Surgical First Assistant
Medical Solutions Direct Hire
Salisbury, MD
5x8 hrs, Days

Pay: $58,700-$91,100

Surgical Technologist – First Assist

Location: Maryland
Employment Type: Direct Hire | Full-Time

Position Overview

The Surgical First Assistant provides critical intraoperative support to the surgeon by assisting with exposure, hemostasis, closure, and other technical functions that contribute to safe and successful surgical outcomes. In addition to assisting during procedures, this role supports preoperative and postoperative patient care activities to ensure continuity and quality of care.

The Surgical First Assistant works under the direction and supervision of the surgeon and in accordance with hospital policies, state and federal regulations, and professional practice standards. During surgical procedures, the assistant functions solely in the first assist role and does not simultaneously perform duties of the scrub nurse or surgical technologist.

The role may function under direct supervision (surgeon scrubbed in the surgical field) or indirect supervision (surgeon present within the surgical suite but not necessarily scrubbed). Competency in required skills is evaluated annually with surgeon input as part of the employee’s performance review.

Shift Details

• Full-Time
• Schedule determined by department needs

Compensation & Incentives

• Competitive hourly compensation: $28.26 – $43.81/hr
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Tuition assistance and professional development opportunities
• Supportive team environment focused on collaboration and patient care excellence

Key Responsibilities

• Assist surgeons during procedures by providing exposure, hemostasis, suturing, and wound closure
• Support surgical teams with technical intraoperative assistance to ensure safe surgical outcomes
• Participate in preoperative and postoperative patient care activities
• Maintain sterile technique and adhere to operating room safety standards
• Identify anatomical structures and assist with surgical dissection and exposure
• Perform suturing, ligating pedicles, and other surgical assisting techniques
• Collaborate with surgical teams to ensure efficient operating room workflow

Requirements

Education

• Graduate of an accredited surgical technology program (community college, vocational school, military program, or hospital-based program) preferred
• LPNs trained as surgical technologists may also be considered
• Operating Room Technicians with documented on-the-job training may be considered

Experience

• Minimum 2 years of scrub experience in the operating room

Certification & Licensure

• Surgical Technologist certification preferred
• Completion of a formal Surgical Assistant Certificate or Degree Program approved by ABSA, NSAA, or NBSTA
• Must obtain STFA certification within a reasonable timeframe and maintain certification thereafter
• Current CPR/BLS certification required
• Two letters of recommendation from surgeons who have observed the candidate’s surgical assisting performance

Training / Skills

• Hands-on training in:
  • Advanced suturing and knot tying
  • Ligating pedicles
  • Identifying anatomical structures
  • Hemostasis techniques
  • Surgical dissection and exposure techniques

Why This Opportunity

This organization offers a culture of compassion and clinical excellence with a strong focus on teamwork and professional growth. Staff benefit from extensive training opportunities, tuition assistance programs, and a collaborative environment that supports hands-on learning and career development.

Location Highlights

Located within 30 minutes of the coast, the area offers easy access to beaches, outdoor recreation, and a vibrant community while working within a health system that provides a wide range of specialty and subspecialty services.

Job Type

Full-Time

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Prescription coverage
• Flexible spending accounts
• Life and disability insurance
• Retirement plans
• Paid time off
• Tuition assistance
• Employee assistance programs
• Access to on-site childcare and a credit union