·Possess knowledge and understanding of anatomy, physiology and operative techniques related to the surgical specialty.
·Positions patient safely: pads and protects bony prominences.
·Follows aseptic technique, when opening sterile supplies and setting up procedures for all procedures.
·Demonstrates knowledge and skills to use various surgical instruments and retractors.
·Demonstrates knowledge of care of tissue and specimens. Identifies specimens to circulating nurse and scrubs.
·Provides assistance to the surgeon during procedures, using protractors to provide exposure, providing hemostasis suturing, wound dressing. Anticipates the needs of the surgeon during the procedure.
·Assist with operating room counts (instruments, sharps, sponges): follows proper procedures in the event of an incorrect count.
·Performs all aspects of patient care in an environment that optimizes patient safety and reduces the likelihood of medical/healthcare errors.
·Appropriately responds to the patient in an emergency or physically distressful situation.
·Prioritize cases and assign first assist(s) based on patient acuity and physician need.