Surgical First Assistant

Ascension • Milwaukee, WI

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Surgical First Assistant supports surgical procedures at Columbia St Mary's Milwaukee in the Surgery department. The role includes positioning patients to provide optimal surgical exposure while maintaining comfort and safety, and using stabilizing equipment when needed. The assistant provides visualization of the operative site through tissue and material manipulation, retraction, sponging, suctioning, and irrigation. Additional duties include assisting with body plane closure, applying wound dressings, securing drainage systems, and helping clean the operating room and remove soiled case carts, supplies, and trash after procedures.

Requirements

• Obtain BLS Provider certification within 1 month (30 days) of hire or job transfer; American Heart Association or American Red Cross certification is accepted.
• Meet one of the stated education and experience pathways: high school diploma equivalency with 2 years of cumulative experience; an associate's or technical degree; or 4 years of applicable cumulative job-specific experience.

Nice To Haves

• Surgical Assistant credential from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).
• Certificate from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting, or current enrollment in a program in which the certificate will be received in less than 1 year.

Responsibilities

• Position patients to provide the best exposure for the surgical procedure while maximizing comfort and safety; use stabilizing equipment when necessary.
• Provide visualization of the operative site using appropriate methods, including manipulation of tissue and materials, retraction, sponging, suctioning, and irrigation.
• Assist with body plane closure, application of wound dressings, and securing drainage systems.
• Assist with operating room cleanup and removal of the soiled case cart, supplies, and trash at the completion of a surgical case.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage, with HSA/FSA options.
• Employer-matched 403(b), financial planning and hardship resources, disability insurance, and life insurance.
• Paid time off (PTO) and holidays.
• Ascension-paid tuition through Vocare, tuition reimbursement, professional development, and online learning.
• Employee Assistance Program, counseling and peer support, spiritual care, and stress management resources.
• Parental leave, adoption assistance, and family benefits.
• Optional legal and pet insurance, transportation savings, and other benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Education Level: High school or GED