First Assist

Jax Spine & Pain Centers • Jacksonville, FL

5d

About The Position

The First Assist provides intraoperative surgical assistance to the surgeon during procedures, supporting safe, efficient, high-quality patient care. The role assists with exposure, hemostasis, tissue handling, suturing, and other technical surgical tasks, and works closely with surgeons, anesthesiology staff, circulating nurses, and surgical technologists to support optimal surgical outcomes. Full-time and/or part-time availability is stated.

Responsibilities include preoperative patient preparation and positioning, reviewing surgical plans and preference cards, checking equipment and instruments, assisting during surgery, and supporting wound closure, dressing application, and patient transfer as needed. The First Assist must follow sterile techniques, infection-control standards, facility policies, regulatory requirements, safety protocols, operating-room standards, and documentation requirements. The role also collaborates with the surgical team, participates in quality-improvement and patient-safety initiatives, and may provide mentorship to surgical staff.

The work takes place in an operating room or outpatient surgical center. It involves prolonged standing and physical activity during procedures, as well as exposure to surgical equipment, bodily fluids, and sterile environments.

Requirements

• Completion of an accredited Surgical First Assistant (SFA) program, Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) qualification, or Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) qualification with First Assist certification.
• Strong knowledge of surgical anatomy and sterile technique.
• Ability to anticipate surgeon needs during complex procedures.
• Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced operating-room environment.
• Strong attention to detail and patient safety.

Nice To Haves

• CSFA (Certified Surgical First Assistant) certification.
• CRNFA (Certified Registered Nurse First Assistant) certification.
• Current BLS and/or ACLS certification.
• At least 2 years of surgical assisting experience.
• Experience with spine procedures, orthopedics, and total joint replacements.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct intraoperative assistance to the surgeon.
• Assist with exposure, retraction, suctioning, and maintaining a clear surgical field.
• Perform suturing, ligation, cauterization, and surgical incision closure as directed by the surgeon.
• Assist with placement of surgical implants, instrumentation, and specialized equipment.
• Manage tissue and implant handling during procedures.
• Anticipate surgeon needs and ensure appropriate instruments and supplies are available.
• Participate in preoperative patient preparation and positioning.
• Review surgical plans and preference cards to ensure readiness for procedures.
• Ensure surgical equipment and instruments are available and functioning properly.
• Assist with wound closure and dressing application.
• Participate in patient transfer if needed.
• Maintain sterile technique and adhere to infection-control standards.
• Follow facility policies, regulatory requirements, safety protocols, operating-room standards, and documentation requirements.
• Collaborate with surgeons, operating-room nurses, anesthesia staff, and surgical technologists.
• Participate in quality-improvement initiatives and patient-safety programs.
• Provide support and mentorship to surgical staff when needed.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: No Education Listed