PA First Assist, PRN

University of Maryland Medical System Corporation; Largo (MD); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Maryland Capital Region Health is seeking an experienced Physician Assistant First Assist to join our Robotic Surgery team on a PRN basis in Largo, Maryland. This role offers hands-on surgical support in robotic and advanced procedures within a collaborative perioperative team.

Qualified candidates hold a Bachelor's degree, ARC-PA accredited PA education, NCCPA certification, and an active Maryland license.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Graduate of an ARC-PA accredited Physician Assistant program.
• Current NCCPA certification.
• Active Maryland license through the Maryland Board of Physicians.
• At least one year of First Assist or General Surgery experience preferred.
• BLS and ACLS certification required.

Responsibilities

• First assist during robotic and other surgical procedures.
• Provide surgical exposure through tissue handling and retraction.
• Assist with incisions, dissection, suturing, and wound closure.
• Assist with hemostasis and maintain efficient operative environment.
• Support perioperative patients through preoperative prep and postoperative care.
• Collaborate with surgeons, OR nursing, anesthesia, and perioperative staff.

Skills

First Assist

Robotic Surgery

Operating Room

Education

Bachelor's degree

ARC-PA accredited PA program

NCCPA certification

Maryland license

Job description

Job Requirements

Bring Your Surgical Expertise to Our Robotics Team

University of Maryland Capital Region Health is seeking an experienced Physician Assistant First Assist to join our Robotic Surgery team on a PRN basis in Largo, Maryland.

This is an exciting opportunity for a surgical PA who enjoys being in the operating room and wants to remain actively engaged in robotic and advanced surgical procedures while working alongside a collaborative team of surgeons, APPs, nurses, anesthesia professionals, and perioperative staff.

As a PRN First Assist, you'll provide hands‑on surgical support while helping ensure consistent coverage of the First Assist schedule. You'll also have opportunities for additional training and potential cross‑coverage with other APP service lines.

What You'll Do

As a PA First Assist, you'll be an integral member of the surgical team before, during, and immediately following operative procedures.

Working under the clinical supervision and direction of the surgeon, you will:

• First assist during robotic and other surgical procedures
• Provide surgical exposure through appropriate retraction and tissue handling
• Assist with incisions, dissection, tying, ligation, stapling, suturing, and wound closure as appropriate
• Assist with hemostasis throughout operative procedures
• Anticipate the surgeon's needs and help maintain an efficient operative environment
• Demonstrate proficiency with surgical instrumentation, equipment, and medical devices
• Collaborate closely with surgeons, OR nursing, anesthesia, and other members of the perioperative team
• Help ensure safe perioperative operations and optimal patient outcomes

Support Patients Throughout the Surgical Experience

Your responsibilities extend beyond the surgical procedure itself. You'll help support patients throughout the perioperative experience by:

• Assisting with preoperative preparation, including patient positioning, draping, surgical scrub, and other appropriate procedures
• Being present in the designated operating room prior to the start of assigned cases
• Responding to the needs of surgeons, OR nursing, and anesthesia teams to facilitate timely patient care
• Assisting with patient transfer from the operating table to the stretcher
• Supporting postoperative transportation to the PACU or other designated recovery area
• Completing or contributing to immediate postoperative documentation when appropriate
• Documenting relevant medical findings and care provided in the patient's clinical record
• Collaborating with physicians and other healthcare professionals regarding patient needs, outcomes, and effectiveness of the care plan

Put Your Surgical Skills to Work

Successful First Assists Will Demonstrate Strong Knowledge Of

• Surgical anatomy, physiology, and operative techniques
• Surgical site exposure and appropriate tissue handling
• Retraction and dissection techniques
• Hemostasis
• Suturing and wound management
• Proper use of surgical instruments and medical devices
• Infection prevention and sterile technique
• Patient positioning for optimal surgical exposure and safety
• Anticipating the needs of the surgeon and surgical team
• Crisis management and effective clinical decision-making

Be a Resource to the APP & Surgical Team

Experienced First Assists may also have opportunities to contribute to the development of fellow team members.

Responsibilities May Include

• Serving as a clinical resource for other PA First Assists and APPs
• Providing guidance regarding procedures, competencies, and best practices
• Supporting day‑to‑day instruction and training of newly hired team members
• Assisting with orientation and education of new hires
• Participating in the interview process for future team members
• Supporting completion of institutional and departmental education requirements
• Helping maintain appropriate coverage of the First Assist schedule

What We're Looking For

We're seeking an experienced surgical APP who brings technical expertise, sound clinical judgment, and a collaborative approach to the operating room.

Successful Candidates Will Demonstrate

• Strong surgical and First Assist skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Ability to anticipate surgeon and patient needs
• Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced surgical environment
• Ability to work independently while collaborating closely with a multidisciplinary team
• Strong clinical decision‑making and problem‑solving skills
• Excellent organization, attention to detail, and follow‑through
• Commitment to patient safety, quality improvement, and evidence‑based care
• Professionalism, adaptability, and mutual respect for patients, families, and colleagues

Commitment to Quality & Patient Safety

At UM Capital Region Health, our APPs are important partners in creating a culture of safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

As part of our High Reliability Organization principles, you'll help identify potential risks, consistently follow established clinical and procedural standards, and collaborate with the surgical team to provide safe, high‑quality perioperative care.

Qualifications

Physician Assistants

• Bachelor's degree required
• Graduate of an ARC-PA accredited Physician Assistant program
• Current certification through the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)
• Active Maryland license through the Maryland Board of Physicians

Nurse Practitioners / RN First Assists

• Bachelor's degree and prior RN experience
• Completion of an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program
• Active Maryland license through the Maryland Board of Nursing
• Successful completion of RNFA certification

Additional Requirements

• At least one year of First Assist or General Surgery experience preferred
• BLS and ACLS certification required
• Must successfully complete credentialing through the UM Capital Region Health Medical Staff Office
• Must meet applicable Maryland licensing, credentialing, and procedural requirements

Compensation Is Commensurate With Clinical Experience.

Join the UM Capital Region Health Surgical Team

If you're an experienced surgical APP looking for a PRN opportunity that keeps you active in the operating room and engaged in robotic and advanced surgical care, we'd love to hear from you.

Join University of Maryland Capital Region Health and bring your First Assist expertise to a collaborative surgical team focused on safety, innovation, and exceptional patient care.

All information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.