Certified Surgical 1st Assist
Come work where we specialize in you! We have nearly 2,000 reasons for you to consider a career with Prevea Health—they're our employees. We're an organization that values kindness, responsibility, inclusivity, wellness and inspiration. At Prevea, we provide continuous education, training and support so every member of the team contributes to our success. Together we are the best place to get care and the best place to give care.
Job Summary
At Prevea Health, the Certified Surgical First Assist is responsible for providing comprehensive perioperative surgical assistance through mastery of aseptic technique, advanced technical skills, and patient-centered care to support the surgeon in delivering safe, efficient procedures with optimal patient outcomes.
What you will do
. Provides direct assistance to the surgeon during procedures, including retraction, suctioning, irrigation, hemostasis, suturing, stapling, vessel ligation, drain placement, and application of dressings according to physician direction.
. Maintains sterile technique throughout all phases of surgery; monitors surgical field, instruments, and supplies to ensure sterility and readiness.
. Prepares the operating room and patient for surgery by verifying equipment, implants, diagnostic studies, and surgeon preferences; ensures proper patient identification, positioning, padding, skin preparation, and adherence to safety protocols including time-outs and universal precautions.
. Assists with patient transfer, evaluates postoperative skin integrity, documents findings, and ensures continuity of care during transition to post-operative units.
. Operates and troubleshoots specialty surgical equipment and technology, including radiology-compatible equipment, sterilization systems, and electronic medical record tools.
. Receives, relays, and authenticates physician orders (excluding medications); coordinates with surgical staff to support efficient scheduling and on-time case flow.
. Performs designated emergency actions, including CPR, and responds promptly to anesthesia or circulating nurse concerns to support patient stability and procedural integrity.
. Serves as a technical resource and preceptor for staff, and orientees; supports adoption of new procedures, equipment, and surgeon preferences.
Education Qualifications
. Graduate from an accredited Surgical Assistant or Nursing (BSN, ADN or LPN) program. Required
Experience Qualifications
. 2 years as a scrub technologist or perioperative nurse in an acute care setting, with demonstrated proficiency across multiple surgical specialties. Experience in robotic-assisted surgery (da Vinci), orthopedics, or general surgery. Preferred
Skills and Abilities
.
. Ability to work in a fast paced environment
. Creates a safe work environment for self, others, and patients by complying with Safety
. Functions effectively in emergency situations and when under stress. Remains calm and follows directions
. Knows and properly applies principles of the Exposure Control Plan
. Proactive in recognizing and reporting safety hazards.
. Must display excellent teamwork
. Possess critical thinking skills to effectively solve problems
. Excellent written and verbal communication
Licenses and Certifications
. Currently certified as a Certified First Assistant (CFA) through National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) Upon Hire Required
. CPR/Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers certification from approved program. Upon Hire Required
Physical Demands
. Sit - Frequently
. Stand - Frequently
. Walk - Occasionally
. Drive - Rarely
. Climb (Stairs/Ladders) - Rarely
. Bend (Neck) - Occasionally
. Bend (Waist) - Rarely
. Squat - Rarely
. Twist/Turn (Neck) - Occasionally
. Twist/Turn(Waist) - Frequently
. Lift/Carry 0-10 lbs. - Constantly
. Lift/Carry 11-25 lbs. - Frequently
. Lift/Carry 26-35 lbs. - Occasionally
. Lift/Carry 36-50 lbs. - Occasionally
. Lift/Carry 51-75 lbs. - with assistance only - Occasionally
. Push/Pull up to 10 lbs. - Occasionally
. Push/Pull 11-25 lbs. - Occasionally
. Push/Pull 26-35 lbs. - Occasionally
. Push/Pull 36-50 lbs. - Occasionally
. Push/Pull 51-75 lbs. - Occasionally
. Push/Pull 76-100 lbs. - Rarely
. Push/Pull > 100 lbs. - Rarely
. Reach (Above shoulder level) - Rarely
. Reach (Below shoulder level) - Constantly
. Simple Grasping (Hands/Arms) - Constantly
. Fine Manipulation (Hands/Arms) - Constantly
. Gross Manipulation (Hands/Arms) - Constantly
Working Conditions
. Extreme cold - Rarely
. Extreme heat - Rarely
. Humidity - Rarely
. Wet - Rarely
. Noise - Occasionally
. Hazards - Occasionally
Travel Requirements
. 5%
Hearing Requirements
. Hears Whispers < 3 feet - Constantly
. Hears Whispers 3-8 feet - Constantly
Vision Requirements
. Color Discrimination - Constantly
. Near Vision (Correctable to Jaeger 2 or 20/40 binocular) - Constantly
. Distance Vision (Correctable to Snellen chart 20/40 binocular) - Constantly
Prevea is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United State and to complete the required employment eligibility document form upon hire. Prevea participates in E-verify. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify
