Orthopedic Surgical First Assistant
Santa Fe, New Mexico
CHRISTUS Saint Vincent Regional Medical Center

Certified Surgical Assistant (Orthopedic Surgery) - Travel Position

Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico
Contract Length: 13 weeks

Position Summary

• Support orthopedic surgeons and surgical team during operations.
• Prepare, provide, and care for surgical instruments.
• Assist frequently on orthopedic cases and may assist in other specialties as time allows.
• Review surgical schedules daily to anticipate needs for prosthetic devices and supplies.
• Participate in quality improvement and orthopedic surgical line activities.
• Demonstrate competency in first assistant skills.

Work Schedule

• Day shift: 6:30 AM – 3:00 PM

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Surgical Technologist with a minimum of 3 years of experience, including experience within the last year.
• BLS certification issued by the American Heart Association.
• Certified Surgical Technologist (CST).

Essential Functions

• Anticipate needs of orthopedic surgeons by reviewing surgical schedules.
• Ensure availability of prosthetics, supplies, and equipment by coordinating with vendors and surgical team.
• Provide orthopedic surgery coordination and technical services to support surgeons and patients.
• Respect patient privacy and dignity.
• Plan patient care in the OR using surgeon preference cards; review and revise as needed.
• Understand legal ramifications and consequences of surgical interventions.
• Respond appropriately to emergency situations.
• Adhere to AORN Standards of Care and demonstrate integrity in technical and aseptic practices.
• Provide guidance and serve as a role model to other surgical technicians; assist with teaching as needed.
• Maintain accurate counts of sponges, needles, and instruments.
• Utilize experience and knowledge for perioperative decision-making.
• Assist surgeon within verified competencies and skills.
• Assist with safe patient positioning using required equipment.
• Perform clinical skills under direct surgeon supervision, including:

  • Visualization and retraction of operative site.
  • Assisting with hemostasis (clamping, cauterizing, ligating, applying clips and agents).
  • Assisting with closure of body planes and skin closure techniques.
  • Applying appropriate wound dressings and securing drainage systems.
• Participate in department in-services and continuing education; present in-services as needed.
• Maintain Certified Surgical Technician status.
• Participate in orthopedic section committee and quality improvement initiatives.

Work Environment

• Exposure to bloodborne pathogens and other hazards such as communicable diseases, needle punctures, x-ray radiation, stress, and strain.
• Use of universal precautions and protective equipment required.
• Intermittent exposure to unpleasant physical conditions.

Additional Information

• Must exhibit flexibility and adaptability to changes in work environment or schedule.
• Maintain positive attitude and professional growth.
• Adhere to all safety, patient privacy, and organizational policies.
• Maintain positive attendance and communicate absences in advance.

Note: Prior travel experience is not explicitly required for this position.