Certified Surgical First Assistant

Tennessee Oncology PLLC; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Surgical Clinic is seeking a Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) to provide intraoperative support, maintain sterile technique, and promote patient safety in a high‑performing surgical environment. The CSFA will assist surgeons with exposure, hemostasis, tissue handling, and wound closure, ensuring a smooth perioperative workflow.

Responsibilities include patient preparation, instrument management, and collaboration with surgical and anesthesia teams to optimize outcomes.

Qualifications

• Must hold CSFA certification or equivalent awarded before 2000.
• Minimum one year as a surgical technologist with hands-on proficiency in assisting procedures.
• Strong sterile technique, instrumentation, tissue handling, hemostasis, wound closure.
• Excellent teamwork, communication, and ability to perform under pressure in a fast-paced OR.

Responsibilities

• Uphold sterile technique and infection-control practices throughout every phase of the procedure.
• Provide skilled first-assist support: exposure optimization, hemostasis, tissue handling, suturing, wound closure.
• Prepare patients for surgery: verify identity, procedure, site markings, positioning, skin prep.
• Manage instruments, equipment, and supplies for efficient intraoperative flow.
• Monitor patient status intraoperatively and communicate findings to surgical and anesthesia teams.
• Handle specimens and biohazard materials per ASC policies and chain-of-custody requirements.

Skills

Sterile technique

Tissue handling

Hemostasis

Suturing

Operative field exposure

Teamwork & communication

Education

CSFA certification (or equivalent before 2000)

Job description

The Surgical Clinic (TSC) is Middle Tennessee's premier multi-specialty surgical practice, dedicated to utilizing the latest medical technology while prioritizing patient care, convenience, and satisfaction. With over 40 surgeons, our patient-focused clinics are conveniently located, providing access to advanced surgical procedures close to home.

Why Join Us?

At The Surgical Clinic (TSC), we believe that our people are the heart of our success. As Middle Tennessee's premier multi-specialty surgical practice, we are committed to fostering a supportive, collaborative, and innovative workplace where every team member can thrive.

Job Description

A Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) provides skilled intraoperative support to surgeons by assisting with tasks such as operative site exposure, hemostasis, tissue handling, and wound closure. The CSFA helps maintain a sterile and safe environment, advocates for patient safety, and plays a key role in promoting efficient, coordinated surgical workflow.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Ensure safe, patient-centered perioperative care by upholding strict sterile technique, infection-control practices, and adherence to surgical safety protocols throughout every phase of the procedure.
• Provide skilled first-assist support to surgeons, including optimizing exposure of the operative field, maintaining hemostasis, handling, and manipulating tissue, suturing, assisting with wound closure, and anticipating surgical team needs.
• Prepare patients for surgery by verifying identity and procedure, confirming surgical site markings, positioning patients safely, and assisting with skin preparation to promote optimal surgical outcomes.
• Manage surgical instruments, equipment, and supplies with precision, ensuring proper setup, functionality checks, and efficient intraoperative flow to reduce delays and enhance procedural efficiency.
• Monitor and assess patient status intraoperatively, recognizing changes in vital signs or surgical conditions and communicating timely, relevant information to the surgical and anesthesia teams.
• Handle specimens, drains, implants, and biohazard materials in accordance with ASC policies, regulatory standards, and chain-of-custody requirements to maintain safety and compliance.
• Promote and protect patient safety, privacy, and confidentiality, advocating for best practices and ensuring consistent adherence to perioperative standards.
• Mentor, collaborate with, and support perioperative team members, contributing to a professional, high-performing surgical environment focused on quality, safety, and teamwork.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Advanced knowledge of perioperative practices, sterile technique, and infection control standards to ensure safe, compliant surgical care.

Strong technical surgical assisting skills, including tissue handling, hemostasis, suturing, and maintaining optimal exposure of the operative field.

Ability to anticipate surgeon and procedural needs to support efficient workflow and minimize intraoperative delays.

Strong situational awareness and clinical judgment to monitor patient status and communicate effectively with the surgical team.

• Excellent teamwork, communication, and collaboration skills to support a high-performing, patient-centered surgical environment.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Must hold a Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) certification or an equivalent credential awarded before 2000.
• A minimum of one year as a surgical technologist with hands‑on proficiency in assisting surgical procedures is preferred.
• Demonstrated expertise in sterile technique, surgical instrumentation, tissue handling, hemostasis, wound closure, and operative site exposure.
• Strong communication, teamwork, and patient advocacy skills, with the ability to perform under pressure in fast‑paced surgical environments.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to stand for extended periods during surgical procedures.
• Capacity to lift, move, or assist in transferring patients and heavy surgical equipment.
• Manual dexterity for precise tissue handling, suturing, and instrument use.
• Visual acuity and fine motor skills required for detailed surgical tasks.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, including bending, stooping, and reaching as needed.