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Care for our community, and your career.

The Surgical First Assistant (SFA) provides direct support to surgeons during operative procedures. This role involves assisting in exposure, hemostasis, closure, and other intraoperative technical functions that help the surgeon carry out a safe operation with optimal results. The SFA also plays a role in preoperative and postoperative patient care.

Key Responsibilities:

Preoperative:

• Review and prepare surgical plans and patient history.
• Prepare the surgical field and assist in positioning and prepping the patient.
• Ensure all surgical instruments and supplies are available and sterile.
• Assist in draping the surgical site.
• Communication with RN and certified surgical tech in the room the plan for the patient

Intraoperative:

• Provide adequate exposure of the operative site using retractors and other tools.
• Control bleeding by clamping, ligating, or cauterizing blood vessels.
• Handle tissues, cut sutures, and perform wound closure.
• Suction, irrigate, or sponge the operative site as needed.
• Assist with robotic, laparoscopic, and minimally invasive procedures where applicable.
• Monitor the patient’s vital signs under direction from the surgeon or anesthesiologist.

Postoperative:

• Apply surgical dressings and assist in transferring the patient to recovery.
• Ensure all instruments and materials are accounted for (sponge/instrument count).
• Document operative procedures and observations accurately.
• Participate in postoperative patient assessments and wound care.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s Degree in a healthcare-related field required.
• Graduation from an accredited Surgical First Assistant program.

Licensure/Certification (one or more):

• Certified Registered Nurse First Assistant (CRNFA) – for RNs
• Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner with surgical certification – NCCPA/NP

Experience:

• Minimum 2 years of experience in a surgical setting required
• Scrub experience a plus.

Skills and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of surgical instruments, anatomy, and aseptic technique.
• Strong clinical judgment and decision-making skills.
• Excellent manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
• Ability to stay calm and focused in high-stress situations.
• Strong verbal communication and ability to work in a team-oriented environment.

Working Conditions:

• Exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and infectious agents.
• does require long periods of standing and wearing surgical attire.
• On-call availability, including nights, weekends, and holidays, may be required.

Work Shift:

Samaritan is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.  Women, Minorities, Disabled, and Veterans are encouraged to apply.