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Surgical First Assistant Jobs in Delaware (NOW HIRING)

Inventory of surgical items pre- and post-procedure. Additional duties for RN First Assistant may include: * Assist physicians by delivering direct surgical care. * Help control bleeding. * Suture ...

Travel OR RN - $2,085 per week

Lewes, DE · On-site

$2.0K/wk

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Additional duties for RN First Assistant may include: * Assist physicians by delivering direct surgical care. * Help control bleeding. * Suture patients following surgery. OR Travel Nurses should be ...

Certified Surgical Assistant

Milford, DE · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Performs role only as First Assistant or surgical technologist and not concurrently. 14. Actively supports the hospital mission of collaborative networking to satisfy community needs. Provides ...

Certified Surgical Assistant

Dover, DE · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Performs role only as First Assistant or surgical technologist and not concurrently. 14. Actively supports the hospital mission of collaborative networking to satisfy community needs. Provides ...

Certified Surgical Assistant

Milford, DE · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Performs role only as First Assistant or surgical technologist and not concurrently. 14. Actively supports the hospital mission of collaborative networking to satisfy community needs. Provides ...

Certified Surgical Assistant

Dover, DE · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Performs role only as First Assistant or surgical technologist and not concurrently. 14. Actively supports the hospital mission of collaborative networking to satisfy community needs. Provides ...

GYN/Urology Surgical RN in Newark, DE

Newark, DE · On-site

$41.28 - $66.05/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Registered Nurse (RN) - Gyn/Urology Surgical Inpatient Unit - Dayshift Registered Nurse - Surgical Unit - GYN & Urology - Day/Evening This surgical unit (4B) is a 23 private bed surgical unit that ...

RN Gyn/Urology Surgical Unit in Newark, DE

Newark, DE · On-site

$41.28 - $66.05/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Registered Nurse (RN) - Gyn/Urology Surgical Inpatient Unit - Day/Midnights Registered Nurse - Surgical Unit - GYN & Urology - Midnights This surgical unit (4B) is a 23 private bed surgical unit that ...

OR SURG TECH

Lewes, DE · On-site

$24.62 - $38.16/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Prepare operating rooms for surgical procedures, ensuring that all equipment, instruments, and supplies are properly sterilized, organized, and available for use. * Assist surgical team by passing ...

OR SURG TECH

Lewes, DE · On-site

$24.62/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • PTO

Prepare operating rooms for surgical procedures, ensuring that all equipment, instruments, and supplies are properly sterilized, organized, and available for use. * Assist surgical team by passing ...

Showing results 41-60

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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 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.

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 / REGISTERED NURSE - RN FIRST ASSIST - OPERATING ROOM (PART TIME)

Bebee Healthcare

Lewes, DE • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Why Beebe?
Become part of the Beebe team-an inclusive, missiondriven organization located in a vibrant coastal community. At Beebe, you'll build a rewarding career while making a meaningful impact on the health and wellbeing of our patients. Join a team committed to excellence, collaboration, and compassionate care, and experience the fulfillment that comes from supporting a community that trusts and values the work you do every day.
Benefits
In addition to competitive compensation and wellness benefits (medical, dental, vision and prescription) Beebe Healthcare also offers:

