Surgical First Assistant (SFA) - NCCPA/NP

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Care for our community, and your career.

The Surgical First Assistant (SFA) NCCPA/NP provides direct support to surgeons during operative procedures. This role involves assisting in exposure, hemostasis, closure, and other intraoperative technical functions that help the surgeon carry out a safe operation with optimal results. The SFA also plays a role in preoperative and postoperative patient care.

Key Responsibilities:

Preoperative:

• Review and prepare surgical plans and patient history.
• Prepare the surgical field and assist in positioning and prepping the patient.
• Ensure all surgical instruments and supplies are available and sterile.
• Assist in draping the surgical site.
• Communication with RN and certified surgical tech in the room the plan for the patient

Intraoperative:

• Provide adequate exposure of the operative site using retractors and other tools.
• Control bleeding by clamping, ligating, or cauterizing blood vessels.
• Handle tissues, cut sutures, and perform wound closure.
• Suction, irrigate, or sponge the operative site as needed.
• Assist with robotic, laparoscopic, and minimally invasive procedures where applicable.
• Monitor the patient’s vital signs under direction from the surgeon or anesthesiologist.

Postoperative:

• Apply surgical dressings and assist in transferring the patient to recovery.
• Ensure all instruments and materials are accounted for (sponge/instrument count).
• Document operative procedures and observations accurately.
• Participate in postoperative patient assessments and wound care.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Graduation from an accredited Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner program. NCCPA/NP

Licensure/Certification (one or more):

• Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner with surgical certification – NCCPA/NP

Experience:

• Minimum 2 years of experience in a surgical setting required.
• Scrub experience a plus.

Skills and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of surgical instruments, anatomy, and aseptic technique.
• Strong clinical judgment and decision-making skills.
• Excellent manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
• Ability to stay calm and focused in high-stress situations.
• Strong verbal communication and ability to work in a team-oriented environment.

Working Conditions:

• Exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and infectious agents.
• does require long periods of standing and wearing surgical attire.
• On-call availability, including nights, weekends, and holidays, may be required.

Samaritan is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.  Women, Minorities, Disabled, and Veterans are encouraged to apply. 

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Samaritan is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.  Women, Minorities, Disabled, and Veterans are encouraged to apply.