Surgical First Assistant Career Guide
Looking for a different career guide?
Overview
A Surgical First Assistant (SFA) is a highly skilled healthcare professional who works alongside surgeons in the operating room, playing a critical role in ensuring safe and successful surgical procedures. SFAs provide vital assistance before, during and after surgeries, enhancing patient outcomes and maintaining a sterile surgical environment.
Essential Job Functions:
SFAs have diverse responsibilities, including prepping and draping patients,
Education
To become a Surgical First Assistant, you typically need to be a licensed Registered Nurse (RN), Certified Surgical Technologist (CST), or Physician Assistant (PA) with specialized training in surgical assisting. Educational pathways can include associate or bachelor's degrees in nursing or surgical technology, as well as PA programs.
Qualifications
Skills
Staff and Travel SFAs require a wide range of skills, including a deep understanding of surgical procedures, proficiency in surgical instrumentation, strong communication skills and the ability to remain composed under pressure. Attention to detail, teamwork and a commitment to patient safety are essential attributes.
Thousands of
healthcare jobs in
your pocket.
4.8
13.6k Ratings
4.4
1.5k Ratings
Responsibilities
The primary responsibility of an SFA is to provide skilled assistance to the surgeon during surgery. This involves preparing the operating room, positioning and prepping the patient, handling surgical instruments, suturing wounds and ensuring sterile conditions are maintained.
Salary Insights
The average salary for a Surgical First Assistant is $2,298.96 per week.
Last updated on September 20, 2023. Based on active jobs on Vivian.com.
Pros & Cons
Becoming a Surgical First Assistant offers numerous benefits. It allows you to actively participate in life-changing surgeries, work closely with surgical teams and contribute to improved patient outcomes. SFAs often enjoy a high level of job satisfaction and competitive compensation.
However, the role comes with challenges, including long hours in the operating room, exposure to stressful situations, and physically demanding work.
Related Articles
Employer Spotlight: UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital
Does New York City’s Near-Ban on Airbnb Impact Travel Nurses?
Using AI to Write a Great Healthcare Resume
Some of the content on this page was enhanced using artificial intelligence.
Join over 1 million healthcare workers that are getting a head start with Vivian.
Join Vivian