First Assistant, Certified

About the role

Canyon Vista Medical Center in Sierra Vista, AZ is a 106‑bed acute care hospital that provides the majority of surgical care for Cochise County, supporting specialties including orthopedics, general surgery, urology, gynecology, podiatry, spine, vascular, and endoscopy. As part of Lifepoint Health, the center is committed to high‑quality, patient‑centered care across the surgical continuum. The Perioperative Services Department offers a dynamic, collaborative environment focused on safety, efficiency, and excellent patient outcomes, with ongoing opportunities for learning and professional growth. Located in the beautiful high desert of southeastern Arizona, the facility serves Sierra Vista, Ft. Huachuca, Cochise County (population >131,000) and surrounding communities, is nestled in the San Pedro River Valley 75 miles southeast of Tucson, was founded in 1963 as Western Baptist Osteopathic Hospital, and the current 177,000‑square‑foot facility completed in 2015 offers emergency services with a Level III Trauma Unit, Women’s Services, Birthing Suites, Level I Nursery, Bone & Joint Institute Center of Excellence for Total Joint Replacement, Intensive / Progressive / Acute Care, Cardiac Catheterization Lab, Surgical Services / Outpatient Surgery Center, Adult Psychiatric Unit, Advanced Diagnostic Imaging (including 3D Mammography), Laboratory Services, Rehabilitation Services, two helicopter pads, and wound care services.

Responsibilities

• Provides direct assistance to the surgeon(s) during surgical procedures.
• Positions patient to give best exposure for surgical procedure, using stabilizing equipment when necessary, while maximizing patient comfort and safety.
• Provides visualization of the operative site using appropriate method, including manipulation of tissue and materials, retraction, sponging, suctioning, and irrigation.
• Utilizes appropriate technique to achieve temporary and permanent hemostasis.
• Assists with body plane closure, application of wound dressings, and securing of drainage systems.

Requirements

• Must have completed a First Assist program.
• High school diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s degree preferred.
• Certified Surgical First Assist (CSFA) with the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting required.
• BLS certificate required.
• Critical thinking skills, decisive judgement, ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to work in a stressful environment and take appropriate action.
• Comprehensive understanding of healthcare regulatory and compliance (e.g., HIPAA).
• Skilled in the application of policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of Business Office Standards and Recommended Practices.

Benefits

• Multiple levels of medical, dental and vision coverage for full-time and part-time employees.
• Financial Protection & PTO: Life, accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity insurance, short- and long-term disability, paid family leave and paid time off.
• Financial & Career Growth: Higher education and certification tuition assistance, loan assistance and 401(k) retirement package and company match.
• Employee Well-being: Mental, physical, and financial wellness programs (free gym memberships, virtual care appointments, mental health services and discount programs).
• Professional Development: Ongoing learning and career advancement opportunities.