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Surgical First Assistant Jobs in Delaware (NOW HIRING)

RN First Assistant - Operating Room

Dover, DE · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Uses surgical instruments to assist the surgeon and facilitate the surgical intervention. 16 ... Education: Certificate Program First Assistant; Associate Degree Nursing Or Nursing Diploma.

RN First Assistant - Operating Room

Dover, DE · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Uses surgical instruments to assist the surgeon and facilitate the surgical intervention. 16 ... Education: Certificate Program First Assistant; Associate Degree Nursing Or Nursing Diploma.

RN First Assistant - Operating Room

Milford, DE · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Uses surgical instruments to assist the surgeon and facilitate the surgical intervention. 16 ... Education: Certificate Program First Assistant; Associate Degree Nursing Or Nursing Diploma.

RN First Assistant - Operating Room

Dover, DE · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Uses surgical instruments to assist the surgeon and facilitate the surgical intervention. 16 ... Education: Certificate Program First Assistant; Associate Degree Nursing Or Nursing Diploma.

RN First Assistant - Operating Room

Milford, DE · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Uses surgical instruments to assist the surgeon and facilitate the surgical intervention. 16 ... Education: Certificate Program First Assistant; Associate Degree Nursing Or Nursing Diploma.

Showing results 21-40

Surgical First Assistant information

See Delaware salary details

$16

$37

$76

How much do surgical first assistant jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for surgical first assistant in Delaware is $37.68, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30.10 and $41.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a surgical first assistant?

A Surgical First Assistant is a trained healthcare professional who assists surgeons during surgical procedures. Their responsibilities include providing exposure, controlling bleeding, suturing incisions, and ensuring the surgical field is maintained. They work closely with surgeons, nurses, and other operating room staff to help ensure surgeries are conducted safely and efficiently. Surgical First Assistants may be registered nurses, physician assistants, or other certified professionals who have completed additional specialized training.

How do you become a surgical first assistant?

You can become a Surgical First Assistant by first getting certified as a Surgical Technologist. You can then pursue the Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) credential to enhance your learning process as well as your professional profile. The minimum education requirement for this job is an associate degree, but some employers will prefer a bachelor’s degree prior to your certification. At your earliest opportunity, you should begin working in a medical environment, such as a hospital or clinic.

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

To thrive as a Surgical First Assistant, you need in-depth knowledge of surgical procedures, anatomy, sterile techniques, and typically a certification such as the Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) or equivalent. Familiarity with surgical instruments, advanced suturing techniques, and operating room technology is essential. Excellent communication, attention to detail, and the ability to anticipate surgeons’ needs are vital soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities ensure patient safety, efficient surgical workflows, and optimal support for surgeons during procedures.

How does a surgical first assistant typically collaborate with surgeons and other members of the surgical team during procedures?

A Surgical First Assistant works closely with the lead surgeon and the entire operating room team to ensure procedures run smoothly and safely. Their responsibilities include anticipating the surgeon’s needs, providing technical support such as tissue retraction, suction, and suturing, and maintaining clear communication throughout the surgery. Collaboration requires adaptability, quick decision-making, and a thorough understanding of surgical protocols. Effective teamwork is vital, as the assistant helps maintain sterile fields, manages instruments, and supports patient safety at every stage of the operation.

What is the difference between Surgical First Assistant vs Surgical Technologist?

AspectSurgical First AssistantSurgical Technologist
CredentialsCertified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA), surgical assisting certificationsCertified Surgical Technologist (CST), surgical tech certifications
Work EnvironmentAssist surgeons during procedures, work closely in the operating roomPrepare operating rooms, sterilize instruments, assist in setup
Employer & IndustryHospitals, surgical centers, clinicsHospitals, surgical centers, outpatient facilities
Common Search/ComparisonYesNo

The Surgical First Assistant and Surgical Technologist roles both operate in the operating room environment but differ significantly. Surgical First Assistants actively assist surgeons during procedures, requiring advanced certifications like CSFA. Surgical Technologists prepare the OR and support the surgical team but do not directly assist during surgery. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

Is a surgical first assistant a good career?

A surgical first assistant is a skilled healthcare professional who supports surgeons during operations, requiring certification and knowledge of surgical procedures. It offers a stable job outlook with opportunities for specialization and advancement, often involving working in hospitals or surgical centers. The role demands strong communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work in high-pressure environments.

What qualifications do you need to be a surgical first assistant?

To become a surgical first assistant, candidates typically need to have a healthcare background such as a registered nurse, surgical technologist, or physician assistant, along with specialized training in surgical assisting. Certification through organizations like the National Surgical Assistant Association (NSAA) or the American Association of Surgical Assistants (AASA) is often required or preferred. Additionally, strong knowledge of surgical procedures, anatomy, and sterile techniques is essential.

Where do surgical first assistants make the most money?

Surgical first assistants tend to earn higher salaries in regions with a high cost of living and greater demand for specialized healthcare services, such as metropolitan areas with large hospitals and medical centers. Factors like experience, certifications, and working in specialized surgical fields can also influence earning potential.

