PA-C/NP or Surgical First Assistant

An excellent opportunity exists to work for a government contractor with competitive compensation and work-life balance. Posterity Group is seeking a Board Certified Surgical First Assistant or PA-C/NP to perform Conduit Harvesting. Join one of the leading providers of services to loyal veterans who have served our country.

Location:

South Texas Veterans Health Care System, Audie L. Murphy VA Medical Center

7400 Merton Minter Blvd.

San Antonio, TX 78229

Role and Responsibilities:

• The Surgical First Assistant shall perform conduit harvesting and assist the surgeon during the procedure, under direct supervision.
• Reporting Information for Treatment: Access to the VA CPRS shall be provided to the Perfusionists and Surgical First Assistant including the ability to printout a report of those services provided by the Perfusionists and Surgical First Assistant.
• A detailed treatment plan which includes an initial assessment, recommended plan of treatment and expected outcomes will be entered in the patient’s clinical record within twenty-four hours of initiating treatment and at a minimum contain the following information:
  • Patient’s name and identification number
  • Treating Physician’s name and telephone number for follow-up questions
  • Pertinent History
  • Physical Findings
  • Summary of the Recommended Treatment Plan
  • Date treatment was initiated or is planned
  • Anticipated or actual date that treatment was completed
  • Follow-up Recommendations/Results of the Treatment
  • Instructions given to the patient
• The Surgical First Assistant positions patient to give best exposure for surgical procedure, using stabilizing equipment when necessary, while maximizing patient comfort and safety.
• Provides visualization of the operative site using appropriate method, including manipulation of tissue and materials, retraction, sponging, suctioning and irrigation.
• Utilizes appropriate technique to achieve temporary and permanent hemostasis.
• Assists with body plane closure, application of wound dressings and securing of drainage systems.
• Promotes and maintains a professional relationship with physicians, patients, family members, and other staff.
• Anticipates and responds to needs of others providing assistance in a courteous manner.
• Able to perform in emergent or stressful situation.
• Utilizes nursing practice assessment skills to evaluate the patient pre-operatively.
• Assesses patient's vascular status and conduit availability.
• Integrates knowledge of the cardiovascular system to develop plan of care and collaborates with surgeon to determine quality and length of conduit needed for bypass procedure.
• Responsible for the initiation and updating of the cardio thoracic surgery patient database.
• When able, reinforces patient and family teaching regarding disease process and the planned intervention.
• Utilizes assisting skills in the operating room under the supervision of the Cardio-thoracic surgeons.
• Prepares and positions patients, assists with cardio-thoracic procedures, including cutting tissue, harvesting conduit and wound closure.

Qualifications and Education:

• Advanced Life Support obtained within 3 Months (90 days) of hire date or job transfer date.
• Completion of an AORN accredited Registered Nurse First Assistant course.
• Valid RN license from the state of Texas required.
• Education: Bachelor of Science Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing required Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred Diploma Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing required Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) preferred Work.
• Current certification as a Surgical First Assistant to perform Conduit Harvesting
• Must have a minimum of at least two (2) years’ experience as a Surgical First Assistant.
• Experience: 1 year of operating room, open heart surgery experience preferred,1 year of operating room, open heart surgery experience preferred.

PM19