First Assistant Jobs in Augusta, GA (NOW HIRING)

How would you like to work in a place where your contributions and ideas are valued? A place where you can serve with compassion, pursue excellence and honor every voice? At Wellstar, our mission is simple, yet powerful: to enhance the health and well-being of every person we serve. We are proud to have become a shining example of what's possible when the brightest professionals dedicate themselves to making a difference in the healthcare industry, and in people's lives.

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This is an exciting opportunity to become part of the surgical team supporting Wellstar’s newest hospital and expanding presence in Columbia County. The APP will work collaboratively with surgeons, physicians, nursing staff, and other members of the multidisciplinary care team to provide high-quality, patient-centered surgical care across the operating room, inpatient hospital, and outpatient clinic settings.

A key component of this position will be serving as a first assistant in surgical procedures, in addition to supporting preoperative, postoperative, inpatient, and outpatient patient care.

• Full-time Advanced Practice Provider opportunity
• Practice at Wellstar Columbia County Medical Center and the adjacent Medical Office Building
• Provide surgical first-assist coverage in the operating room
• Combination of operating room, inpatient, and outpatient clinical responsibilities
• Participate in the complete surgical continuum—from preoperative evaluation through surgery, hospitalization, discharge, and postoperative follow-up
• Collaborate closely with surgeons and multidisciplinary clinical teams
• Support the continued development and growth of surgical services at Columbia County Medical Center
• Opportunity to join a growing surgical program within one of Georgia’s largest and most integrated nonprofit health systems

The Surgery APP will provide comprehensive surgical care across the operating room, hospital, and ambulatory environments. Responsibilities may include:

• Serve as first assistant to the surgeon during operative procedures
• Provide intraoperative assistance consistent with training, credentialing, privileging, and scope of practice
• Assist with patient positioning, surgical exposure, retraction, tissue handling, hemostasis, and other operative responsibilities as directed by the surgeon
• Assist with wound closure, suturing, dressing application, and other appropriate procedural responsibilities
• Collaborate with surgeons, anesthesia providers, nursing staff, and operating room personnel to promote safe and efficient surgical care
• Participate in preoperative preparation and postoperative transition of surgical patients
• Maintain compliance with established surgical protocols, infection prevention standards, and patient safety requirements

• Perform comprehensive patient histories and physical examinations
• Conduct inpatient rounds and evaluate surgical patients
• Develop and implement treatment plans in collaboration with the surgical team
• Provide preoperative and postoperative patient management
• Order and interpret appropriate diagnostic studies, laboratory testing, and imaging
• Monitor postoperative recovery and identify potential complications
• Coordinate consultations and multidisciplinary care as appropriate
• Participate in discharge planning and transitions of care
• Provide patient and family education regarding surgical procedures, treatment plans, recovery, and follow-up care

• Evaluate new and established surgical patients in the outpatient setting
• Conduct preoperative evaluations and postoperative follow-up appointments
• Perform appropriate office-based procedures within the APP’s scope of practice and privileges
• Provide wound assessments and postoperative care
• Educate patients and families regarding procedures, medications, recovery expectations, and ongoing care
• Coordinate continuity of care between the Medical Office Building, operating room, hospital, and other clinical services
• Maintain timely and accurate clinical documentation within the electronic medical record

• Graduate of an accredited Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant program
• Current or eligible for Georgia APRN or Physician Assistant licensure
• Current national certification appropriate to the APP discipline
• BLS certification required
• ACLS certification preferred or required based on clinical responsibilities
• Surgical first-assist training, experience, and/or certification required or strongly preferred
• Previous experience in surgery, surgical first assist, acute care, or a related surgical specialty strongly preferred
• Demonstrated ability to provide care across the perioperative continuum
• Excellent clinical assessment, procedural, communication, collaboration, and organizational skills
• Ability to work effectively in the operating room, inpatient hospital, and outpatient clinic environments
• Must meet applicable Wellstar credentialing and privileging requirements for surgical first-assist responsibilities

Located in Grovetown, Georgia, Wellstar Columbia County Medical Center represents an important expansion of Wellstar’s commitment to meeting the healthcare needs of Columbia County and the surrounding region.

The hospital is designed to provide comprehensive healthcare services close to home, including inpatient medical and surgical care, intensive care, emergency services, advanced procedural capabilities, and specialty services.

The adjacent Medical Office Building (MOB) further expands access to outpatient and specialty care, creating an integrated environment where providers can support patients throughout the continuum of care—from initial surgical consultation and preoperative preparation through surgical intervention, hospitalization, and postoperative follow-up.

At Wellstar Health System, our mission is to enhance the health and well-being of every person we serve. As one of Georgia’s largest and most integrated nonprofit health systems, Wellstar provides clinicians with the resources, collaboration, and organizational support necessary to deliver exceptional patient care.

Team members benefit from:

• A collaborative and patient-centered clinical environment
• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits
• Opportunities for professional growth and development
• Advanced clinical resources and technology
• Strong multidisciplinary collaboration
• The opportunity to help develop and grow surgical services within a new hospital and expanding medical community

Grovetown and Columbia County offer an exceptional quality of life with excellent schools, growing neighborhoods, recreational opportunities, and convenient access to the greater Augusta area. The region combines the welcoming atmosphere of a growing community with access to healthcare, education, entertainment, outdoor recreation, and cultural amenities.

Join Wellstar and help build the future of surgical care in Columbia County—from the clinic to the operating room and throughout the patient’s recovery.

Join us and discover the support to do more meaningful work—and enjoy a more rewarding life. Connect with the most integrated health system in Georgia, and start a future that gives you more.