First Assistant - Surgery

St. Tammany Parish Hospital; Covington (LA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Tammany Health System in Covington, LA, seeks a Surgical First Assistant to collaborate with the surgeon and care team during operative procedures. The role supports exposure, hemostasis, and intraoperative tasks under the surgeon's direction.

The position requires certification as a Surgical First Assistant, RN licensure if RN background, and BLS certification with 30-minute on-call readiness. Workweek is 40 hours, Monday–Friday, with on-call during evenings.

Qualifications

• Certification as a Surgical First Assistant from an accredited certifying agency.
• Graduate from an accredited School of Nursing and/or School of Surgical Technology; Current registered nurse licensure in LA, if formal RN background.
• ILCOR-compliant BLS certification from recognized providers (e.g., AHA, Red Cross).

Responsibilities

• Assist surgeon and health care team during operative procedures.
• Provide exposure, hemostasis, and intraoperative support as directed by the surgeon.
• Prepare skin, assist with visualization of the operative site, and apply wound dressings and drainage as needed.
• Perform duties in accordance with department staffing needs and in-house availability.

Skills

Perioperative knowledge

Intraoperative support

Team collaboration

Education

Surgical First Assistant Certification

RN licensure (LA)

BLS certification

Job description

At St. Tammany Health System, delivering world-class healthcare close to home is our goal. That means we are committed to attracting and retaining the very best professionals for every position in our health system.

We believe the pristine beauty of St. Tammany Parish adds to our attractive compensation package. The health system is nestled in the heart of Covington on the north shore of Lake Pontchartrain. It is a peaceful, scenic, community-oriented area with an abundance of amenities to suit every taste.

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40

Work Shift: Mid position - Monday through Friday 10:30 am to 7 pm. Call is required.

Summary of the Job:

The Surgical First Assistant can have a formal background as a Registered Nurse (RN) or a Surgical Technologist (ST). The Surgical First Assistant collaborates with the surgeon and the healthcare team in performing a safe operation with optimal outcomes for the patient. The First Assistant practices perioperative practice and must have acquired the necessary knowledge, skills, and judgment specific to clinical practice. The First Assistant practices in collaboration with and at the direction of the surgeon during the intraoperative phase of the perioperative experience.

The Surgical First Assistant provides aid in exposure, hemostasis, and other technical functions that will help the surgeon carry out a safe operation with optimal results for the patient. This role will vary considerably with the surgical operation and specialty. Clinical skills performed under direct supervision of the surgeon may include the following: positioning the patient, preparing the skin, providing visualization of the operative site, utilizing appropriate techniques to assist with hemostasis, utilizing appropriate techniques to assist with closure of body planes, assisting with selecting and applying appropriate wound dressings and providing assistance in securing drainage system to tissue.

If this employee has a formal background as a RN, this employee will function as a First Assistant or Circulator according to the needs of the department/ staffing assignment.

If this employee has a formal background as a Surgical Technologist, this employee will function as a First Assistant or a Surgical Technologist according to the needs of the department/ staffing assignment.

Minimum Qualifications:

Certification as a Surgical First Assistant from an accredited certifying agency; Graduate from an accredited School of Nursing and/or School of Surgical Technology; Current registered nurse licensure in LA, if formal RN background; Current BLS certification through any International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation (ILCOR) provided courses such as but not limited to: Ochsner Health System, American Heart Association, and American Red Cross. The ILCOR course must include a manikin check off.

The Surgical First Assistant must be available in-house within 30 minutes when on call.

Preferred Qualifications:

CNOR; Two years perioperative services experience.

Physical Demands:

Must possess good physical health. Some requirements include but are not limited to standing, sitting or walking for long periods of time. Lifting at least 50 pounds is required. Must be able to work with a moderate level of noise.

Physical Effort required:

• Constant (67%-100%) - reaching, handling/feeling, talking, hearing, seeing
• Frequently (34%-66%)- lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling, balancing
• Occasionally (1%-33%)– stooping, crouching, crawling

EMPLOYMENT

Each St. Tammany Health System staff member is expected to conduct himself or herself according to our mission, vision and values. Please take time to review those expectations, which can be found by clicking here, before applying for employment. If you feel you are unable to demonstrate those characteristics, we respectfully request that you do not proceed with the application process.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

St. Tammany Health System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. St. Tammany Health System is committed to equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability status, genetic information or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.