling.
• Assists with procedures by demonstrating knowledge of suturing techniques.

Assists with procedures by demonstrating knowledge of wound dressing and drains. positioning of patient

• draping
• tissue handling
• wound exposure and closure
• homeostasis
• knot tying
• Assists with duties in the OR as assigned by the Lead RN
• Pulls Physician Preference cards according to cases.
• Insures availability and sterility of equipment for the cases.
• Selects appropriate instrumentation / equipment based on patient age and size.
• Assists in patient preparation, positioning and surgical preps according to protocols.
• Ensure appropriate documentation present and accurate on patient record per department and hospital policy.
• Ability to navigate the clinical information systems as needed to perform job duties.
• Adheres to hospital and departmental policy for reporting and handling malfunctioning equipment.
• Monitoring supplies to ensure availability of appropriate supplies for patient care and departmental operations.
• Maintains a clean and orderly environment in the perioperative department including breakroom and locker rooms.
• Recognizes department problems and uses critical thinking skills to take appropriate actions.
• Prioritizes patient care and organizes activities in a logical sequence.
• Communicates effectively with the perioperative team while dealing with frequent interruptions in a high stress setting.
• Maintains positive interdepartmental relationships while communicating and coordinating patient care activities.
• Serves as a change agent by cooperatively adopting new processes determined through quality improvement initiatives.

Position Qualifications:

Minimum Education:

2-year associate degree or experience as an OR Tech required

Req. Certification/Licensure:

Illinois licensure as a Registered Surgical Assistant and Surgical Technologist

CPR card required

City of Hope is an equal opportunity employer.

To learn more about our comprehensive benefits, click here: Benefits Information

City of Hope employees pay is based on the following criteria:  work experience, qualifications, and work location.