Certified Surgical First Assistant — $20k Sign-On Bonus

Vanderbilt University Medical Center; Lebanon (TN); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job description

Job Summary

The Certified Surgical First Assistant (CFA) will assist the surgeon on surgical procedures, providing positioning, prepping, draping, hemostasis, wound exposure, and handling of sutures and tissue under the direction and supervision of the operating surgeon. The CFA may also perform as a Surgical Technologist when not first assisting. Registration with the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners is required.

Position Details

• Schedule: Full-time, Monday–Friday, 10‑ or 12‑hour shifts available
• Day Off: One set day off per week
• Call Coverage & Late Stay: Weekend/holiday call rotation; backup call for Monday‑Friday call team; 2–3 late stays per month

Compensation

• Sign‑On Bonus: $20,000 taxable sign‑on bonus, distributed in four equal payments over two years (not available to current VUMC employees or those who have worked at VUMC within the past twelve months).
• Relocation Bonus: Eligible candidates can receive up to $10,000 (taxable) for relocation expenses, payable within 45 days of start date. Bonus amount is based on relocation distance; candidates must relocate from a distance greater than 100 miles (not available to current VUMC employees or those who have worked at VUMC within the past twelve months).

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the surgeon on surgical procedures with hemodynamics, suturing, and retracting.
• Assist operating room staff as requested.
• Adhere to practices and policies outlined to ensure patient safety and follow infection control standards.

Qualifications

Required

• Graduate of an approved discipline‑specific program or successful completion of a surgical assistant training program during service in any branch of the United States armed forces.
• One year of relevant work experience (preferred in orthopedics, general surgery, gynecology, vascular, urology, bariatrics, plastics, spine, head & neck).
• Registration with the Tennessee Board of Medical Examiners.
• Certification from one of the following issuers:

• CSFA – Certified Surgical First Assistant (NBSTSA)
• CSA – Certified Surgical Assistant (NSAA)
• CSA – Certified Surgical Assistant (NCCSA)
• SA-C – Surgical Assistant‑Certified (ABSA)

Preferred

• Certification from one of the following issuers:

• NBSTSA CST – National Board of Surgical Technologist and Surgical Assistants (Certified Surgical Technologist)
• NCCT – TS‑C – National Center for Competency Testing (Tech In Surgery)

Technical Capabilities

• Equipment Maintenance (Intermediate): Mastery of preventive maintenance in a challenging environment; capable of maintaining equipment without external support.
• Operating Room Care (Intermediate): Mastery of operating room care; capable of delivering services and training others.
• Environmental Sterility & Safety (Intermediate): Mastery of environmental sterility and safety; capable of delivering services and training others.
• Inventory Management (Novice): Fundamental proficiency in inventory management; monitors material flow and reconciles inventory balances.
• Surgical Technology (Intermediate): Mastery of surgical technology; capable of delivering results and training others.
• Procedures Knowledge (Intermediate): Mastery of surgical procedures; capable of delivering services and training others.
• Surgical Equipment Knowledge (Intermediate): Mastery of surgical equipment; capable of using equipment to accomplish advanced tasks and resolving problems.

Benefits

This role offers a comprehensive benefits package including health, disability, retirement and wellness offerings to enhance your well‑being and professional growth.

EEO Statement

Vanderbilt Health is committed to fostering an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and is an equal opportunity employer. EOE/Vets/Disabled.