Certified Surgical First Assist

Community Health Systems•Lufkin, TX

17h

About The Position

The Surgical Technician First Assist provides direct support to surgeons during surgical procedures to ensure efficient operative and invasive procedures. The role maintains the sterile field, provides instruments and supplies, and assists with critical surgical tasks. Responsibilities include positioning patients, retracting tissues, controlling bleeding, suturing, and applying dressings. The First Assist collaborates with surgeons, nurses, and other surgical team members to support patient outcomes and post-operative care.

Requirements

1–3 years of experience as a Surgical Technician or First Assist in an acute care setting.
Proficiency in surgical techniques, aseptic principles, and sterile-field maintenance.
Strong knowledge of surgical anatomy, instrumentation, and procedural workflows.
Ability to anticipate surgeon needs and respond quickly to intraoperative changes.
Strong attention to detail in surgical counting procedures, patient positioning, and procedural safety.
Effective communication and teamwork skills to collaborate with surgeons, nurses, and anesthesia providers.
Knowledge of infection-control standards, regulatory compliance, and patient-safety guidelines.
Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure surgical environment with composure and professionalism.
CST - Certified Surgical Technologist certification required.
Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) through NBSTSA or Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) through NSAA required.
BCLS - Basic Life Support certification required.

Nice To Haves

ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support certification preferred.

Responsibilities

Functions as a scrub person by preparing and organizing sterile supplies and instruments, maintaining the sterile field, and providing instruments and supplies to the surgical team.
Provides first-assistant support through instrument handling, use of retractors, suctioning, and sponging as directed by the surgeon.
Handles and dissects tissues, clamps blood vessels, coagulates bleeding points, and places drains as instructed by the surgeon.
Assists with wound closure, including suturing subcutaneous layers and skin, applying staples, and dressing surgical sites according to surgeon instructions.
Ensures sterility and safety by conducting counting procedures with the RN circulator, following infection-control protocols, and taking corrective action when needed.
Prepares and transports surgical instruments for decontamination, ensuring proper handling and sterilization for future use.
Assists with post-procedure room turnover, cleaning and preparing procedural areas for subsequent surgeries.
Performs other duties as assigned.
Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
Complies with all policies and standards.