GENERAL SUMMARY The Surgical First Assist (SFA) is a highly skilled, clinically proficient professional who works directly under the supervision of the attending surgeon to provide advanced intraoperative support. This role extends beyond traditional assisting - it requires a forward-thinking mindset focused on innovation, efficiency, and collaboration across the surgical continuum. The SFA serves as a key resource in developing and implementing process improvements, integrating new technologies, and advancing surgical outcomes. Clinical skills performed under direct supervision of the surgeon include but are not limited to: incision, dissection, clamping, cutting, tying, providing hemostasis, insertion of laparoscopic ports, and closure of body planes & skin.
The SFA collaborates closely with all surgical team members to facilitate through-put and optimize safe patient care. They may function in the scrub role for a variety of surgical procedures as needed.
III. DESCRIPTION A. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESKey ResponsibilitiesClinical Excellence & Intraoperative Support• Performs all functions of a Surgical First Assist including exposure, hemostasis, suturing, tissue handling, and wound closure under the surgeon's direction.
• Anticipates surgeon needs throughout each procedure, ensuring instruments, supplies, and devices are ready for immediate use.
• Maintains sterile technique and ensures patient safety and positioning integrity at all times.
• Proactively identifies opportunities to improve case efficiency and instrument utilization.
Innovation & Process Improvement• Collaborates with surgical leadership and vendors to trial new technologies, instruments, and minimally invasive techniques.
• Participates in multidisciplinary performance improvement initiatives, including reduction of turnover times, standardization of instrument trays, and cost-efficiency efforts.
• Contributes to digital documentation workflows, assisting in implementing systems that optimize case tracking, inventory, and data analytics.
• Provides feedback on new devices or methods that enhance precision and patient outcomes.
Education, Mentorship & Leadership• Serves as a clinical mentor to surgical technologists, residents, and nursing staff.
• Participates in orientation and education of new team members and cross-trained staff.
• Engages in continuing education to stay current on advancements in surgical techniques and perioperative best practices.
• Promotes a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and patient-centered innovation
Collaboration & Teamwork• Partners with surgeons, anesthesia providers, and perioperative staff to coordinate and execute high-quality surgical care.
• Assists in the preparation for surgical cases, assuring that supplies, equipment and instruments are available and in working order prior to the start of each case.
• Assists the surgical team in the transport, transfer and positioning of patients in the operating room.
• Participates in pre-op briefings and post-op debriefings to evaluate case flow and identify improvement opportunities.
• Assists in maintaining supply and equipment inventory.
• Communicates proactively and professionally across the care team to ensure seamless patient experiences.
• On-call duties as scheduled.
• Other duties as assigned.
B. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIESQualifications• Certified Surgical First Assist (CSFA), Certified First Assistant (CFA), or Physician Assistant (PA-C) / RNFA credential required.
• Minimum 3-5 years of surgical experience; advanced proficiency in multiple specialties preferred (e.g., Orthopedic, Neurosurgery, General, or Robotics).
• Strong understanding of sterile technique, surgical instrumentation, and anatomy.
• Demonstrated ability to integrate technology and process improvement into practice.
• Excellent problem-solving, critical thinking, and interpersonal communication skills.
Preferred Attributes• Passionate about surgical innovation, data-driven improvement, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Actively participates in surgical committees, vendor evaluations, or technology trials.
• Forward-thinking, self-directed, and capable of balancing clinical precision with creativity.
• Experienced in EMR documentation, efficiency dashboards, or digital workflow initiatives
Performance Metrics• Case efficiency and surgeon satisfaction scores.
• Reduction in intraoperative delays and supply waste.
• Participation in innovation or quality improvement projects.
• Contribution to staff development and cross-training success rates.
IV. Ensures that care is provided for all patients utilizing the attributes of:• Unconditional love
• Trustworthy collaboration
• Health Education
• Contagious calm
• Perfect skill in fostering safety and comfort
• Creation of a restorative environment
• Cares for self
• Watchfulness
• Power derived from service
• Participatory - authoritative management
V. EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE• Certified Surgical First Assist (CSFA), Certified First Assistant (CFA), or Physician Assistant (PA-C) / RNFA credential required.
• Minimum 3-5 years of surgical experience; advanced proficiency in multiple specialties preferred (e.g., Orthopedic, Neurosurgery, General, or Robotics).
Benefits:- Paid Sick Time - effective 90 days after employment
- Paid Vacation Time - effective 90 days after employment
- Health, vision & dental benefits - eligible at 30 days, following the 1st of the following month
- Short and long-term disability and basic life insurance - after 30 days of employment
