Surgical 1st Assistant - Operating Room (OR)

Saint Francis Healthcare System; Cape Girardeau (MO); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Saint Francis Healthcare System in Missouri seeks a First Assistant to support the surgeon during the intra-operative phase, under the direction of OR leadership, to ensure safe operations and optimal patient outcomes. This is a full-time role with day shifts, on-call rotation, and a sign-on bonus up to $20,000 for eligible candidates who bring certification as a Surgical First Assistant or equivalent credentials.

Candidates must hold CN or RNFA and related certifications.

Qualifications

• Certified Surgical Technician and certification as a Surgical First Assistant is required.
• RNFA certification is required.
• Physician Assistant with certification as a Surgical Assistant is required.
• Advanced Practice Registered Nurse with certification as a Surgical Assistant is required.

Responsibilities

• Assist surgeon intra-operatively under direction to ensure safe procedures and optimal outcomes.
• Collaborate with surgical team and OR leadership to maintain high standards of patient care.

Skills

Collaboration

Surgical support

Patient safety

Communication

Education

Certified Surgical Technician

Surgical First Assistant

RNFA

Physician Assistant

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse

Job description

Job Summary

The first assistant practices in collaboration with and at the direction of the surgeon during the intra-operative phase of the peri-operative experience and overall direction of the Assistant Manager, OR Manager, Director of Surgical Services and Vice President of Patient Care Services. Performs a safe operation with optimal outcomes for the patient.

Job Details And Requirements

Up to $20,000 Sign-on bonus!*

Type: Full Time (80 hours per 2 week pay period, with benefits)

Typical Hours: Day shift, 8 hours/shift, on call rotation (nights, weekends, holidays)

Certification & Licensure Requirements

• Certified Surgical Technician and certification as a Surgical First Assistant
• RNFA
• Physician Assistant and certification as a Surgical Assistant
• Advanced Practice Registered Nurse and certification as a Surgical Assistant
• Sign-on bonus subject to eligibility

Why Work at Saint Francis?

Saint Francis Healthcare System began in 1875 when three courageous Franciscan Sisters answered a call to care for those in need. What started as a 12-bed hospital has grown into the region’s leading healthcare system - recognized nationally for exceptional quality, safety, and patient experience.

Today, Saint Francis serves more than 715,000 people across five states. With a 306-bed Medical Center, nearly 3,000 team members, and over 300 providers, Saint Francis is not only the largest healthcare system between St. Louis and Memphis—it’s a powerful economic anchor for the communities it serves.

You’ll find more than 50 specialties, the region’s only Level III Emergency and Trauma Center, and southeast Missouri’s first Level III NICU. The system’s employed physician group, Saint Francis Medical Partners, supports more than 40 outreach clinics and 70% of the area’s primary care providers.

A Mission That Matters

At Saint Francis, you’re not just doing a job - you’re part of a Catholic healing ministry rooted in compassion, dignity, and service. Every action is inspired by a commitment to honor human life and care for every person who walks through the doors.

Mission

To provide a ministry of healing, wellness, quality, and love inspired by our faith in Jesus Christ.

Vision

To be a leading Catholic healthcare system that celebrates and protects the gift of life by providing exceptional patient outcomes in quality, safety, access and value.

Values You Can Feel Every Day

• Integrity: Doing what’s right, even when no one is watching
• Stewardship: Managing resources wisely for the future
• Faith: Believing in a purpose greater than ourselves
• Hope: Lifting up those who feel discouraged
• Joy: Serving others with a grateful, happy heart
• Compassion: Seeing others through Christ's eyes
• Excellence: Always striving to be the best
• Dignity: Respecting human life from beginning to end

If You’re Looking to Make a True Impact…

Saint Francis offers a workplace where your work has purpose, your team feels like family, and your contributions support a mission that has been changing lives for more than 150 years.

Total Rewards

Our most important asset is our colleagues. That's why Saint Francis Healthcare System offers a comprehensive benefits program to meet all your needs. Colleagues working at least 24 hours per week will have access to our Total Rewards package as outlined below.

• Comprehensive and affordable health coverage including medical, prescription, dental and vision - available on the first of the month after hire date
• Saint Francis Medical Services Discount
• Earned Time Off (ETO) based on relevant years of work history. ETO combines vacation, sick, holidays, and personal days into one balance to allow for flexibility
• Retirement benefits including SFHS immediate matching
• Education Assistance benefits up to $5,000 per calendar year for one year of service after graduation
• Other benefits including: Benefit Support through Health Advocate, Employee Assistance Program, Flexible Spending Accounts, Identity Theft Protection, Pet Insurance, Earned Wage Access

To learn more about our Total Rewards package and eligibility, visit www.sfmc.net/careers/benefits/.

Saint Francis Healthcare System provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Saint Francis Healthcare System complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA) should you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a currently open position with Saint Francis Healthcare System, please call 573-331-5152 or email us at [e-mail].