Surgical First Assistant (CSTFA) — Fast-Paced Trauma OR

Mercy Hospital St. Louis Critical Care Medicine Fellowship; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Paid time off

Tuition support

Matched retirement plans for 32+ hours

Job summary

Mercy Hospital St. Louis is seeking a Certified Surgical Technologist First Assist (CSTFA) to join the perioperative team in a Level I trauma center. The CSTFA will assist surgeons during operative procedures, maintain sterile technique, and support tissue exposure, hemostasis, and wound closure.

The Main Operating Room at Mercy St. Louis serves a broad patient population with high-acuity cases. Candidates should have a surgical technology program background and BLS certification, with

Qualifications

• Graduate of an accredited Surgical Technology program.
• CSFA or CSTFA credential required or obtained within a specified timeframe.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the surgical first assistant during operative procedures in accordance with hospital policy, surgeon preference, and scope of practice.
• Assist with patient positioning, preparation, draping, and surgical site exposure.
• Provide hemostasis through clamping, cauterization, pressure, and other approved techniques.
• Utilize retractors, suction devices, and instrumentation to optimize surgical visibility.
• Assist with tissue handling, suturing, stapling, wound closure, and dressing application.
• Anticipate surgeon needs and ensure equipment, supplies, and instruments are readily available.
• Maintain sterile technique and adhere to infection prevention standards throughout procedures.
• Perform surgical technologist duties before, during, and after surgery, including room setup and turnover.
• Participate in trauma activations, emergency surgeries, and complex surgical cases as assigned.
• Collaborate effectively with surgeons, registered nurses, anesthesia professionals, and support personnel to ensure positive patient outcomes.
• Ensure proper handling, counting, and documentation of supplies, instruments, and specimens.
• Support quality improvement, patient safety, and regulatory compliance initiatives.

Education

Accredited Surgical Technology program

CSFA/CSTFA credential or plan to obtain

Current BLS certification

Job description

Mercy Hospital St. Louis is seeking a Certified Surgical Technologist First Assist (CSTFA) to join the perioperative team in a Level I trauma center. The CSTFA will assist surgeons during operative procedures, maintain sterile technique, and support tissue exposure, hemostasis, and wound closure.

The Main Operating Room at Mercy St. Louis serves a broad patient population with high-acuity cases. Candidates should have a surgical technology program background and BLS certification, with