Detailed job description and main responsibilities

KEY DUTIES

• To assess, plan, implement and evaluate specialist treatment and care to patients; promoting independence and autonomy; working within a multi-disciplinary team.
• To provide highly specialised surgical assistance in all aspects of general surgery to Consultant Surgeons and junior medical staff in the operating theatres
• To understand advanced surgical techniques and make professional and clinical decisions for which the surgical first assistant is accountableTo have an advanced knowledge of anatomy and physiology 
• To have an advanced knowledge of current elective and emergency surgical techniques and equipment required to achieve the optimal outcomes in surgery
• To understand the principles of surgical technique required for Laparoscopic and open surgery
• Assist with the co-ordination and smooth running of the operating sessions by liaising with theatre and other personnel as appropriate
• To assist in the development of new equipment for surgery and the maintenance of such equipment in conjunction with theatre personnel
• To ensure patients are aware of your involvement in their care by visiting them pre and post operatively
• Advance own clinical knowledge, skill and competence based on current evidence through advanced educational programmes
• Provide highly specialist advice to others regarding the management and care of patients/service users
• To demonstrate clinical effectiveness by use of evidence-based practice and outcome measures.
• Recognise, assess and manage risk across the immediate and wider working environment and make appropriate decision autonomously ensuring statutory requirements are met.
• Attend and actively participate in team meetings.

CLINICAL & PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Under supervision, the SFA will competently and safely carry out skilled procedures within the role when assisting the Surgeon in the operating department. The post holder is expected to have successfully completed a recognised SFA course and will have the following responsibilities:
• Enhance the communication link between theatre, patient and ward       including pre-operative assessment and post-operative evaluation.
• Assist with the patients’ positioning, including tissue viability assessment.
• Assist with skin preparation and draping prior to surgery.
• Assist with skin and tissue retraction.
• Handling of tissue and manipulation of organs for exposure of access.
• Undertake male/female catheterisation.
• Cut sutures and ties.
• Assisting with haemostasis in order to secure and maintain a clear operating field including indirect use of electrocautery under supervision and use of suction.
• Camera holding for minimal invasive assess surgery.
• Assist with wound closure and application of dressings
• Transfer of patient to recovery
• Knot tying
• Superficial wound closure – Suture/Skin Glue/Skin Clips
• Securing Drains
• Direct Diathermisation
• Wound Infiltration with Local Anaesthetic when prescribed
• Ensure that clinical practice and the development of clinical guidelines adhere to the guidelines produced by regulatory bodies.
• Ensure the dissemination of national and local policy and strategy for nursing and theatre practitioners.
• Facilitate the local nursing strategy, skills and practice in line with national and local policy.
• Report issues regarding poor practice and address poor performance of colleagues in partnership with the lead nurse.
• Report clinical incidents and provide specialist advice to the lead nurse during investigation of clinical incidents.
• To ensure the privacy and dignity of patients is paramount and not compromised.
• To ensure the security and confidentiality of patient information according to Caldicott Guardian guidelines and data protection.
• To ensure that all records are managed in accordance with good record keeping guidelines (NMC/HPC).
• Contribute to professional regulation of nurses and theatre practitioners by monitoring practice and facilitating the achievement of personal development plans in liaison with the MDT.
• Identify and act appropriately regarding incidents of poor practice through clinical supervision, clinical incident reporting, audit and research.
• Develop strong clinical relationships with core professionals to ensure the appropriate development of clinical practice, such as consultants, theatre practitioners and general practitioners.
• Maintain and advance their own clinical skills as appropriate, identified through clinical supervision and personal development plan.
• Undertake annual appraisal of the role and function with the lead nurse and clinical director to ensure the role remains dynamic and sensitive to the needs of service users.
• Responsible for the safe and effective use of resources.
• Develop the skills to manage self and others to ensure that the service is covered including provision made for sickness, absence and annual leave.
• Work as part of the multidisciplinary team in specified surgery contributing to team working and harmonious working relationships.

ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Recording of operating notes to include surgery performed post-operative instructions and follow up referral requests including clinics.

LINE MANAGEMENT/SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Co-ordinate and liaise with theatre staff and other disciplines on patient care and theatre preparation for each procedure
• Promote effective communication methods and ensure good communication throughout the surgical team and with theatre staff
• Help create and maintain positive working relationships with surgical team colleagues and all members of the multi-disciplinary team
• Effectively utilise time management skills to address service needs
• Utilise/develop change management skills to promote efficient/effective change/developments within the service
• Ensure Trust policies and Directorate and Theatre protocols are adhered to
• Ensure safety for patients, staff and self in accordance with Health & Safety at Work Act and COSHH Regulations and accurately record and report any accidents or incidents
• To be aware of the Date Protection Act and maintain patient confidentiality as well as maintaining the patients privacy and dignity, whilst ensuring at all times that record keeping is of the highest standard

TEACHING & TRAINING RESPONSIBILITIES

• Participate in clinical audit and research as required.
• Participate in the training and education of students of nursing, medicine and theatre practitioners.
• Ensure that clinical practice is supported by the NMC/HPC codes of professional conduct.
• Represent the trust at professional and academic forum on their specialist area.
• Ensure appropriate responses to national and local guidelines such as NICE.
• Completion of patient documentation for clinical and audit purposes.
• Attending audit meetings as appropriate.
• Assist in research projects within General Surgery as appropriate.
• To maintain and increase surgical knowledge and techniques by attending appropriate training courses and meetings
• Teach other health professionals in the theatre regarding laparoscopic surgery
• Ensure personal and professional development through commitment to lifelong learning

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

• Be aware of budgetary implications when ordering and using stores/equipment

RESEARCH & AUDIT

• Demonstrate a commitment to the values of research within the clinical practice
• Undertake clinical audit as required to demonstrate the impact of the advanced practitioner role
• Record audit information in a timely, reliable and accurate manner
• Utilise audit and audit results to identify areas for improvement and initiate change
• Share new knowledge