Since 1885, CHI St. Alexius Health has been dedicated to leading health care in this region by enriching the lives of patients through the highest quality of care. We seek to continue our tradition of success and innovation with individuals dedicated to delivering the highest level of expertise and quality. Together we can continue to grow and support the legacy of CHI St. Alexius Health for many years to come.

CHI St. Alexius Health is a regional health network with a tertiary hospital in Bismarck, the system also consists of critical access hospitals (CAHs) in Carrington, Dickinson, Devils Lake, Garrison, Turtle Lake, Washburn and Williston and numerous clinics and outpatient services.  CHI St. Alexius Health manages four CAHs in North Dakota - Elgin, Linton, and Wishek, as well as Mobridge Regional Medical Center in Mobridge, S.D. CHI St. Alexius Health offers a comprehensive line of inpatient and outpatient medical services, including: a Level II Trauma Center, primary and specialty physician clinics, home health and hospice services, durable medical equipment services, a fitness and human performance center and ancillary services throughout western and central North Dakota.

CHI St. Alexius Health is part of CommonSpirit Health, a nonprofit, Catholic health system dedicated to advancing health for all people. It was created in February 2019 through the alignment of Catholic Health Initiatives and Dignity Health. CommonSpirit Health is committed to creating healthier communities, delivering exceptional patient care, and ensuring every person has access to quality health care.

CHI is looking for a PRN Surgical Scrub First Assistant to join our Genearl Surgery Team. 

The  Surgical (Scrub) Technician First Assistant reports to the Director/Manager of Surgical Services and works under the guidance of the surgeon and the operating room registered nurse when not performing first assistant duties. When performing first assist duties the first assistant is working directly under the supervision of a surgeon performing routine surgical duties to assist the surgeon on operative procedures in the operating room. The First Assistant consistently and collaboratively works as a resource to the department sharing their technical expertise and knowledge with other members of the health care team and serves as a preceptor and role model for others. 

What You'll Do:

In addition to fulfilling the of the job description for Surgical Tech this position will include the following: 

• Has knowledge of surgical anatomy, physiology and operative techniques related to first assisting. 
• Will meet all Surgical First Assistant competencies of department and national standards. 
• A Surgical First Assistant may engage in the practice of surgical assisting, including, but not limited to, the following: 
• Assisting in the intraoperative care of a surgical patient 
• Assists in moving and positioning patients under the direction of the physician and /or operating room registered nurse. 
• Preparing and draping the patient for the surgical procedure under the guidance of the surgeon.
• Tissue manipulation/use of instruments: consists of the handling of tissue and appropriate      selection and use of surgical instruments to assure proper treatment of tissue, decreased incidence of infections and rapid healing of the surgical site. These may include clamp, ligate, and cut tissue per surgeon’s directive
• Retraction: Provide exposure and visualization of the operative site by; retracting, suctioning, irrigating, and or sponging while preventing tissue/organ injury at the operative site. f. Assisting with hemostasis-use of surgical techniques at the operative site, which will promote adequate visual assessment of and access to the operative site; prevent blood loss, decrease operative time and promote wound healing. Techniques include; direct pressure use of chemical hemostatic agents or other measures as directed by the surgeon along with the use of electrocautery mono and bi-polar to assist the surgeon with hemostasis.
• Wound Closure: Assisting with closure of body planes, including the following: 
• Inserting running or interrupted subcutaneous sutures with absorbable or non absorbable material;
• Utilizing subcuticular closure technique with or without adhesive skin closure strips; and closing skin with method indicated by surgeon, including, but not limited to, suture and staples; Applying appropriate wound dressings; Providing assistance in securing drainage systems to tissue; Participate in preparing specimens 
• Performing other tasks during the surgical procedure delegated by and under the personal  supervision of a physician.
• Acts as a preceptor in orientation of new staff & provides frequent updates of progress throughout orientation period.
• Maintain and update self-knowledge base including clinical aspects and educational techniques, contributes to updating orientation manuals and evaluation tools. 

High School graduate or equivalent, Scrub Tech course graduation or apprenticeship completion.

Certification required upon hire:

                      Basic Life Support 

                      Certified Scrub Tech

Certification within 1 year of hire:

                      First Assistant Certification