Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) | Operating Room

Meritus Health•Hagerstown, MD

9h•$33 - $49•Onsite

About The Position

The Surgical First Assistant plays a vital hands-on role in supporting safe, efficient, and high-quality surgical care. Under the general direction of the Clinical Manager and the direct supervision of the Registered Nurse, this position works as part of the intra-operative team to assist the surgeon throughout the procedure. The First Assistant provides technical expertise in exposure, hemostasis, closure, and other intraoperative functions to ensure a safe and effective surgical experience. This role requires strong clinical judgment, advanced technical skill, and the ability to respond effectively in high-pressure situations. The Surgical First Assistant must maintain age-specific competencies and complete all Medical Staff Office credentialing requirements.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required
Completion of a degree or program related to appropriate licensure or certification required
Minimum of four (4) years of experience as a Surgical Technician in an acute care setting required
Applicants for initial appointment must demonstrate adequate clinical experience as a CSA or CSFA within the past 12 months
Current certification as a CSFA by one of the following required: National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA), National Commission for the Certification of Surgical Assistants (NCCSA), or National Surgical Assistant Association (NSAA)
Current BLS (CPR) certification required
Ability to perform effectively in stressful and emergency situations
Strong situational awareness and ability to recognize safety hazards
Ability to initiate appropriate preventive and corrective actions
Excellent teamwork, communication, and clinical judgment

Responsibilities

Assist the surgeon with hands-on intraoperative tasks including exposure, hemostasis, and wound closure
Perform technical functions during surgery under the direction and supervision of the surgeon
Support safe and efficient patient care throughout the intra-operative phase
Demonstrate competence in age-specific clinical practice
Maintain readiness and compliance with Medical Staff Office credentialing requirements
Collaborate with the surgical team to ensure a safe, sterile, and efficient operative environment
Recognize safety hazards and initiate appropriate preventive or corrective actions
Perform effectively in stressful, emergent, or rapidly changing clinical situations