Banner Health·Tucson, Arizona
The Surgical First Assist provides critical support to surgeons during cardiothoracic procedures, including heart and lung transplants and bypass surgeries. They are responsible for endoscopic harvesting, maintaining hemostasis, and managing preoperative and postoperative patient care.
At the direction of a surgeon, this position assists in performing cardiothoracic surgical procedures. This position is responsible for endoscopic vein and radial artery harvesting, closure of multilevel surgical site, including bone, and performing interoperative technical functions. In addition, this position provides first assist functions for heart and lung transplantation. This position also performs preoperative and postoperative duties to facilitate patient care.
Core functions 1.
Provides surgical assistance to surgeon for perioperative patient cases.
Prepares for surgical procedures.
Pulls appropriate instruments and supplies and ensures good working order of instruments.
Reviews case carts for correct instruments and supplies.
Troubleshoots malfunctioning equipment and makes minor adjustments or calls biomedical equipment staff.
Checks schedule and plans ahead for upcoming surgical case needs.
2. Anticipates the surgeon's needs. Assists in maintaining hemostasis, passes instruments, retracts tissue, use and application of appropriate surgical instruments, placement of ties and suture ligatures, or any other measures as directed by surgeon. Contributes to excellent patient outcomes through timely, effective, efficient, equitable, and safe care.
3. Demonstrates the principles of aseptic technique and universal precautions throughout the procedure. Disposes of sharps and trash and places used supplies into case cart for processing. Participates in counting sharps, instruments and sponges. Prepares instruments for cleaning following each case
4. Assists with the plan of care under the direction of a physician. Provides care based on physician orders in compliance with policies and procedures, standards of care, and regulatory agency requirements.
5. Supports all aspects of Cardiothoracic surgery including but not limited to CABG, minimally invasive valve replacement/repair, open valve replacement/repair, heart and lung transplant and artificial heart devices.
6.
Assists with the establishment of by-pass pump lines in the surgical field, place femoral artery and vein catheters during a surgical emergency, endoscopic vein and radial artery harvesting and close a multi-level surgical site, including bone.
7.
Serves as a First Assistant to a Surgeon in the operating room.
This position follows safety procedures in regard to medication labeling, appropriate handling of specimens, appropriate handling of sharps, time-out procedure, radiation and laser safety, infection control, assembling and disassembling instruments.
Internal customers are patients, surgeons, and nursing staff.
External customers may include practicing physicians, patient families and vendors or sales reps.
High school diploma/GED or equivalent working knowledge.
Current certification as a surgical technologist/first assist and current basic life support certification is required. Where applicable must be registered with State Regulatory Agency.
This position requires skills and abilities typically attained with three or more years of Cardiothoracic operating room experience and six or more years of CT surgery specific experience. The position requires manual dexterity and the ability to maintain professional decorum in highly stressful emergent situations. The position requires the ability to be conscientious, organized, and orderly and the ability to respond quickly to the needs of the surgeon and patient within the scope of practice. Must stay abreast of new developments in the field.
Additional related education and/or experience preferred. EEO Statement: EEO/Disabled/Veterans Our organization supports a drug-free work environment. Privacy Policy: Privacy Policy
Candidates must hold a high school diploma or GED and possess current certification as a surgical technologist or first assist, along with BLS certification. The role requires at least six years of specific CT surgery experience and the ability to perform in high-stakes, stressful environments.
Market context
In Arizona, physician openings are often shaped by ongoing demand in hospitals, clinics, and specialty care settings, especially where patient volume and care coordination are high. These roles are competitive because employers typically look for strong clinical experience, state licensure, and specialty background; in this posting, the requirements are AI-summarized from the original job description, helping you review fit faster. If you are considering applying, confirm your Arizona license status and align your experience with the listed respiratory care and vascular access background before submitting.