First Assist

Surgical First Assistant | Bluegrass Specialty Surgery Center

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Surgical First Assistant to join our Bluegrass Specialty Surgery Center surgical team. This position plays an important role in supporting safe, efficient surgical procedures and delivering an excellent experience for both patients and physicians.

The Surgical First Assistant functions as a sterile member of the operating room team and works closely with surgeons, registered nurses, anesthesia providers, and other clinical team members before, during, and after surgical procedures.

What You Will Do

- Prepare the operating room, instruments, equipment, and supplies for scheduled procedures based on surgeon preference cards

- Assist with patient positioning, preparation, and draping while maintaining proper sterile technique

- Assist the surgeon during procedures by passing instruments and supplies, holding retractors, cutting sutures, and supporting visualization of the surgical field

- Assist with hemostasis, including application of direct pressure and other approved techniques to control bleeding

- Place clamps and sutures and assist with skin closure using sutures, staples, adhesives, or other approved methods

- Assist with suction, drainage, and irrigation during procedures

- Assist with splint and cast application as appropriate

- Maintain accurate counts and availability of instruments, needles, sponges, and supplies throughout procedures

- Identify and communicate any break in sterile technique and take appropriate action according to facility procedures

- Assist with the handling and labeling of surgical specimens

- Maintain accurate instrument sets, trays, and surgeon preference cards

- Support efficient operating room turnover and help ensure surgical rooms remain prepared and on schedule

- Document patient care information as required and under the direction of the Registered Nurse

- Communicate changes in patient status promptly to the Registered Nurse

- Properly handle, clean, and care for surgical instruments and equipment

- Assist with stocking and maintaining adequate operating room supplies

- Cross train and assist with central processing functions, including instrument decontamination, sterile preparation, and autoclaving

- Work collaboratively with the entire surgery center team to support excellent patient care, physician satisfaction, and efficient case flow

Qualifications

What We Are Looking For

Required Qualifications

- High school diploma or GED

- Completion of an accredited surgical technician program

- Operating room experience

- Strong clinical judgment, attention to detail, and commitment to patient safety

- Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary surgical team

- Strong verbal and written communication skills

- Ability to make sound decisions and solve problems in a fast paced clinical environment

- Commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and patient care

- Graduates of CAAHEP accredited programs should obtain appropriate CSA or CFA certification

Preferred Qualifications

- Two or more years of operating room experience

- Previous ambulatory surgery center experience

What Makes Someone Successful in This Role

The successful Surgical First Assistant is dependable, organized, detail oriented, and comfortable working with limited supervision. You should be able to anticipate the needs of the surgical team, respond quickly to changing circumstances, and consistently maintain sterile technique and patient safety standards.

If you are an experienced surgical professional who enjoys working closely with physicians and clinical teams in a fast paced surgical environment, we would welcome the opportunity to speak with you.