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First Assistant Jobs in Newark, DE (NOW HIRING)

First Student

School Bus Driver

Newark, DE · On-site

$23.28/hr

Previous experience as a teacher, CDL driver, social worker, classroom assistant, hospitality worker, or customer service or retail associate. Take the wheel and drive your career forward with First ...

First Student

School Bus Driver

Newark, DE

$23.28/hr

Previous experience as a teacher, CDL driver, social worker, classroom assistant, hospitality worker, or customer service or retail associate. Take the wheel and drive your career forward with First ...

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All JobsFirst JobsFirst Assistant JobsFirst Assistant Jobs in Newark, DE

First Assistant information

See Newark, DE salary details

$31.8K

$130.5K

$187.2K

How much do first assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for first assistant in Newark, DE is $130,468.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,600.00 and $176,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do I become a first assistant?

To become a first assistant, typically you need relevant experience in the field, strong communication and organizational skills, and often a background in the specific industry or role. Some positions may require specific certifications or training, and gaining experience through entry-level roles can help advance to a first assistant position.

What is a first assistant?

First Assistants, often referred to as First Assistant Directors (First ADs) in film and television production, are responsible for coordinating all production activities on set. They assist the director by managing the shooting schedule, ensuring that cast and crew are prepared, and facilitating communication between departments. Their role is essential in keeping the production running smoothly, safely, and on time. First Assistants also help enforce safety protocols and can be involved in overseeing rehearsals and blocking scenes. Overall, they play a key organizational and leadership role in any production.

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

To thrive as a First Assistant, you need a comprehensive understanding of surgical procedures, aseptic techniques, and anatomy, usually backed by a relevant certification such as Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) or equivalent clinical training. Familiarity with surgical instruments, operating room protocols, and electronic medical records is typically required. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to work well under pressure are essential soft skills. These competencies ensure optimal surgical outcomes, enhance patient safety, and support seamless teamwork in the operating room.

What is the difference between First Assistant vs Second Assistant?

AspectFirst AssistantSecond Assistant
CredentialsTypically requires medical or legal certifications, depending on industrySimilar credentials, often with less experience required
Work EnvironmentHigh-pressure settings, assisting lead professionalsSupport role, often in administrative or support settings
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in legal, medical, or film industries as a primary support roleSupporting role, often subordinate to First Assistant
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for responsibilities and qualificationsLess frequently searched in comparison to First Assistant

The First Assistant typically holds more responsibilities, requires specific certifications, and works closely with lead professionals in high-pressure environments. The Second Assistant generally provides support and performs delegated tasks, often with less experience or certification requirements. Understanding these differences helps clarify career progression and role expectations within the industry.

What are some common challenges first assistants face when supporting high-level executives or teams?

First Assistants often juggle multiple priorities, such as managing complex calendars, responding to urgent requests, and coordinating logistics for meetings or events. One common challenge is maintaining clear communication and anticipating the needs of executives, which requires strong organizational skills and discretion. Additionally, First Assistants may need to adapt quickly to changing schedules or last-minute tasks, making flexibility and problem-solving essential. Building good relationships with both internal teams and external contacts also helps ensure smooth workflow and successful collaboration.
First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Assistant job openings in Newark, DE 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 $130,468 per year, or $62.7 per hour.

PRN Physician Assistant Surgical

Pennsylvania Medicine

West Chester, PA • On-site

Per diem

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Penn Medicine is dedicated to our tripartite mission of providing the highest level of care to patients, conducting innovative research, and educating future leaders in the field of medicine. Working for this leading academic medical center means collaboration with top clinical, technical and business professionals across all disciplines.
Today at Penn Medicine, someone will make a breakthrough. Someone will heal a heart, deliver hopeful news, and give comfort and reassurance. Our employees shape our future each day. Are you living your life's work?
General Summary Statement
In collaboration with the supervising physician, the Surgical Physician Assistant will provide surgical and medical care to surgical patients. The Physician Assistant will provide direct health care management to patients and will assist the surgeon during surgical procedures, performing those skills of a first assistant.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Perform and record complete history and physical exam competency
  1. Identifies self properly to patient and family, clarifies role of physician assistant if necessary.

  1. States purpose of history and physical for accurate hospital records.

  1. Obtains accurate medical history including chief complaint, history or present illness, past medical/history, family history, social history and complete review of systems.

  1. Evaluates the patient's history and physical per core measure compliance.

  1. Physical assessment focusing on vital signs, HEENT, cardiac, pulmonary, GI, GU, neurological and extremities.

6. Address patient's concerns including providing comfort and support for pre-operative patients by demonstrating sensitivity to patient care and privacy.
7. Answers patient's questions regarding pre-operative care, understanding of surgical procedures and regarding post-operative care.
8. Uses knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of patient.
9. Timely dictation of the history and physical examination performed in the pre-admission testing area to insure its availability the day of surgery.
First assistant in surgery with evening and weekend on-call responsibilities
  1. Maintains aseptic techniques and actively monitors situations which could lead to breaks in aseptic technique.

  1. Arrive at least 10-minutes prior to the scheduled start of first case assigned.

  1. Ensures safety checklist, core measure compliance and time-out and universal protocol procedures are followed

  1. Position patients according to type of surgery and skin prep as needed.

  1. Using aseptic technique when performing bladder catheterizations for all patients.

  1. Scrubs and assists surgeons on all cases when requested.

  1. May close incisions at the discretion of or in absence of surgeon and applies appropriate dressings.

  1. Transports and monitors patient from operating room to recovery room or critical care unit

9. Postoperatively, removal of staples sutures and drains when requested by attending surgeon.
10. Provide on-Call Coverage as assigned. Must be able to arrive at hospital within 30 minutes of being called in.
11. Maintain all licensing, credentialing, CPR, child abuse clearance and assigned knowledge link learning by required completion dates.
12. All APPs are expected to give a minimum of a 90-day resignation notice.
Education Training and Experience
Graduate AMA and ARC-PA approved Physician Assistant or Surgeons Program.
Minimum of One-year surgical experience preferred.
Licensure/Certification
NCCPA (National Commission for Certification of Physician Assistants); and, Pennsylvania State Board of Medical Education and Licensure.
CPR certification required.
We believe that the best care for our patients starts with the best care for our employees. Our employee benefits programs help our employees get healthy and stay healthy. We offer a comprehensive compensation and benefits program that includes one of the finest prepaid tuition assistance programs in the region. Penn Medicine employees are actively engaged and committed to our mission. Together we will continue to make medical advances that help people live longer, healthier lives.
Live Your Life's Work
We are an Equal Opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, familial status, genetic information, domestic or sexual violence victim status, citizenship status, military status, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable law.

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