Surgical Technician First Assist (Certified)

Community Health Systems Professional Services Corporation•Milton, FL

About The Position

The Surgical Technician First Assist provides direct support to surgeons during surgical procedures. The role helps ensure efficient operative and invasive procedures by maintaining the sterile field, supplying instruments and materials, and assisting with critical surgical tasks. Duties include patient positioning, tissue retraction, bleeding control, suturing, and applying dressings. The position collaborates with surgeons, nurses, and other surgical team members to support patient outcomes and post-operative care. The Surgical Technician First Assist also prepares and organizes sterile supplies, follows sterility and infection-control procedures, assists with instrument decontamination and room turnover, and maintains compliance with applicable policies and standards. Regular and reliable attendance is required.

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

Function as a scrub person during surgical procedures by preparing and organizing sterile supplies and instruments, maintaining the sterile field, and supplying the surgical team with needed instruments and materials.
Perform first-assistant duties, including providing exposure using instruments, 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 according to surgeon instructions.
Maintain sterility and safety standards, complete 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.