Surgical First Assist Cardiothoracic

Primary City/State:

Tucson, Arizona

Department Name:

Surgery-Cardio/Thoracic-Clinic

Work Shift:

Day

Job Category:

Clinical Care

At Banner University Medical Center, there will be exciting opportunities to be a part of the health care transformation. We are known nationally as an innovative leader in new health care models and are on the cutting edge of medical advances. You will work alongside a group of dedicated physicians and staff that perform some of the most state-of-the-art procedures that exist anywhere in the country.

Banner Health is seeking a Cardiac Surgical First Assist to join our elite cardiothoracic surgical team, where you will play a critical role in life-saving procedures including CABG, valve replacements, and heart and lung transplantations. In this dynamic position, you will demonstrate your expertise through endoscopic vein and radial artery harvesting, multi-level surgical site closures, and the establishment of bypass pump lines — all while working alongside some of the most talented surgeons in the field. You will be empowered to anticipate surgical needs, maintain hemostasis, and apply advanced techniques that directly contribute to exceptional patient outcomes. Beyond the operating room, you will extend your impact through meaningful preoperative and postoperative patient care, ensuring a seamless and safe surgical experience from start to finish. If you are passionate about precision, thrive in high-stakes environments, and are committed to delivering timely, effective, and equitable care, this is the opportunity you have been waiting for. Join Banner Health and be part of a team that is redefining the future of cardiothoracic surgery — where your skills truly save lives every single day.

Location

1625 N Campbell Ave

Tucson, AZ

Schedule

Monday - Friday 7a to 5p, with some nights and weekends

Banner University Medical Group is our nonprofit faculty practice plan associated with the University of Arizona Colleges of Medicine in Phoenix and Tucson. Our 1,100-plus clinicians provide primary and specialty care to patients at highly ranked Banner - University Medical Centers and dozens of clinics while providing mentorship to more than 1,200 residents and fellows. Our practice values and encourages the three-part mission of academic medicine: research, education and excellent patient care.

POSITION SUMMARY
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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
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.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
 

Additional related education and/or experience preferred.

EEO Statement:

EEO/Disabled/Veterans

Our organization supports a drug-free work environment.

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