Surgical Tech First Assist

Community Health Systems Professional Services Corporation•Powell, TN

About The Position

The Surgical Technician First Assist provides direct support to surgeons during surgical procedures, helping ensure efficient operative and invasive procedures. The role maintains the sterile field, supplies instruments and materials, and assists with critical surgical tasks, including patient positioning, tissue retraction, bleeding control, suturing, and dressing application. The position 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.
CST — Certified Surgical Technologist.
Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) through NBSTSA or Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) through NSAA.
BCLS — Basic Life Support.
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 for collaboration 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.

Nice To Haves

ACLS — Advanced Cardiac Life Support.

Responsibilities

Function as a scrub person during surgical procedures by preparing and organizing sterile supplies and instruments, maintaining an organized sterile field, and providing instruments and supplies to the surgical team.
Perform first-assistant duties, providing exposure through instrument handling, retractors, suctioning, and sponging as directed by the surgeon.
Handle and dissect tissues, clamp blood vessels, coagulate bleeding points, and place drains as instructed by the surgeon.
Assist with wound closure, including suturing subcutaneous layers and skin, applying staples, and dressing surgical sites per surgeon instructions.
Maintain sterility and safety standards, conduct counting procedures with the RN circulator, follow infection-control protocols, and take corrective action when needed.
Prepare and transport surgical instruments for decontamination, ensuring proper handling and sterilization for future use.
Assist with post-procedure room turnover by ensuring procedural areas are cleaned and prepared for subsequent surgeries.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Maintain regular and reliable attendance.
Comply with all policies and standards.