What are popular job titles related to Surgical First Assistant jobs in Delaware?

For Surgical First Assistant jobs in Delaware, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities in Delaware are hiring for Surgical First Assistant jobs?

Cities in Delaware with the most Surgical First Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Surgical First Assistant job openings in Delaware as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% As Needed, 60% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 30% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $78,383 per year, or $37.7 per hour.

RN First Assistant - Operating Room

Bayhealth

Dover, DE • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Bayhealth (Delaware) rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 55 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

307th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

If you care about the opportunity to grow, to make a difference, to build a future and a life, then we just might have the career for you. Care to talk?
Bayhealth Medical Center is Central and Southern Delaware's healthcare leader with hospitals in Dover and Milford, as well as stand-alone Emergency Department in Smyrna and a hybrid Emergency Department and Urgent Care in Milton. We offer various practice settings throughout Kent and Sussex Counties. Bayhealth Medical Center Kent Campus is 90 minutes from Philadelphia, Washington, DC and Baltimore. Our Sussex Campus is 30 minutes to the Delaware beaches and relaxation in the sand!
Bayhealth Medical Center offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package (for eligible positions) including:
  • Generous Paid Time Off and Paid Holidays
  • Matching 401(k)/403(b) Plans
  • Excellent Health, Dental, and Vision
  • Disability and Life Insurance options
  • On Site Child Care
  • Educational Reimbursement
  • Health Care and Dependent Care Flex Spending Accounts
  • Plus, an array of Voluntary Benefits to include Critical Care Coverage and more!

Location: Kent Campus Hospital
Status: Full Time 72 Hours
Shift: Variable
SALARY RANGE: 45.06 - 69.85HOURLY
General Summary:
Provides professional nursing care within an assigned unit. Professional nursing practices, requiring specialized knowledge, judgement and skill are performed using the process in accordance with hospital policy, procedure and philosophy.
Responsibilities:
1. Provides comprehensive clinical competency in all facets of the nurse first assistant role.
2. Conducts systematic, ongoing assessments of the patient's health status throughout the perioperative experience.
3. Formulates and modifies nursing diagnoses based on patient assessment throughout the perioperative continuum.
4. Identifies and communicates desired patient outcomes.
5. Uses critical thinking in the application of nursing knowledge and perioperative patient care.
6. As a primary patient advocate is continually vigilant, using acquired and intuitive knowledge to anticipate, prevent, and/or respond to circumstances that could compromise the patient's well-being.
7. Is cognizant of and can recognize possible adverse reactions patients may experience during the surgical procedure.
8. Along with the surgeon, and OR Team present in the room, assumes accountability for verification of the correct surgical site immediately prior to the incision.
9. Demonstrates knowledge of patient safety standards published by regulatory agencies.
10. Develops an individualized plan of care that directs the intervention(s) of the RNFA that is consistent with RNFA practice.
11. Demonstrates clinical expertise
12. Possesses the essential mental discipline and fine motor skills to provide technical assistance to the surgeon.
13. Strictly adheres to principles of aseptic technique to prevent infection and promote optimal wound healing.
14. Accepts appropriate delegated medical functions as defined within the RNFA scope of practice.
15. Uses surgical instruments to assist the surgeon and facilitate the surgical intervention.
16. Handles tissue safely. Provides exposure of operative site to promote a safe and effective surgical procedure. Promotes and maintains hemostasis. Assists with and/or performs wound closure.
17. Partners with the surgeon to collaboratively direct the patient's perioperative course.
18. Serves as educator, mentor, consultant, and resource to patients, colleagues, other health care professionals, and the community.
19. Bases professional and practice behaviors on the knowledge and application of the scope of practice as defined by the state, professional practice standards, and facility guidelines to practice.
20. Maintains professional credentials and seeks out and participates in lifelong learning opportunities.
21. Recognizes, assures documentation of, and in a timely and accurate fashion any interventions when a patient's condition indicates an emerging problem.
22. Understands the need to be flexible within the Patient Care Services Department; assigned wherever the need arises up to own level of competency.
23. Participates in staff meetings, case conferences, and departmental meetings at a minimum 8 times per year.
24. Maintains a current knowledge of hospital and departmental policies, adheres to them, and references the manuals as necessary to comply with current practice standards.
25. All other duties as assigned within the scope and range of job responsibilities
Required Education, Credential(s) and Experience:
  • Education: Certificate Program First Assistant; Associate Degree Nursing Or Nursing Diploma.
  • Credential(s): Registered Nurse; Basic Life Support; Certified Perioperative Nurse; Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support
  • Experience: Preferred: Previous experience in area of practice as an RNFA. Basic Dysrhythmia experience with Critical Care experience.

Preferred Education, Credential(s) and Experience:
  • Education: Bachelor Degree Nursing
  • Credential(s): Certified Registered Nurse First Assistant; Pediatric Advanced Life Support
  • Experience:

To view a full list of all open position at Bayhealth, please visit:
https://apply.bayhealth.org/join/

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