Physician Assistant - Surgical First Assistant

Job Requirements

The Advanced Practice Provider (APP) – Surgical First Assist provides operative support in the operating room across multiple surgical specialties including general surgery, breast surgery, urology, and other surgical services as assigned. The APP functions as an integral member of the surgical team and collaborates closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and operating room staff to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality surgical care.

The APP’s primary responsibility is to function as a surgical first assistant during operative procedures, providing intraoperative technical assistance and supporting the surgeon in performing surgical interventions. Responsibilities include surgical exposure, retraction, hemostasis, tissue handling, suturing, wound closure, and other operative assistance duties consistent with training and clinical privileges.

This role is primarily based in the operating room and supports surgical case flow and operative efficiency. The APP may assist surgeons across a variety of surgical specialties depending on service needs and clinical competency.

The position includes participation in a call schedule covering weeknights and weekends to support urgent or emergent surgical cases requiring operative first assist coverage.

The APP practices within the scope of professional licensure, national certification, institutional credentialing, and delineation of privileges in accordance with applicable state regulations and hospital policies.

Work Experience

Education and Experience

1. Graduate of an accredited Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant program.
2. Current and unrestricted state licensure as a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant.
3. Current national certification through an approved certifying body (ANCC, AANP, or NCCPA).
4. Registered Nurse First Assist (RNFA) certification is required for Nurse Practitioners.
5. Current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification required; Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) preferred.
6. Prior experience in surgical assisting or operative first assist roles strongly preferred.
7. Experience assisting in general surgery, breast surgery, urology, or other surgical specialties preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Knowledge of surgical anatomy, operative techniques, and perioperative patient care.
2. Ability to function effectively as a surgical first assistant in a variety of operative procedures.
3. Knowledge of sterile technique and operating room safety protocols.
4. Ability to anticipate surgeon needs and assist with operative workflow.
5. Strong technical skills related to suturing, wound closure, and intraoperative assistance.
6. Ability to collaborate effectively with surgeons, anesthesia providers, and operating room staff.
7. Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced surgical environment with changing case schedules.
8. Strong communication and teamwork skills within the surgical environment.
9. Proficiency in electronic medical record documentation and adherence to regulatory and compliance standards.
10. Commitment to patient safety, surgical excellence, and high-quality perioperative care.

Benefits

• $54.00-$81.00 plus call pay
• Review the 2026-2027 UMMS Benefits Guide.pdf