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1St Assistant Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

Inova

Surgical First Assistant

Alexandria, VA · On-site

Inova Alexandria Hospital is looking for a dedicated Surgical First Assist to join the team! Full-time (40 hrs/week) Day Shift: Monday-Friday, either two shifts-7:00am-3:00pm and two shifts-7:00am-7 ...

Inova Primary Care

Surgical First Assistant

Fairfax, VA · On-site

Inova Alexandria Hospital is looking for a dedicated Surgical First Assistant in Labor and Delivery to join the team. This role will be FT and days may vary. Inova is consistently ranked a national ...

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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.

1St Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various 1St Assistant job openings in Silver Spring, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Surgical First Assistant

Fairfax, VA • On-site

Inova Health System
Health Care and Social Assistance • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Inova Health Systemexternal

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 8 days ago

Inova Health System rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 261 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Inova Alexandria Hospital is looking for a dedicated Surgical First Assistant in Labor and Delivery to join the team. This role will be FT and days may vary.

Inova is consistently ranked a national healthcare leader in safety, quality and patient experience. We are also proud to be consistently recognized as a top employer in both the D.C. metro area and the nation.

Featured Benefits:

  • Committed to Team Member Health: offering medical, dental and vision coverage, and a robust team member wellness program.

  • Retirement: Inova matches the first 5% of eligible contributions - starting on your first day.

  • Tuition and Student Loan Assistance: offering up to $5,250 per year in education assistance and up to $10,000 for student loans.

  • Mental Health Support: offering all Inova team members, their spouses/partners, and their children 25 mental health coaching or therapy sessions, per person, per year, at no cost.

Surgical 1st Assist Job Responsibilities:

  • Confirms procedure with surgeon and determines specific equipment needed per procedure by reviewing permit to confirm procedure and special needs.

  • Assists in setting up OR room. Make clinical decisions based on experience, patient population data, and observation in concert with the primary surgeon

  • Provides retraction of tissue and organs for optimal visualization with regard to tissue type and appropriate retraction instrument and /or technique. Assists in maintaining hemostasis by direct pressure, using and applying of appropriate surgical instrument for the task, placement or ties, placement of ligatures, applying chemical hemostatic agents, or other measures as directed by the surgeon. Uses the electrocautery mono and bi-polar at surgeons' direction, clamping, ligation, and cutting of tissue per surgeons' directive. Selects and applies wound dressing per surgeon's directive; applies splints, casts, and other specialty dressings under the direct supervision of the surgeon. Assists with resuscitation of patient during cardiac arrest or other life-threatening events in the operating room

  • May perform additional duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Education: Completion of Surgical First Assistant program through an accredited organization.
  • Experience: Minimum of 1 years as First Surgical Assistant
  • Certification: BLS from the American Heart Association
  • Licensure - Licensed Surgical Assistant Upon Start, must meet licensure criteria and be licensed as a Surgical Assistant in the Commonwealth of Virginia at the time of hire

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