CERTIFIED SURGICAL FIRST ASSIST

CP02 Carilion New River Valley Medical Center; Christiansburg (VA); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Pension plan

PTO from day one

On-site fitness

Virgin Pulse app

Childcare discounts

Education opportunities

Job summary

Carilion New River Valley Medical Center in Christiansburg, VA seeks a Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSA) for a full‑time role in the operating room. The CSA supports the surgeon with instrument passing, retraction, suturing, dressing and perioperative care under supervision.

Qualified candidates should graduate from a CAAHEP‑accredited Surgical Assistant Program and hold VA certification. The position offers comprehensive benefits with a focus on patient safety and teamwork in a busy OR.

Qualifications

• Graduate of a CAAHEP accredited Surgical Assistant Program.
• Licensed or certified as Surgical Assistant in VA.
• Knowledge of instrumentation and safe instrument passing.
• Experience with local anesthesia, Foley catheter maintenance, and wound care.

Responsibilities

• Assist with equipment selection and OR setup.
• Maintain sterile field and assist team.
• Provide retraction, cauterization, suturing and closure.
• Instill medications, apply dressings, splints, and casts.
• Administer local anesthetics and Foley catheters/drains.
• Perform surgical counts and use DPCs with CTL assistance.
• Deliver high-quality patient care in perioperative period.
• Access radiographic images in the EMR.

Skills

Surgical assistance

Sterile technique

Team collaboration

Patient care

Education

CAAHEP accredited Surgical Assistant Program

Tools

EMR access

Job description

Role Overview

The Certified Surgical First Assist (CSA) is a full‑time position in the operating room where the assistant anticipates the needs of the surgical team. Duties include assisting the surgeon with equipment selection, set‑up, instrument passing, retraction, cauterization, suturing, closure, medication instillation, dressing, casting, etc. The CSA maintains patient confidentiality, operates within the scope of practice set by the Commission of Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), and functions under direct supervision of the surgeon.

Responsibilities

• Assist with selection of equipment and set‑up of surgical tables, positioning of equipment.
• Maintain the sterile field and assure team members do the same.
• Provide retraction, cauterization of bleeding vessels, suturing and closure of incisions.
• Instill medications, apply surgical dressings, splints, and casts.
• Administer local anesthetics and maintain Foley catheters and drains.
• Participate in surgical counts per policy.
• Apply deep ligatures, clips, and occluders.
• Access radiographic images in the EMR.
• Administer or maintain appropriate Foleys/ drains and supplies.
• Deliver high‑quality customer service and patient care throughout the perioperative period.
• Deliver technical first assistance to the surgeon in the OR and perform changes to DPCs with assistance from CTL.
• Use critical thinking and delegation skills to provide quality service through a team‑oriented, collaborative approach.

Qualifications

• Graduate of a Commission of Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) accredited Surgical Assistant Program.
• Hands‑on experience gained through a CAAHEP‑accredited program or grandfathered status as a member of the U.S. armed forces.
• Certified Surgical Assistant obtained or maintained licensure with the VA Board of Medicine.
• Basic knowledge of instrumentation and correct, safe instrument passing.
• Experience with local anesthetic administration, Foley catheter maintenance, and wound care.
• Ability to perform and assist in surgical counts and maintain sterile technique.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Employer‑funded pension plan, vested after five years (voluntary 403B).
• Paid time off accrued from day one.
• On‑site fitness studios and discounts to Carilion Wellness centers.
• Access to health and wellness app Virgin Pulse.
• Discounts on childcare.
• Continued education and training opportunities.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Carilion Clinic is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age (40 or older), disability, genetic information, or veteran status. Carilion is a Drug‑Free Workplace.

Disability Assistance

For individuals with disabilities needing special assistance with our online application process, contact Carilion HR Service Center at 800‑599‑2537, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.