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1St Assistant Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Mission Hospital

Surgical First Assistant

Dickson, TN · On-site

Surgical First Assist- Full Time Days Experience the HCA Healthcare difference where colleagues are trusted, valued members of our healthcare team. Grow your career with an organization committed to ...

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1St Assistant information

What is a 1st assistant?

A 1st Assistant, often referred to as a First Assistant or First Assistant Director (1st AD) in the film and television industry, is responsible for coordinating the cast and crew, managing the shooting schedule, and ensuring that production runs smoothly and on time. They act as the right hand to the director, facilitating communication between departments and maintaining order on set. Their role is crucial in keeping the project organized and addressing any logistical challenges that arise during filming.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 1st assistant, and why are they important?

To excel as a 1st Assistant, you need a solid understanding of surgical procedures, sterile techniques, and anatomy, usually supported by certification as a Certified First Assistant (CFA) or similar credential. Familiarity with surgical instruments, operating room protocols, and electronic health record systems is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong communication skills help you anticipate surgeon needs and support the surgical team effectively. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring patient safety, efficient procedures, and smooth teamwork in the operating room.

What are some common challenges faced by a 1st assistant, and how can they be effectively managed?

As a 1st Assistant, one of the most common challenges is managing multiple priorities and ensuring smooth communication between the director, department heads, and crew. The role often requires rapid problem-solving and adaptability, especially when unexpected changes or time constraints arise on set. Effective organization, proactive planning, and maintaining a calm, positive attitude help address these challenges. Building strong professional relationships and being clear in your communication can also make a significant difference in ensuring production runs efficiently.

What is the difference between 1St Assistant vs 2Nd Assistant?

Aspect1St Assistant2Nd Assistant
CredentialsRelevant certifications, experience in assisting senior staffSimilar credentials, often less experience required
Work EnvironmentSupports primary assistant, often in busy or high-pressure settingsAssists the 1st Assistant, typically in less complex tasks
Industry UsageCommon in legal, medical, and corporate sectorsOften found in same industries, supporting the 1st Assistant

The 1st Assistant and 2nd Assistant roles are closely related, with the 1st Assistant typically having more experience and taking on more responsibilities. The 2nd Assistant supports the 1st Assistant and handles secondary tasks. Both roles are essential in high-demand environments like legal, medical, or corporate settings, but the 1st Assistant usually works directly with senior staff and manages more complex duties.

What are the most commonly searched types of 1St jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of 1St jobs in Tennessee are:

What cities in Tennessee are hiring for 1St Assistant jobs?

Cities in Tennessee with the most 1St Assistant job openings:

1St Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various 1St Assistant job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

First Assistant

TriStar Summit Medical Center

Hermitage, TN • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

This position is 11:00 am - 7:00 pm shift


Are you passionate about the patient experience? At HCA Healthcare, we are committed to caring for patients with purpose and integrity. We care like family! Jump-start your career as a Certified Surgical First Assistant today with TriStar Summit Medical Center.

Benefits

TriStar Summit Medical Center, offers a total rewards package that supports the health, life, career and retirement of our colleagues. The available plans and programs include:

  • Comprehensive medical coverage that covers many common services at no cost or for a low copay. Plans include prescription drug and behavioral health coverage as well as free telemedicine services and free AirMed medical transportation.
  • Additional options for dental and vision benefits, life and disability coverage, flexible spending accounts, supplemental health protection plans (accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity), auto and home insurance, identity theft protection, legal counseling, long-term care coverage, moving assistance, pet insurance and more.
  • Free counseling services and resources for emotional, physical and financial wellbeing
  • 401(k) Plan with a 100% match on 3% to 9% of pay (based on years of service)
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan with 10% off HCA Healthcare stock
  • Family support through fertility and family building benefits with Progyny and adoption assistance.
  • Referral services for child, elder and pet care, home and auto repair, event planning and more
  • Consumer discounts through Abenity and Consumer Discounts
  • Retirement readiness, rollover assistance services and preferred banking partnerships
  • Education assistance (tuition, student loan, certification support, dependent scholarships)
  • Colleague recognition program
  • Time Away From Work Program (paid time off, paid family leave, long- and short-term disability coverage and leaves of absence)
  • Employee Health Assistance Fund that offers free employee-only coverage to full-time and part-time colleagues based on income.


Learn more about Employee Benefits

Note: Eligibility for benefits may vary by location.

Come join our team as a Certified Surgical First Assistant. We care for our community! Just last year, HCA Healthcare and our colleagues donated $13.8 million dollars to charitable organizations. Apply Today!

Job Summary and Qualifications

Our Surgical Service teams are a committed, caring group of colleagues. We have a passion for creating positive patient interactions. We offer a vast array of robotic surgical technology including gynecology, general, thoracic, urology, spine and joint replacement. Services offered at Summit include Gynecology, urology, neurology, spine, orthopedics, general, ENT, plastics and vascular. As a Surgical Tech you will work directly with the surgeon in the operating room. You may scrub and assist the physician during procedures. If you are dedicated to caring for the well-being of others, this could be your next opportunity.


Your responsibilities and tasks may include:

  • Communicating the surgeon’s preferences and specific patient needs to surgical team
  • Positioning the patient to provide the necessary exposure for the procedure, as well as the surgeon preference
  • Providing intraoperative skills such as visualization, trocar insertion, hemostasis, tissue handling, placement and securing of wound drains
  • Having knowledge of and using all open, laparoscopic, and robotic equipment necessary for a procedure
  • Proficiency in technical skills required during a surgical procedure, including, but not limited to: clamping, cauterizing, suturing, inserting, manipulating, retracting, cutting, and ligating tissue as necessary
  • Utilizing appropriate suturing techniques, according to surgeon preference, to close the incision at the end of the procedure
  • Providing postoperative skills in patient care such as applying dressings to surgical wounds, patient transfer and transport, transfer of care, and monitoring for immediate complications
  • Collaborating with others to provide continuity of care


What qualifications you will need:

  • Basic Cardiac Life Support must be obtained within 30 days of employment start date
  • Certification as a First Assistant through NBSTSA - REQUIRED
  • High School Diploma/GED required
  • 1 Year of experience required



TriStar Summit is a 234-bed comprehensive facility. We serve Davidson, Wilson and surrounding counties. We include a Level III Trauma Center. We offer a full array of acute care services. These include cardiology, oncology, orthopedics/spine, rehabilitation and women’s services. We are an Accredited Chest Pain Center with PCI. We are a Primary Stroke Center. TriStar Summit is a leading provider of emergency heart and stroke care.


"The great hospitals will always put the patient and the patient's family first, and the really great institutions will provide care with warmth, compassion, and dignity for the individual."- Dr. Thomas Frist, Sr.

HCA Healthcare Co-Founder

If you are looking for an opportunity that provides satisfaction and personal growth, we encourage you to apply for our Surgical Tech III opening. We promptly review all applications. Highly qualified candidates will be contacted for interviews. Unlock the possibilities and apply today!


We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

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