Surgical First Assistant

Job overview

As a Surgical First Assistant (SFA) you will be a highly qualified NMC registered nurse/AHP registered Operating Department Practitioner. You will, in addition have completed a nationally recognised Surgical First Assistant University accredited programme or an in-house training package supported by the AfPP competency handbook. You will be able to demonstrate that you are an accountable practitioner with competence in enhanced surgical practice within the SFA role limits.

You will work closely alongside the Breast Surgery team  within the operating theatre providing continuous competent assistance to the operating surgeon during breast surgical procedures under their direct supervision, without performing any surgical intervention yourself.

You will also work under the direction of the Breast Nursing Leadership team.

Main duties of the job

Provide skilled assistance under the direct supervision of the  surgeon in breast surgery

Act as a theatre practitioner undertaking an advanced role within the theatre setting

Act as surgical assistant to the breast surgical team :

Enhance the communication link between theatre, patient and ward

Involved in the team completion of the WHO surgical safety checklist

Position the patient, including tissue viability assessment

Skin prep/ draping

skin and tissue retraction with cutting of superficial sutures

Handling of tissues for exposure of access

Nerve and deep tissue retraction

Cutting  deep sutures and ligatures under direct supervision

Assist with haemostasis,  maintain a clear operating field

Use of suction guided by the operating surgeon

Effective checking and ordering of equipment eg. breast implants

Lead in the planning and completion of patients discharge from the hospital

Minimise the risk of infection to patients and staff in accordance with national and Trust Policy

Manage own and the teams time effectively and ensuring high standards of care are achieved and maintained

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

You will be a registered nurse or Allied Health Professional registered Operating Department Practitioner holding a nationally recognised programme of study as a Surgical First Assistant (SFA). Enabling you to perform as a Surgical First Assistant in Breast Surgery under the supervision of the breast surgeon.

You will assist with both elective and emergency surgery

You will perform and assist with wound closure, suturing, haemostasis, retraction of tissues, cutting of sutures and asepsis.

You will assist with preparation of patients for surgery, eg, catheterisation, positioning of patients, prepping and draping

You will attend ward rounds with  the breast team and coordinate intraoperative treatment plans for patients

You will ensure all members of the wider health care team are kept informed of the changing needs of individual patients

You will request and follow-up appropriate patient investigations.

Work closely with the theatre team and operator in relation to theatre scheduling, providing assurance that the correct kits and consumables are prepared and ordered.

Work with the clinical and management team to support improvements in theatre utilisation.

Analyse, interpret and compare the data of varying levels of complexity and use this to inform decision making.

Plan  and complete electronic documentation regarding the discharge of patients post operatively from the hospital setting

Validate the quality of data and information obtained using appropriate methods and provide feedback of the results to those responsible for the data and information.

Communicate complex and sensitive information in an appropriate manner to patients and all levels of the multidisciplinary team following trust policies and procedures.

Keep accurate and complete records of activities and communications consistent with legislation, policies and procedures.

Conduct all procedures in line with standard protocols and within own scope of practice and maintain patient safety at all times.

Take appropriate action to address any issues or risks that may arise from assessment of the patient, ensuring that wider discussion is undertaken with other team members and senior clinician where any doubt exists.

Identify and manage actual and potential risks associated with surgical procedures, according to level of experience.

Develop and contribute to the updating and revision of appropriate policies and guidelines

Participate in formal and informal teaching to all levels of staff

Value and take responsibility for your own professional development and that of others

Identify and participate in appropriate research and audit to help develop the First Assistant/breast service.