Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) |… at Meritus Health · Hagerstown

*Surgical First Assistant | Operating Room*Full Time | 80 Hours Bi‑Weekly | Rotating Shifts

The Surgical First Assistant plays a vital hands‑on role in supporting safe, efficient, and high‑quality surgical care. Under the general direction of the Clinical Manager and the direct supervision of the Registered Nurse, this position works as part of the intra‑operative team to assist the surgeon throughout the procedure. The First Assistant provides technical expertise in exposure, hemostasis, closure, and other intraoperative functions to ensure a safe and effective surgical experience.

This role requires strong clinical judgment, advanced technical skill, and the ability to respond effectively in high‑pressure situations. The Surgical First Assistant must maintain age‑specific competencies and complete all Medical Staff Office credentialing requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist the surgeon with hands‑on intraoperative tasks including exposure, hemostasis, and wound closure

• Perform technical functions during surgery under the direction and supervision of the surgeon

• Support safe and efficient patient care throughout the intra‑operative phase

• Demonstrate competence in age‑specific clinical practice

• Maintain readiness and compliance with Medical Staff Office credentialing requirements

• Collaborate with the surgical team to ensure a safe, sterile, and efficient operative environment

• Recognize safety hazards and initiate appropriate preventive or corrective actions

• Perform effectively in stressful, emergent, or rapidly changing clinical situations

Minimum Qualifications

Education

• High school diploma or equivalent required

• Completion of a degree or program related to appropriate licensure or certification required

Experience

• Minimum of four (4) years of experience as a surgical technician in an acute care setting required

• Applicants for initial appointment must demonstrate adequate clinical experience as a CSA or CSFA within the past 12 months

Licensure/Certification

• Current certification as a CSFA by one of the following required:

  • National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA)

  • National Commission for the Certification of Surgical Assistants (NCCSA)

  • National Surgical Assistant Association (NSAA)

• Current BLS (CPR) certification required

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Ability to perform effectively in stressful and emergency situations

• Strong situational awareness and ability to recognize safety hazards

• Ability to initiate appropriate preventive and corrective actions

• Excellent teamwork, communication, and clinical judgment

Caring for Our Team

We are committed to supporting the well-being and professional development of our team members through a comprehensive benefits package, which includes:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Coverage begins on the first of the month following your hire date.

• Life Insurance & Disability Coverage

Includes company-paid life insurance, as well as short- and long-term disability benefits to provide peace of mind.

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

A generous PTO program designed to help you recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

• 401(k) Retirement Plan

Benefit from a robust company match to support your long-term financial goals.

• Education Assistance & Tuition Reimbursement

Support for your continued learning and career growth.

• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA)

Options to save pre-tax dollars for eligible healthcare and dependent care expenses.

• Shift Differential Pay

Team members working evening, night, or weekend shifts may be eligible for additional pay.

Happy to Help

At Meritus, we believe in a collaborative and caring work environment. Interactions are an opportunity to learn, listen and to be there for one another. Therefore, we provide warm welcomes, hospitality-driven closures, and are always Happy to Help.