SFA 278 - Clinical Practicum I

Credits: 3

A. Complete the requirements for the six surgical rotations. A minimum of 20 cases in General Surgery, with thre remaining cases divided between a minimum of two (2) of the specialty areas below.

1. Cardiovascular surgery
2. Peripheral vascular
3. Thoracic
4. Orthopedic
5. Neurosurgery
6. Obstetrical and gynecologic surgery
7. Genitourinary surgery
8. Plastic surgery
9. General surgery
10. Endosurgery
11. Ophthalmology
12. Otorhinolaryngology
13. Oral/Maxillofacial
14. Pediatrics
15. Oncology

2. Demonstrate entry-level skills in the role of the Surgical First Assistant.

A. Review selected instruments, supplies and equipment for the operative procedure.
B. Check the patient's chart for pertinent information and communicate this to the appropriate persons.
C. Assist anesthesia personnel as requested.
D. Assist in applying external monitoring devices.
E. Assist in moving and positioning the patient for surgery.
F. Apply tourniquets as required.
G. Provide or review preparation of the surgical site (shave and wash prep).
H. Drape the patient without surgeon supervision.
I. Provide adequate visualization of the operative site.
J. Assist with temporary and permanent techniques of providing hemostasis.
K. Participate in volume replacement or autotransfusion techniques as appropriate.
L. Anticipate the moves of the surgeon and perform any and all tasks delegated and directed by the surgeon.
M. Recognize surgical hazards and emergency situations and initiate appropriate corrective action.
N. Verify specimens for laboratory examination.
O. Identify and approximate tissue planes for closure, selecting appropriate materials (e.g. sutures, staples) and techniques within guidelines directed by the surgeon.
P. Assist in applying and securing drainage systems.
Q. Assist in the selection and application of appropriate wound dressings or casting materials.
R. Transfer and transport the patient from the operating room to the recovery room, if required.
S. Assist in the development and maintenance of doctor’s preference cards, as needed.

3. Demonstrate appropriate cognitive, psychomotor and affective skills.

A. Provide a safe, efficient and supportive environment for the surgical patient.
B. Respect the patient’s inherent right to privacy, dignity and confidentiality.
C. Apply legal and ethical principles and appropriate interpersonal skills to all decisions and actions.
D. Understand the services provided by the surgeon in relation to the patient’s restoration to health and return to the community.
E. Recognize the importance of teamwork, consideration and cooperation.
F. Function efficiently and in a professional manner to provide optimum patient care.
G. Apply knowledge of normal and pathologic anatomy and physiology and of the actions of pharmacologic agents in order to individualize patient care.
H. Apply the principles of asepsis in a knowledgeable manner to provide optimum patient care.
I. Prepare and know the specific use of all equipment and supplies used for surgical procedures.
J. Demonstrate knowledge of the step-by-step progress of specific surgical procedures and display dexterity in the use of the required instrumentation.
K. Anticipate the needs of the surgeon in order to expedite the procedure, thus minimizing the patient’s exposure to surgical and anesthetic stress.
L. Develop and improve skills in the organization of work and in assisting the surgeon by using economy in time, motion and materials.
M. Identify emergency situations and use sound judgment in instituting established procedures to respond to emergencies in a calm and efficient manner.
N. Demonstrate initiative in expanding his/her knowledge of new surgical procedures and subjects relating to the operating room and to the surgical patient.
O. Understand that each practitioner is individually responsible for his/her own actions.
P. Recognize legal and policy limits of individual responsibility and practice.
Q. Relate operating room services to the total hospital environment.