Surgical First Assistant

UVA Community Health; Culpeper (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

UVA Community Health in Culpeper, Virginia, is seeking a Surgical First Assistant to assist the surgical team in providing quality care during procedures. The ideal candidate must possess a High School Diploma or GED and national certification as a Surgical First Assistant or RN. A minimum of 2 years experience is preferred. This role demands excellent communication skills, technical competency, and the ability to endure physical demands of the job. A collaborative approach and attention to detail are essential for success in this position.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of experience assisting in surgical settings.
• Certified Surgical First Assistant or RN First Assistant required.
• Ability to assist in Orthopedics, General, Robotics, Vascular, Gynecological, and Spine cases.

Responsibilities

• Assist the surgical team in providing quality patient care during surgeries.
• Collaborate with staff to resolve unit issues and follow instructions accurately.
• Demonstrate knowledge of sterilization techniques and surgical instrumentation.

Skills

Customer service skills

Effective communication

Time management

Surgical assistance

Scrub tech experience

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Graduate of a recognized First Assist program

National Certification or RN

Job description

Surgical First Assistant

Job Code: SS1701

Job Type: Classification: Non Exempt

Shift Schedule: 4 ten‑hour days 0700‑1730 with one call shift per week 1730‑0700 and every 4th weekend Friday 1730‑Monday 0700.

Job Summary: Under the direct and indirect supervision of the attending physician and in a cohesive manner with all surgical staff functions in a surgical assist role, the Surgical Assistant assists the team in providing quality individualized patient care during all phases of the patient’s surgical experience. Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide services appropriate to the age of the patients served. Assesses data reflective of the patient’s status and interprets the information needed to identify each patient’s requirements relative to his or her age, specific needs and provides services as described in the department’s policies and procedures. The incumbent may be asked to perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Education: High School Diploma or GED required. Graduate of a recognized First Assist program with National Certification or RN required. Or, if a physician from another country and practicing in the United States as a First Assistant, this is acceptable.
• Experience: Minimum of 2 years of experience assisting. Preferred. Refer to the Life Support Training Policy for additional details.
• Licensure: Certified Surgical First Assistant or RN First Assistant required.
• Additional Skills/Requirements Required: Ability to successfully complete generic and department‑specific skill validation and competency testing; demonstrate effective customer service skills, verbal and nonverbal communication techniques, interpersonal relationship skills, and time management skills; ability to first assist and scrub tech experience to independently scrub Orthopedics, General, Robotics, Vascular, Gynecological, and Spine cases; ability to independently cover first assist call as needed.
• Additional Skills/Requirements Preferred: N/A

Competencies

• Communication: Collaborates with the leadership team and UCIC to identify and resolve unit issues; keeps co‑workers and intra‑op staff informed of any updates/issues; follows written instructions as needed.
• Technical Competency: Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide services appropriate to the age of the patients served; collects, organizes, and enters information into the patient scheduling application; assists with various types of surgical operations providing technically skilled duties as first assistant; demonstrates knowledge of instrumentation and sterile/aseptic technique.

Physical Demands

Medium to Heavy Physical Demand: The job requires constant standing, frequently walking, bending/stooping. Proficient communicative, auditory, and visual skills. Attention to detail and ability to write legibly. Ability to lift/push/pull 100 lbs. For any weight over 35 lbs., use Safe Handling Equipment.

Other

• May require the use of safety equipment, such as HEPA mask, for infection prevention.
• On call responsibilities as directed.
• Ability to travel between campus buildings, remote facilities, and out of town as needed.