CERTIFIED SURGICAL ASSISTANT

About the Role

The Surgical Assistant is a highly skilled member of the perioperative team who provides direct assistance to surgeons during operative and invasive procedures. Working under the direction of the surgeon, the Surgical Assistant facilitates safe, effective, and efficient surgical care by assisting with exposure, hemostasis, tissue handling, wound closure, and other technical functions. This role also supports patient care activities before, during, and after surgery while maintaining a sterile environment and adhering to all regulatory, safety, and infection prevention standards.

Job Duties/Responsibilities

• Prepare and organize the operating room, ensuring all necessary instruments, equipment, supplies, and implants are available and functioning properly.
• Review surgical schedules, patient information, and procedure requirements to ensure readiness.
• Assist with patient positioning, skin preparation, draping, and application of safety measures.
• Verify surgical site, procedure, and patient identification in accordance with hospital policies and Universal Protocol.
• Provide direct surgical assistance to the operating surgeon during procedures.
• Handle surgical instruments and equipment as directed by the surgeon.
• Retract tissues, organs, and structures to maintain optimal visualization of the operative field.
• Assist with achieving hemostasis through clamping, ligating, cauterization, and other approved techniques.
• Perform wound closure, including suturing, stapling, and dressing application as permitted by training and credentialing.
• Maintain sterile technique and ensure compliance with infection prevention practices.
• Collaborate with surgeons, anesthesia providers, nurses, and surgical technologists to facilitate efficient case preparation.
• Participate in quality improvement, patient safety, and infection control initiatives.
• Maintain compliance with hospital policies, accreditation standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Assist in emergency procedures and trauma cases as needed.
• Support orientation and training of new staff and students when appropriate.
• Maintain professional competency through continuing education and certification requirements.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited Surgical Assistant program, Surgical First Assistant program, or equivalent healthcare training program required.
• Associate or bachelor's degree in a healthcare-related field preferred.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience as a Surgical Assistant, Surgical Technologist, or related perioperative role preferred.
• Experience assisting in a variety of surgical specialties is preferred.
• Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA), Certified First Assistant (CFA), Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA), or equivalent certification required.
• Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.
• Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) preferred.