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First Assist Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Community Health Systems

RN First Assist

Powell, TN · On-site

Job Summary The RN First Assist (RNFA) provides advanced perioperative nursing care, assisting surgeons during operative procedures to ensure optimal patient outcomes. This role includes pre ...

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First Assist information

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$8

$17

$26

How much do first assist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average hourly pay for first assist in Tennessee is $17.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.75 and $19.18 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What skills do you need for a first assist?

A first assist role typically requires strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to follow instructions precisely. Knowledge of medical procedures, certifications such as CPR or basic life support, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment are also important.

What are some common challenges faced by first assist professionals in the operating room, and how can they be managed?

First Assist professionals often encounter the challenge of adapting quickly to different surgeons' preferences and surgical techniques, as well as managing fast-paced, high-pressure situations. Effective communication and anticipation of the surgical team's needs are essential to ensure smooth procedures. Staying current with advances in surgical technology and participating in ongoing training can help First Assists overcome these challenges and contribute positively to patient outcomes.

What is a first assist?

First Assist professionals, also known as Surgical First Assistants or First Assistants, are healthcare practitioners who work alongside surgeons during operations. Their primary role is to provide direct support in the operating room, such as preparing the surgical site, controlling bleeding, suturing, and handling surgical instruments. First Assists may be registered nurses, physician assistants, or surgical technologists with specialized training. They are essential team members who help ensure procedures run smoothly, safely, and efficiently. Their responsibilities vary depending on the surgical team and type of procedure.

What is the difference between First Assist vs Surgical Technologist?

AspectFirst AssistSurgical Technologist
CredentialsCertified First Assistant (CFA), surgical assisting certificationsCertified Surgical Technologist (CST), surgical tech certifications
Work EnvironmentAssist surgeons directly during procedures, operating roomsPrepare operating rooms, sterilize instruments, assist during surgeries
Employer & IndustryHospitals, surgical centers, clinicsHospitals, outpatient surgical centers, clinics

First Assist and Surgical Technologist roles both work in surgical settings, but First Assist professionals directly support surgeons during procedures, requiring advanced certifications. Surgical Technologists prepare the operating room and assist indirectly. While both are vital in surgical teams, First Assist roles involve more direct patient and surgical support, often with higher certification requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a first assist?

To thrive as a First Assist, you need a solid background in surgical techniques, anatomy, and sterile procedures, usually supported by certification as a Surgical First Assistant or Physician Assistant. Familiarity with surgical instruments, operating room technology, and patient monitoring systems is essential. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are critical soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure safe, efficient surgeries and optimal outcomes for patients.

How long does it take to be a first assist?

Becoming a first assist typically requires completing a registered nursing program or a physician assistant program, followed by specialized training or certification in surgical assisting. The process can take approximately 2 to 4 years depending on the educational path and certification requirements.
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for First Assist jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most First Assist job openings:
First Assist jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Assist job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,766 per year, or $17.2 per hour.

Surgical First Assistant

TriStar Southern Hills Medical Center

Franklin, TN • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description


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 Southern Hills Medical Center. 


Benefits 


TriStar Southern Hills 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 


The Certified First Assistant (CFA) is an active member of the healthcare team in the operating room. Responsible for assisting the healthcare team in assessing the needs of the patients, infancy through life span, and for organizing and planning care sufficient to meet identified needs during the preoperative and intra-operative phase. Pre-operative patient management is, included but not limited to, communicating with other healthcare providers regarding the patients’ plan of care. Intra-operatively, included but not limited to, using instruments/medical devices, providing exposure, handling and/or cutting tissue, providing hemostasis and suturing. The CFA may be asked to precept/mentor others within his/her realm of expertise. 



What you will do in this role: 


  • Prepare the surgical site to include shaving, marking, application of surgical scrub/paint.  


  • Apply positioning aids, tourniquet cuff, etc.  


  • Provide hemostasis by: injection, touches cautery to instrument held by physician, uses electrocautery on tissue, uses bipolar cautery, clamping/tying.  


  • Assist surgeon in utilizing/manipulating special equipment, i.e., video camera and equipment, etc.  


  • Perform skin closure by staples or suture as directed and supervised by surgeon.  


  • Insert and suture drains as directed and supervised by surgeon.  


  • Apply dressings, gauze, splints, and casts.  


  • Administer subcutaneous postoperative injections of local anesthetics when directed by the surgeon.  



What qualifications you will need: 


  • High School Diploma or GED required. 


  • Certified Surgical Assistant (CSA) through NCCSA, Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) through NBSTSA, or SA-C (Surgical Assistant – Certified) through ABSA. 


  • Basic Cardiac Life Support must be obtained within 30 days of employment start date. 


  • Minimum of 3 years of related experience highly preferred. 



Serving our community for the past 40 years, TriStar Southern Hills has been a leader for a wide range of healthcare services. These include emergency services, cardiology, orthopedics and rehabilitation. TriStar Southern Hills is an Accredited Chest Pain Center with PCI and a Primary Stroke Center. There are more than 300 board certified physicians representing more than 20 specialties. Many have offices located on our campus. 


HCA Healthcare has been named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Institute for ten consecutive years (2010-2019). In 2019, HCA Healthcare spent an estimated $3.7 billion in cost for the delivery of charitable care, uninsured discounts, and other uncompensated expenses. 


"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 Certified Surgical First Assistant opening. We promptly review all applications. Highly qualified candidates will be contacted for interviews. Unlock the possibilities and apply today! 


We are an 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. 


TriStar Southern Hills Medical Center logo

About TriStar Southern Hills Medical Center

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

TriStar Southern Hills Medical Center, located in Nashville, TN, US, is a prominent institution in the healthcare industry. Their website, tristarsouthernhills.com, serves as a comprehensive platform detailing their wide range of medical services and facilities. The medical center was established with a vision to provide high-quality healthcare services tailored to the needs of the community it serves. An affiliate of TriStar Health and HCA healthcare, Southern Hills Medical Center underscores its commitment to the health and wellbeing of patients by offering a diverse bouquet of services, such as emergency care, cardiology, orthopedics, and women's health among others.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Nashville, TN, US

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