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First Assistant Jobs in Tucson, AZ (NOW HIRING)

RN First Assist

Oro Valley, AZ · On-site

$2.0K - $2.3K/wk

RN first assist / OR Schedule = 4/10 hour shifts - 6:30 am - 5:00 pm Call = 2-3 shifts of call from 5:00 pm - 6:30 am each week 1 weekend of call per month that begins at 5:00 pm on Friday evening ...

CT Surgical First Assistant

Tucson, AZ · On-site

$2.2K - $2.4K/wk

CT Surgical First Assistant * Location: Tucson, AZ * Assignment Length: 13 weeks with possible extension * Hours per Week: 40 * Shift Time: 7a-3:30p * Shift Details: nan * Travel Pay Estimate: $2,496 ...

Travel RN - Operating Room - First Assist American Traveler is seeking a credentialed RNFA for a 13-week OR First Assist travel assignment in California, requiring CNOR, CRNFA, and prior travel ...

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First Assistant information

See Tucson, AZ salary details

$27.9K

$114.7K

$164.6K

How much do first assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for first assistant in Tucson, AZ is $114,727.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,800.00 and $155,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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.

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.

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 environment. Some roles may require specific certifications or training, depending on the industry standards. Gaining practical experience through internships or entry-level positions can also be beneficial.

How much do first assistants make?

First assistants in Florida typically earn between $30,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the industry they work in. They often require strong organizational skills and proficiency with office tools to perform their duties effectively.

What are the most commonly searched types of First jobs in Tucson, AZ?

The most popular types of First jobs in Tucson, AZ are:

What cities near Tucson, AZ are hiring for First Assistant jobs?

Cities near Tucson, AZ with the most First Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various First Assistant job openings in Tucson, AZ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,406 per year, or $60.8 per hour.

Surgical First Assist - Part Time

Community Health Systems

Tucson, AZ • On-site

Other

Posted 10 days ago


Community Health Systems rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 276 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

456th of 898 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Job Summary

Under the supervision of the RN nurse leader and at the direction of the physician, the surgical first assist (SFA) provides support to the surgeon by assisting with exposure and visualization, hemostasis, wound closure and other technical functions that will help assure a safe surgical procedure. The SFA will help prepare the operating room and assist the RN, surgeon, and anesthesiologist before, during, and after surgical procedures. The SFA performs additional tasks/activities as assigned. The employee may be required to flex/change schedule and work overtime at the discretion of the clinic.

Essential Functions

  • Performs a variety specialty specific activities under the direction of the provider.

  • Assist physician in back office duties including rooming patients, taking vital signs and patient history, and assisting with minor procedures.

  • Triages patients to ensure optimal patient flow and clinic productivity.

  • Maintains work area, exam rooms, supplies, medications and immunizations.

  • Manages all information obtained with strict confidentiality to safeguard patient information from use by unauthorized personnel.

  • Follows safety guidelines for self, patients, visitors and employees.

  • Follows Hospital's infection prevention policies.

  • Demonstrates the ability to be flexible, organized and function appropriately under stressful situations.

  • Communicates with patients, families and other team members to meet the needs of the patient.

  • Demonstrates knowledge Joint Commission and OSHA guidelines and standards.

  • Exercises sound clinical judgment and critical thinking in all aspects of care; including developing creative solutions to problems.

  • Efficiently and effectively performs scrubbing and assisting duties perioperatively to meet the patient's needs, physician's orders, hospital policy and Standards of Practice for Perioperative care.

  • Efficiently and effectively performs first assisting duties thus providing aid in homeostasis, exposure and other technical functions that will help the surgeon carry out a safe operation with optimal results for the patient and function within the hospital scope of duties.

  • Performs other assigned duties with a positive attitude and a team focus.

  • Performs other duties as assigned.

  • Complies with all policies and standards.

Qualifications

  • Completion of high school or equivalent required

  • Completion of an Allied Health program in a related field with Surgical Assist Program required

  • Completion of a surgical first assistant training program accredited by the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting required

  • Completion of a Certified Orthopedic Technology training program preferred

  • 2-4 years current operating room scrub and/or assisting experience preferred

  • 2-4 years surgical experience in a clinic and/or hospital setting. required

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

  • Strong conflict management skills.

  • Effective working in a matrix organization.

  • Data Analysis

  • Strong understanding of surgical procedures, practices, and technology.

  • Ability to lead, manage, and support a team.

  • Excellent organizational and leadership skills

  • Ability to prioritize and organize tasks according to Unit's needs.

Licenses and Certifications

  • CST - Certified Surgical Technologist required

  • CSA - Certified System Admin preferred

  • CPR - Cardiac Pulmonary Resuscitation required

  • BCLS - Basic Life Support required

  • Certified Surgical First Assistant required

Oro Valley Hospital (OVH) is a 176-bed hospital that also has a freestanding emergency center, Northwest Transitions Inpatient Rehabilitation, Skilled Nursing Unit, Behavioral Health Unit, and large physician group. With these varied access points, you have your choice of settings in which to work. OVH's culture centers around providing safe, quality care to patients, but also to foster a work environment based on teamwork, commitment to a shared goal and recognizing employees for all they do to care for our patients. Often described as a "family," the staff at OVH take pride in doing the best they can to care for their community. OVH is accredited by The Joint Commission and is an equal opportunity employer: race, gender, disability and Veteran status, and VEVRAA Federal Contractor - priority referral Protected Veterans requested.

Equal Employment Opportunity

This organization does not discriminate in any way to deprive any person of employment opportunities or otherwise adversely affect the status of any employee because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, genetic information, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, citizenship, veteran status, or military or uniformed services, in accordance with all applicable governmental laws and regulations. In addition, the facility complies with all applicable federal, state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This applies to all terms and conditions of employment including, but not limited to: hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. If you are an applicant with a mental or physical disability who needs a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process, contact the director of Human Resources at the facility to which you are seeking employment; Simply go to http://www.chs.net/serving-communities/locations/ to obtain the main telephone number of the facility and ask for Human Resources.


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