SURGICAL FIRST ASSISTANT

Insight Health Systems; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 46,838 - 60,614; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Sick Time

Paid Vacation Time

Health benefits

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Job summary

A healthcare provider is seeking a Surgical First Assistant to provide operational support during surgeries. The ideal candidate will have 3-5 years of surgical experience and relevant certifications such as CSFA. Responsibilities include assisting the surgeon, maintaining sterile techniques, and improving case efficiency. Benefits include paid sick and vacation time, health benefits, and a commitment to a diverse workplace. This full-time position offers a mid-senior level opportunity in surgical care.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years of surgical experience in various specialties preferred.
• Strong knowledge of surgical instrumentation and anatomy required.
• Ability to integrate technology into surgical practices.

Responsibilities

• Assist the surgeon as a Surgical First Assistant during procedures.
• Maintain sterile technique and ensure patient safety.
• Collaborate with the surgical team to enhance operational efficiency.

Skills

Surgical experience

Critical thinking

Interpersonal communication

Problem-solving

Understanding of sterile technique

Education

Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA)

Physician Assistant (PA‑C)

Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA)

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a Surgical First Assistant to work directly under the attending surgeon, providing advanced intra‑operative support and collaborating with the surgical team to improve outcomes and efficiency.

Pay Range

Base pay: $34.00/hr – $44.00/hr (actual pay is based on skills and experience; contact the recruiter for details).

Key Responsibilities

• Perform all functions of a Surgical First Assistant including exposure, hemostasis, suturing, tissue handling, and wound closure under the surgeon’s direction.
• Anticipate surgeon needs, ensuring instruments, supplies, and devices are ready for immediate use.
• Maintain sterile technique and uphold patient safety and positioning.
• Identify opportunities to improve case efficiency and instrument utilization.
• Collaborate with surgical leadership and vendors to trial new technologies and minimally invasive techniques.
• Participate in multidisciplinary performance improvement initiatives, such as reducing turnover times and standardizing instrument trays.
• Contribute to digital documentation workflows and assist in implementing systems that optimize case tracking, inventory, and data analytics.
• Provide feedback on new devices or methods that enhance precision and patient outcomes.
• Serve as a clinical mentor to surgical technologists, residents, and nursing staff.
• Participate in orientation and education of new team members and cross‑trained staff.
• Engage in continuing education to stay current on advancements in surgical techniques and peri‑operative best practices.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and patient‑centered innovation.
• Partner with surgeons, anesthesia providers, and peri‑operative staff to coordinate high‑quality surgical care.
• Assist in the preparation for surgical cases, ensuring supplies, equipment and instruments are available and functional.
• Assist the surgical team with patient transport, transfer and positioning in the operating room.
• Participate in pre‑op briefings and post‑op debriefings to evaluate case flow and identify improvement opportunities.
• Assist in maintaining supply and equipment inventory.
• Communicate proactively and professionally across the care team to ensure seamless patient experiences.
• Perform on‑call duties as scheduled.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA), Certified First Assistant (CFA), Physician Assistant (PA‑C) or RNFA credential required.
• Minimum 3–5 years of surgical experience; advanced proficiency in multiple specialties preferred (e.g., Orthopedic, Neurosurgery, General, Robotics).
• Strong understanding of sterile technique, surgical instrumentation, and anatomy.
• Demonstrated ability to integrate technology and process improvement into practice.
• Excellent problem‑solving, critical thinking and interpersonal communication skills.

Preferred Attributes

• Passionate about surgical innovation, data‑driven improvement, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Active participation in surgical committees, vendor evaluations, or technology trials.
• Forward‑thinking, self‑directed, and capable of balancing clinical precision with creativity.
• Experience in EMR documentation, efficiency dashboards, or digital workflow initiatives.

Performance Metrics

• Case efficiency and surgeon satisfaction scores.
• Reduction in intra‑operative delays and supply waste.
• Participation in innovation or quality improvement projects.
• Contribution to staff development and cross‑training success rates.

Benefits

• Paid Sick Time – effective 90 days after employment.
• Paid Vacation Time – effective 90 days after employment.
• Health, vision & dental benefits – eligible 30 days, following the 1st of the following month.
• Short‑ and long‑term disability and basic life insurance – after 30 days of employment.

Vaccination Requirement

Insight employees are required to be vaccinated for COVID‑19 as a condition of employment, subject to accommodation for medical or sincerely held religious beliefs.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Insight is an equal opportunity employer and values workplace diversity.

Disclaimer

The statements herein describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees and are not an exhaustive list of functions, tasks, duties, responsibilities and requirements. They do not constitute a contract for employment and may be changed at the discretion of Insight Hospital and Medical Center.

Seniority Level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

Health Care Provider – Hospitals and Health Care