Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) or Certified Surgical Technologist First Assistant (CSTFA)

Certified Surgical First Assistant / RN First Assistant

Department: Surgical Services Schedule: Full-Time | Days Location: Gateway Regional Medical Center Pay Range: $35.00 - $55.00 per hour

About Gateway Regional Medical Center

Gateway Regional Medical Center is committed to providing high-quality, compassionate healthcare to the communities we serve. Our Surgical Services team works collaboratively to provide safe, efficient, and patient-centered care.

We are seeking a skilled Certified Surgical First Assistant or Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) to join our Surgical Services team. This position provides advanced support to surgeons and the surgical team throughout operative procedures while promoting patient safety and quality care.

Position Summary

The Surgical First Assistant supports the surgeon and surgical team before, during, and after operative procedures. Depending on qualifications and credentials, this position may be filled by a Certified Surgical First Assistant, Certified Surgical Technologist with first-assist qualifications, or Registered Nurse First Assistant.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong knowledge of surgical procedures, sterile technique, surgical instrumentation, and perioperative patient care. The ability to anticipate the needs of the surgeon and work effectively in a fast-paced operating room environment is essential.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Serve as a first assistant during surgical procedures within the individual's scope of practice, education, training, and hospital privileges.

• Assist the surgeon with exposure, hemostasis, tissue handling, suturing, wound closure, and other first-assist functions as appropriate.

• Prepare the operating room for surgical procedures, including instruments, supplies, equipment, and sterile fields.

• Maintain strict sterile technique throughout surgical procedures.

• Anticipate the needs of the surgeon and provide appropriate instruments, supplies, and equipment.

• Assist with surgical counts in accordance with hospital policies and procedures.

• Assist with patient positioning and preparation while maintaining patient safety.

• Assist with specimen collection, identification, and handling according to established procedures.

• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized operating room environment.

• Properly prepare, clean, and maintain surgical instruments and equipment.

• Collaborate effectively with surgeons, nurses, anesthesia personnel, surgical technologists, and other members of the healthcare team.

• Assist with postoperative care and transition of care as appropriate to the individual's role and scope of practice.

• Follow infection prevention, patient safety, regulatory, and hospital requirements.

• Participate in quality improvement and patient safety initiatives.

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Candidates may qualify through one of the following pathways:

Certified Surgical First Assistant / Surgical Technologist

• High school diploma or equivalent required.

• Graduate of an accredited Surgical Technology program required.

• Current Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) certification required.

• Surgical First Assistant certification or appropriate first-assist training/credentials preferred or required based on assigned duties.

• Previous operating room experience required.

• Current BLS certification required.

• Demonstrated knowledge of sterile technique, surgical instrumentation, and operating room procedures.

Registered Nurse First Assistant

• Current Registered Nurse license in the State of Illinois required.

• Graduate of an accredited nursing program required.

• Current RNFA certification or completion of an accredited RN First Assistant program preferred/required based on hospital credentialing requirements.

• Previous operating room/perioperative nursing experience required.

• Surgical first-assist experience strongly preferred.

• Current BLS certification required.

• CNOR certification preferred.

All Candidates

• Strong clinical judgment and critical-thinking skills.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Ability to anticipate the needs of the surgical team.

• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.

• Commitment to patient safety, quality care, and maintaining professional standards.

Why Join Gateway Regional Medical Center?

• Competitive pay

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance View Guide

• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match

• Paid time off

• Mental health/sick time

• Illinois Paid Leave

• Floating holiday after completion of the 90-day probationary period

• Collaborative healthcare environment

• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community

Gateway Regional Medical Center is an equal opportunity employer.