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Professional Code |
Code of Ethics and
Scope of Practice
The Certified
Surgical Assistant possesses a working knowledge of operating room procedures
with respect to attire, infection control, and is familiar with individual
requirements and recommended practices of compliance.
The Certified
Surgical Assistant must have the ability to anticipate the needs of the
surgeon, and other team members, with respect to the requirements of a
particular surgical procedure.
The Certified
Surgical Assistant must be able to demonstrate and maintain dexterity
sufficient to successful completion of his/her assistant duties on each
particular procedure.
The Certified
Surgical Assistant must maintain a professional attitude with respect to
dignity, privacy, and safety of patients.
The
Certified Surgical Assistant must possess the ability to only function within
the limits of his/her ability,
and
within the policies of the facility in which they are working.
Certified Surgical Assistant Proficiency
The Certified
Surgical Assistant’s scope of practice includes:
- Determining
specific equipment needed per procedure
- Reviewing permit to
confirm procedure and special needs
- Selecting and
placement of x-rays for reference
- Assisting in moving
and positioning the patient
- Inserting and
removal of Foley urinary bladder catheter
- Placing the
pneumatic tourniquet
- Confirming
procedure with surgeon
- Draping the patient
within the surgeon’s guidelines
- Providing
retraction of tissue and organs for optimal visualization with regard to
tissue type and appropriate retraction instrument and/or technique
- Assisting in
maintaining hemostasis by direct pressure, using and applying of
appropriate surgical instrument for the task, placement of ties, placement
of ligatures, applying chemical hemostatic agents, or other measures as
directed by the surgeon
- Using the
electrocautery mono and bi-polar
- Clamping, ligation
and cutting of tissue per surgeon’s directive
- Harvesting
saphenous vein including skin incision per surgeon’s directive
- Dissecting of
common femoral artery and bifurcation per surgeon’s directive
- Maintaining
integrity of sterile field
- Closing of all
wound layers (fascia, subcutaneous and skin) as per surgeon’s directive
- Inserting drainage
tubes per surgeon’s directive
- Selecting and
applying wound dressing
- Assisting with
resuscitation of patient during cardiac arrest or other life threatening
events in the operating room
- Performing any
other duties or procedures incident to the surgical procedure deemed
necessary and directed by the surgeon
