Emory Healthcare·Tucker, Georgia
The First Assistant is responsible for assisting the surgeon throughout preoperative, intraoperative, and post-operative duties and procedures. This includes providing aid in exposure, hemostasis, closure, and other technical functions to ensure safe operations.
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Description We are seeking a capable Surgical Assistant / First Assist / Operating Room who has acquired broad experience in caring for patients, and has developed a sound understanding about the care of a particular patient population.
Responsible for assisting the surgeon under direct and indirect supervision throughout preoperative, intraoperative, and post-operative duties and procedures as needed.
Provide aid in exposure, hemostasis, closure, and other intraoperative technical functions that help the surgeon carry out a safe operation with optimal results for the patient.
clamping and/or cauterizing vessels or tissue; tying and/or ligating clamped vessels or tissue; applying hemostatic clips; placing local hemostatic agents.
applying tourniquets and demonstrating awareness of the indications/contraindications for use with knowledge of side effects of extended use; applying vessel loops; applying non-crushing clamps; applying direct digital pressure. Utilizing appropriate techniques to assist with closure of body planes. Packing with sponges. Digital manipulation of tissue. Suctioning, irrigating, or sponging. Manipulation of suture materials (e.g. loops, tags, running sutures). Utilizing running or interrupted subcutaneous sutures with absorbable or non-absorbable material and subcuticular closure technique with or without adhesive skin closure strips. Closing skin with method indicated by surgeon (suture, staples, etc.).
Selecting and applying appropriate wound dressing: liquid or spray occlusive materials, absorbent material affixed with tape of circumferential wrapping; immobilizing dressing (soft or rigid).
Points of pressure shall be padded: elbows, heels, knees, eyes, face, and axillary region. Circulation shall not be impaired. Nerve damage shall be guarded against.
Graduate and /or certification from surgical assisting programs accredited through ARC/STSA. 2 years of surgical assistant/first assistant experience is required. Some areas may require specialized experience. Five years of surgical tech experience with at least one year experience in a First Assist capacity preferred. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS (Medium): 20-50 lbs; 0-33% of the work day (occasionally); 11-25 lbs, 34-66% of the workday (frequently); 01-10 lbs, 67-100% of the workday (constantly); Lifting 50 lbs max; Carrying of objects up to 25 lbs; Occasional to frequent standing & walking, Occasional sitting, Close eye work (computers, typing, reading, writing), Physical demands may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks. ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: Factors affecting environment conditions may vary depending on the assigned work area and tasks. Environmental exposures include, but are not limited to: Blood-borne pathogen exposure Bio-hazardous waste Chemicals/gases/fumes/vapors Communicable diseases Electrical shock, Floor Surfaces, Hot/Cold Temperatures, Indoor/Outdoor conditions, Latex, Lighting, Patient care/handling injuries, Radiation, Shift work, Travel may be required. Use of personal protective equipment, including respirators, environmental conditions may vary depending on assigned work area and work tasks. Additional Details Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory Healthcare is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Please contact Emory Healthcare’s Human Resources at careers@emoryhealthcare.org. Please note that one week's advance notice is preferred.
Candidates must be graduates or certified from surgical assisting programs accredited through ARC/STSA and have at least 2 years of surgical assistant experience. Preferred qualifications include five years of surgical tech experience with at least one year in a First Assist capacity.
Market context
In Georgia, operating room first assistant roles are typically tied to surgical volume and the need for experienced perioperative support. This role is competitive because employers often look for ARC/STSA-accredited training, surgical assisting certification, and hands-on OR experience, with preferred backgrounds in surgical technology and First Assist work. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to quickly compare fit, then confirm your credentialing and OR experience before applying.