CERTIFIED SURGICAL ASSISTANT

UHS•Washington, DC

About The Position

Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center is seeking an experienced, full-time Surgical Assistant. The Surgical Assistant is a highly skilled member of the perioperative team who provides direct assistance to surgeons during operative and invasive procedures. Under the surgeon’s direction, the role supports safe, effective, and efficient surgical care through exposure, hemostasis, tissue handling, wound closure, and other technical functions. The position also supports patient care before, during, and after surgery while maintaining a sterile environment and following regulatory, safety, and infection-prevention standards. Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center GW Health is a new full-service hospital in Washington, DC. Its integrated care network includes community providers, Federally Qualified Health Centers, The George Washington University Hospital, and an Urgent Care Center in Ward 8. The hospital has 136 beds, with capacity to expand to 184, a verified trauma center, adult and pediatric emergency departments, maternal health and newborn delivery services, an ambulatory pavilion, a parking garage, and a helipad. The employer describes a challenging and rewarding work environment, competitive compensation, generous paid time off, medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans, a 401(k) with company match, a discounted stock plan, student loan refinancing, and career development opportunities within UHS and its subsidiaries.

Requirements

Graduate of an accredited Surgical Assistant program, Surgical First Assistant program, or equivalent healthcare training program.
Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA), Certified First Assistant (CFA), Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA), or equivalent certification required.
Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.

Nice To Haves

Associate or bachelor’s degree in a healthcare-related field preferred.
At least one year of experience as a Surgical Assistant, Surgical Technologist, or in a related perioperative role preferred.
Experience assisting in a variety of surgical specialties preferred.
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) preferred.

Responsibilities

Prepare and organize the operating room, ensuring required instruments, equipment, supplies, and implants are available and functioning.
Review surgical schedules, patient information, and procedure requirements to ensure readiness.
Assist with patient positioning, skin preparation, draping, and safety measures.
Verify the surgical site, procedure, and patient identification in accordance with hospital policies and Universal Protocol.
Provide direct surgical assistance to the operating surgeon during procedures.
Handle surgical instruments and equipment as directed by the surgeon.
Retract tissues, organs, and structures to maintain visualization of the operative field.
Assist with hemostasis through clamping, ligating, cauterization, and other approved techniques.
Perform wound closure, including suturing, stapling, and dressing application, as permitted by training and credentialing.
Maintain sterile technique and comply with infection-prevention practices.
Collaborate with surgeons, anesthesia providers, nurses, and surgical technologists to facilitate case preparation.
Participate in quality improvement, patient safety, and infection control initiatives.
Comply with hospital policies, accreditation standards, and regulatory requirements.
Assist in emergency procedures and trauma cases as needed.
Support orientation and training of new staff and students when appropriate.
Maintain professional competency through continuing education and certification requirements.