RNFA or CST FA

Gateway Regional Medical Center, Inc.; Granite City (IL); On-site; USD 41,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement plan with employer‑m

Paid time off

Illinois Paid Leave

Floating holiday after 90 days

Job summary

Gateway Regional Medical Center in Granite City, IL, is seeking a Certified Surgical First Assistant or Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) to join our Surgical Services team. This full-time, dayshift role supports surgeons and the surgical team throughout operative procedures, promoting patient safety and quality care.

The successful candidate will have relevant OR experience, BLS, and credentials (CST or RNFA preferred).

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Graduate of an accredited Surgical Technology program
• Current CST certification required
• Surgical First Assistant or RNFA credentials preferred or required based on duties
• Previous operating room experience required
• Current BLS certification required

Responsibilities

• Serve as a first assistant during surgical procedures within scope and privileges
• Assist surgeon with exposure, hemostasis, tissue handling, suturing and wound closure
• Prepare operating room including instruments, supplies, and sterile fields
• Maintain strict sterile technique throughout procedures
• Anticipate surgeon needs and provide instruments and equipment
• Assist with surgical counts and patient positioning
• Assist with specimen handling and documentation
• Collaborate with surgeons, nurses, anesthesia staff and other team members
• Assist with postoperative care and transition of care as appropriate
• Adhere to infection prevention and safety requirements
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives
• Maintain accurate documentation
• Perform other duties as assigned

Skills

First assist duties

Surgical instrumentation

Sterile technique

Team collaboration

Communication

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Surgical Technology program

Certified Surgical Technologist (CST)

RN First Assistant RNFA credentials

Tools

BLS

Job description

Certified Surgical First Assistant / RN First Assistant

Department: Surgical Services
Schedule: Full-Time | Days
Location: Gateway Regional Medical Center
Pay Range: $30.00 - $48.00 per hour

About Gateway Regional Medical Center

Gateway Regional Medical Center is committed to providing high-quality, compassionate healthcare to the communities we serve. Our Surgical Services team works collaboratively to provide safe, efficient, and patient-centered care.

We are seeking a skilled Certified Surgical First Assistant or Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) to join our Surgical Services team. This position provides advanced support to surgeons and the surgical team throughout operative procedures while promoting patient safety and quality care.

Position Summary

The Surgical First Assistant supports the surgeon and surgical team before, during, and after operative procedures. Depending on qualifications and credentials, this position may be filled by a Certified Surgical First Assistant, Certified Surgical Technologist with first‑assist qualifications, or Registered Nurse First Assistant.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong knowledge of surgical procedures, sterile technique, surgical instrumentation, and perioperative patient care. The ability to anticipate the needs of the surgeon and work effectively in a fast-paced operating room environment is essential.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Serve as a first assistant during surgical procedures within the individual's scope of practice, education, training, and hospital privileges.
• Assist the surgeon with exposure, hemostasis, tissue handling, suturing, wound closure, and other first‑assist functions as appropriate.
• Prepare the operating room for surgical procedures, including instruments, supplies, equipment, and sterile fields.
• Maintain strict sterile technique throughout surgical procedures.
• Anticipate the needs of the surgeon and provide appropriate instruments, supplies, and equipment.
• Assist with surgical counts in accordance with hospital policies and procedures.
• Assist with patient positioning and preparation while maintaining patient safety.
• Assist with specimen collection, identification, and handling according to established procedures.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized operating room environment.
• Properly prepare, clean, and maintain surgical instruments and equipment.
• Collaborate effectively with surgeons, nurses, anesthesia personnel, surgical technologists, and other members of the healthcare team.
• Assist with postoperative care and transition of care as appropriate to the individual's role and scope of practice.
• Follow infection prevention, patient safety, regulatory, and hospital requirements.
• Participate in quality improvement and patient safety initiatives.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Candidates may qualify through one of the following pathways:

Certified Surgical First Assistant / Surgical Technologist

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Graduate of an accredited Surgical Technology program required.
• Current Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) certification required.
• Surgical First Assistant certification or appropriate first‑assist training/credentials preferred or required based on assigned duties.
• Previous operating room experience required.
• Current BLS certification required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of sterile technique, surgical instrumentation, and operating room procedures.

Registered Nurse First Assistant

• Current Registered Nurse license in the State of Illinois required.
• Graduate of an accredited nursing program required.
• Current RNFA certification or completion of an accredited RN First Assistant program preferred/required based on hospital credentialing requirements.
• Previous operating room/perioperative nursing experience required.
• Surgical first‑assist experience strongly preferred.
• Current BLS certification required.
• CNOR certification preferred.

All Candidates

• Strong clinical judgment and critical‑thinking skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to anticipate the needs of the surgical team.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, team‑oriented environment.
• Commitment to patient safety, quality care, and maintaining professional standards.

Why Join Gateway Regional Medical Center?

• Competitive pay
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance View Guide
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
• Paid time off
• Mental health/sick time
• Illinois Paid Leave
• Floating holiday after completion of the 90-day probationary period
• Collaborative healthcare environment
• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community

Gateway Regional Medical Center is an equal opportunity employer.