A Note From the Program Director 

Welcome to the first issue of SFA Connections, NIFA's new, monthly newsletter for surgical technologists and certified first assistants.

We are so proud that the NIFA Surgical Assistant Program (SA250) has received nationally recognized CAAHEP accreditation.*

With that educational vehicle and through this monthly e-News, I hope to build a community. A community of qualified, well trained, certified first assistants, actively making a difference in this industry and collectively helping our national association meet the needs of practitioners nationwide... which brings me to the topic of my first letter to you: "Hang Together."

Hang Together 

At the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Benjamin Franklin was quoted as saying "We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately."

Now I know that our futures as Surgical Assistants aren't quite as dangerous as those of the patriots, but I believe there is a profound message for all of us working in this expanded role of SA at the table today.

I was recently at the 40th Annual Conference of the Association of Surgical Technologists and during a forum for Surgical Assistants the subject of creating one Association that would bring together all the four different certification bodies was discussed (click here to read a follow-up article). I too, fully believe that all Surgical Assistants need to stand together and stand up for the respect and compensation that we all deserve as specialty trained OR professionals.

Regardless of whether the assisting professional is a CFA, CSA, AS-C , SA-C or assisting MD, every patient going into surgery deserves a qualified, well trained first assistant working alongside their surgeon.

A few years ago in Washington, D.C., during a lobby day, I was with a group of Surgical Assistants meeting with the people in the House of Representatives and the Senate and these legislators didn't even have an idea of what an assistant in surgery was, nor who we were. Worse than that, today in many areas, even healthcare workers have no idea what a Surgical Assistant is, how we are trained, or what we do. We need to work together to change this.
 
There is strength in numbers. Rather than operating as a bunch of loosely organized groups, I believe we will only get the recognition we need if we all stand together as one, with one voice. The time has come for the healthcare industry, the insurance industry, and the public at large to know who we are and what we do. I urge all Surgical Assistants to talk with their peers and let's try to work together toward this purpose. Let's all hang together.

Student Profile

Name: Alice Williams
City & State: Colorado Springs, CO
Credentials: CST
Current student or graduate: Current student in NIFA's SA 250 Program.
Current Job: I am doing some first assisting now - trying to get my hours so I can sit for my exam. I work with a surgical group that does all kinds of surgery except heart and neuro.
Previous Jobs: I've been a CST for 15 years and have worked in a number of hospitals in Maine and Colorado, with extensive work in orthopedics.
Quote: I think the most important thing is just to be a team player and help other people out. Don't forget the CST that you used to be and walk away from them at the end of the case - give them a hand. They really appreciate it. Be professional and always take your time and do a good job.
 

SFA Tips

Have you ever wondered which cases always need a First Assistant at Surgery?
 
The American College of Surgeons (ACS) surveyed 22 medical specialty associations to develop a report on the need for a "physician" as a first assistant at surgery. It's called "Physicians as Assistants at Surgery, 2007 Study," and it's available online. Even though this document refers to "physicians," the ACS also considers properly credentialed SAs to be capable assistants at surgery.

The 185-page PDF lists all procedures included in the "Surgery" section of the AMA's Current Procedural Terminology (CPT TM) 2007, with the consensus from those surveyed as to whether that procedure requires a "physician" as First Assistant "almost always," "sometimes," or "almost never."  

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this newsletter are strictly those of their respective authors and do not necessarily represent the views of NIFA. NIFA does not give any express or implied warranty as to the accuracy of statements made by our contributors and does not accept any liability for error or omission. It is the responsibility of all OR personnel to work within and adhere to their facility bylaws and individual state scope of practice.    

The National Institute for First Assisting (NIFA) is the nation's leader of distance learning First Assistant programs. NIFA's new SA250 Surgical First Assistant program is CAAHEP accredited and prepares Surgical Assistants for the role of Certified First Assistant.