Surgical Tech First Assist

Lutheran Health Network; Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision)

401(k) with matching

Sign On Bonus: $25,000

Student Loan Repayment: Up to $10,000

Job summary

Lutheran Health Network is seeking a Surgical Technician First Assist in Fort Wayne, Indiana. This full-time role involves direct surgical support, including maintaining a sterile field and assisting surgeons with essential procedures.

The ideal candidate will have 1-3 years of relevant experience, proficiency in surgical techniques, and certification as a Surgical Technologist. Comprehensive benefits and a competitive salary are offered for this critical healthcare position.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of experience as a Surgical Technician or First Assist in an acute care setting is required.
• Proficiency in surgical techniques and sterile field maintenance.
• Ability to anticipate surgeon needs and respond quickly in surgery.

Responsibilities

• Assist surgeons during procedures by maintaining a sterile field and providing necessary instruments.
• Perform first assist duties including retracting tissues and suturing.
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and infection control protocols.

Skills

Proficiency in surgical techniques

Knowledge of surgical anatomy

Attention to detail

Effective communication skills

Ability to work under pressure

Education

CST - Certified Surgical Technologist

Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA)

Basic Life Support (BCLS)

Job description

Surgical Technician First Assist

Full-Time, 40-hours Days, 10-hour shifts

Benefits

• Health Insurance (Medical, Dental, Vision)
• 401(k) with matching
• Sign On Bonus: $25,000
• Student Loan Repayment: Up to $10,000
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.

Job Summary

The Surgical Technician First Assist provides direct support to surgeons during surgical procedures, ensuring efficient operative and invasive procedures by maintaining the sterile field, providing necessary instruments and supplies, and assisting in critical surgical tasks. This role requires advanced technical skills to support the surgical team, including positioning patients, retracting tissues, controlling bleeding, suturing, and applying dressings. The Surgical Technician First Assist collaborates with surgeons, nurses, and other surgical team members to ensure optimal patient outcomes and post‑operative care.

Essential Functions

• Functions as a scrub person during surgical procedures, preparing and organizing sterile supplies and instruments, maintaining an organized sterile field, and providing necessary instruments and supplies to the surgical team.
• Performs first assistant duties, including providing exposure through instrument handling, retractors, suctioning, and sponging techniques as directed by the surgeon.
• Handles and dissects tissues, clamps blood vessels, coagulates bleeding points, and places drains as instructed by the surgeon.
• Assists with wound closure, including suturing subcutaneous layers and skin, applying staples, and dressing surgical sites per surgeon instructions.
• Ensures sterility and safety standards, conducting proper counting procedures with the RN circulator, following infection control protocols, and taking corrective actions if needed.
• Prepares and transports surgical instruments for decontamination, ensuring proper handling and sterilization for future use.
• Assists in post‑procedure room turnover, ensuring procedural areas are properly cleaned and prepared for subsequent surgeries.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Maintains regular and reliable attendance.
• Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

• 1-3 years of experience as a Surgical Technician or First Assist in an acute care setting required

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Proficiency in surgical techniques, aseptic principles, and sterile field maintenance.
• Strong knowledge of surgical anatomy, instrumentation, and procedural workflows.
• Ability to anticipate surgeon needs and respond quickly to intraoperative changes.
• Strong attention to detail in surgical counting procedures, patient positioning, and procedural safety.
• Effective communication and teamwork skills, ensuring smooth collaboration with surgeons, nurses, and anesthesia providers.
• Knowledge of infection control standards, regulatory compliance, and patient safety guidelines.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced, high‑pressure surgical environment, demonstrating composure and professionalism.

Licenses and Certifications

• CST - Certified Surgical Technologist required and
• Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) through NBSTSA required or
• Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) through NSAA required
• BCLS - Basic Life Support required
• ACLS - Advanced Cardiac Life Support preferred