  • Sign-on and Referral Bonuses for select positions
  • Tuition Assistance up to $5,000
  • Paid Time Off
  • Long Term Sick accrual
  • Employer Contribution Plan
  • Free Short and Long-Term Disability for Full Time employees
  • Zero copay for drugs on prescription plan for certain conditions
  • College Bound 529 Savings Plan
  • Life Insurance
  • Beebe Perks via WorkAdvantage
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Pet Insurance
Overview
Join the surgical team at Beebe Healthcare, where your skills and experience as a Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) will make a lasting impact. We are currently seeking a part-time RNFA to support our perioperative services in delivering safe, efficient, and expert surgical care to patients across Sussex County.
As a clinically competent, registered professional nurse, the RNFA demonstrates advanced proficiency inperioperative nursing and intraoperative first assisting. This position plays an integral role in the surgical team by collaborating with surgeons and operating room staff to ensure high-quality patient outcomes. The RNFA uses the full scope of the nursing process - assessment, planning, intervention, implementation, and evaluation - to deliver comprehensive surgical care and support throughout the perioperative continuum.
Responsibilities
First Assisting Responsibilities
  • Initiate appropriate intraoperative behaviors unique to first assisting: provide hemostasis to reduce potential for fluid volume deficit by clamping and/or legating vessels using ESU, direct pressure, applying chemical agents that promote coagulation and other means as directed by the surgeon.
  • Provide exposure of the operative site through appropriate use of retractors, other instruments, and through suctioning and sponging.
  • Use surgical instruments skillfully in ways consistent with their design and purpose as directed by the surgeon.
Scrub / Surgical Routines & Aseptic Technique
  • Demonstrates competency in performance of scrub/surgical routines and aseptic technique.
  • Utilizes proper scrub, gown and gloving technique for self, surgeon, and assistant.
  • Ongoing monitoring of asepsis in all roles-scrub, circulator, and assistant.
  • Anticipates needs of surgeon.
  • Consistently recognizes sequence of procedures in all roles-scrub, circulator, and assistant.
  • Passes instruments correctly.
  • Appropriate review and preparation for assigned procedures.
Sterilization Processes & Instrument Handling
  • Understands and utilizes established guidelines for operation of autoclaves and steris units.
  • Performs daily A-Test/Biological tests as required.
  • Performs proper care, handling, and assembly of instruments for processing.
  • Ensures complete/thorough documentation of all flash and steris cycles as per protocol.
Supply, Instrument, and Equipment Accountability
  • Accepts personal accountability for proper handling, judicious use, and optimum care of all department supply, instrument, and equipment inventory.
Perioperative Nursing Process
  • Patient assessment: collecting, interpreting, recording, and communicating pertinent data relevant to patient care in surgery.
  • Care planning: utilization of collected data to plan appropriately for intraoperative nursing care.
  • Implementing: provides direct patient care to meet physical and psychological needs.
  • Evaluating care: continuously evaluates patient response to nursing intervention and modifies care plan to achieve desired outcome.
Theoretical Knowledge & Clinical Competence
  • Demonstrates and conveys theoretical knowledge and skills related to perioperative nursing care.
  • Understands the "why" concept as well as the "how" process.
Intraoperative Documentation
  • Thorough/Accurate/Complete documentation of intraoperative patient care.
Patient Positioning & Skin Integrity
  • Understands/Demonstrates/Conveys knowledge related to proper intraoperative patient positioning.
  • Universal skin care precautions.
  • Prevention of nerve damage.
  • Prevention of pressure-related skin breakdown.
Surgical Counts
  • Assists with completion and accuracy of surgical sponge, sharps/miscellaneous items, and instrument counts as per established policies and guidelines.
Preference Sheet Management
  • Assists with maintenance of up-to-date preference sheets in conjunction with Resource RNs and department Nurse Managers.
Critical Thinking, Prioritization & Time Management
  • Effectively demonstrates critical thinking.
  • Prioritizes duties appropriately.
  • Demonstrates strong time management skills throughout the perioperative arena.
Charge Accuracy & Cost Efficiency
  • Maintains accuracy with patient charge process.
  • Uses case supplies cost efficiently.
  • Ensures all pertinent data is provided to postcase data personnel to facilitate a timeefficient billing process.
Turnover Efficiency
  • Strives to ensure efficiency in turnaround time between procedures.
  • Readily available as needed.
  • Communicates with OR Desk/Charge RN and/or department Nurse Manager.
  • Performs gross cleaning of body fluid spills to confine contamination throughout the procedure.
  • Prioritizes case completion process.
  • Assists with room cleanup tasks as necessary.
  • Prioritizes case setup process toward maximum efficiency.
Accreditation & Regulatory Compliance
  • Adheres to all accreditation, regulatory, and safety requirements throughout the perioperative process.
Qualifications
  • Completion of an accredited RNFA program
  • Minimum of 2 years of recent perioperative nursing experience
  • Strong clinical judgment, communication skills, and commitment to patient-centered care
Credentials
  • RN - Registered Nurse
  • BLS - Basic Life Saving certification
  • CNOR - Certified Nursing - OR (Preferred)
Education
  • Graduate of an accredited nursing school

Entry
USD $39.88/Hr.
Max
USD $65.80/Hr.