Surgical First Assistant

Paycom - ATS; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Bluegrass Specialty Surgery Center is seeking an experienced Surgical First Assistant to join our operating room team. The role supports safe, efficient surgeries and an excellent patient and physician experience.

The candidate will help prepare the OR, assist with positioning, pass instruments, manage hemostasis, and maintain sterile technique throughout procedures. Strong communication and teamwork are essential for success in a fast-paced ambulatory setting.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED.
• Completed an accredited surgical technician program.
• Operating room experience.
• Graduates of CAAHEP accredited programs should obtain CSA or CFA certification.

Responsibilities

• Prepare the operating room, instruments, equipment, and supplies for procedures.
• Assist with patient positioning, preparation, and draping while maintaining sterile technique.
• Assist the surgeon by passing instruments and supporting visualization of the surgical field.
• Assist with hemostasis and wound closure using sutures or staples.
• Assist with suction, drainage, and irrigation during procedures.
• Assist with splint and cast application as appropriate.
• Maintain accurate counts and prepare instrument sets and trays.
• Communicate patient status changes to the RN promptly.
• Cross-train with central processing, decontamination, and autoclaving.
• Support OR turnover and keep rooms prepared and on schedule.

Skills

Surgical teamwork

Sterile technique

Patient safety

Communication

Education

Accredited Surgical Technician program

Job description

Surgical First Assistant | Bluegrass Specialty Surgery CenterWe are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Surgical First Assistant to join our Bluegrass Specialty Surgery Center surgical team. This position plays an important role in supporting safe, efficient surgical procedures and delivering an excellent experience for both patients and physicians.The Surgical First Assistant functions as a sterile member of the operating room team and works closely with surgeons, registered nurses, anesthesia providers, and other clinical team members before, during, and after surgical procedures.What You Will DoPrepare the operating room, instruments, equipment, and supplies for scheduled procedures based on surgeon preference cardsAssist with patient positioning, preparation, and draping while maintaining proper sterile techniqueAssist the surgeon during procedures by passing instruments and supplies, holding retractors, cutting sutures, and supporting visualization of the surgical fieldAssist with hemostasis, including application of direct pressure and other approved techniques to control bleedingPlace clamps and sutures and assist with skin closure using sutures, staples, adhesives, or other approved methodsAssist with suction, drainage, and irrigation during proceduresAssist with splint and cast application as appropriateMaintain accurate counts and availability of instruments, needles, sponges, and supplies throughout proceduresIdentify and communicate any break in sterile technique and take appropriate action according to facility proceduresAssist with the handling and labeling of surgical specimensMaintain accurate instrument sets, trays, and surgeon preference cardsSupport efficient operating room turnover and help ensure surgical rooms remain prepared and on scheduleDocument patient care information as required and under the direction of the Registered NurseCommunicate changes in patient status promptly to the Registered NurseProperly handle, clean, and care for surgical instruments and equipmentAssist with stocking and maintaining adequate operating room suppliesCross train and assist with central processing functions, including instrument decontamination, sterile preparation, and autoclavingWork collaboratively with the entire surgery center team to support excellent patient care, physician satisfaction, and efficient case flowWhat We Are Looking ForRequired QualificationsHigh school diploma or GEDCompletion of an accredited surgical technician programOperating room experienceStrong clinical judgment, attention to detail, and commitment to patient safetyAbility to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary surgical teamStrong verbal and written communication skillsAbility to make sound decisions and solve problems in a fast paced clinical environmentCommitment to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and patient careGraduates of CAAHEP accredited programs should obtain appropriate CSA or CFA certificationPreferred QualificationsTwo or more years of operating room experiencePrevious ambulatory surgery center experienceWhat Makes Someone Successful in This RoleThe successful Surgical First Assistant is dependable, organized, detail oriented, and comfortable working with limited supervision. You should be able to anticipate the needs of the surgical team, respond quickly to changing circumstances, and consistently maintain sterile technique and patient safety standards.If you are an experienced surgical professional who enjoys working closely with physicians and clinical teams in a fast paced surgical environment, we would welcome the opportunity to speak with you.