Orthopaedic Associates of Maine (OAM) – Ambulatory Surgery Center is hiring a Surgical First Assistant (CST or RNFA) in Portland, ME.

Orthopaedic Associates of Maine (OAM) is seeking a skilled Surgical First Assistant (SFA) to join our Surgical Services team. This role may be filled by a Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) with First Assist certification or a Registered Nurse with RNFA certification.

The Surgical First Assistant is a critical member of the surgical team, functioning in a sterile capacity while assisting the surgeon during orthopaedic procedures. This position supports the surgeon, circulating nurse, and anesthesia team before, during, and after surgery to ensure safe and efficient surgical care. When not functioning in the First Assist capacity, this position will be functioning in the CST or RN role.

This position is based on-site at Orthopaedic Associates of Maine’s surgical facility and reports to the ASC Director of Nursing.

Roles & Responsibilities

• Prepare operating rooms by assembling supplies, instruments, and equipment according to physician preference cards
• Inspect surgical equipment prior to procedures to ensure proper functionality and sterile integrity
• Maintain sterile technique and report any suspected breaks in sterile field according to policy
• Accurately identify and prepare instruments, sutures, implants, and supplies needed for orthopaedic surgical procedures
• Assist with patient transport, positioning, and sterile draping in accordance with surgical protocols
• Pass instruments and supplies to the surgeon during procedures while maintaining the sterile field
• Provide intraoperative assistance including:
• Retraction of tissue and organs
• Hemostasis and control of bleeding
• Placement of clamps and sutures
• Closing skin using sutures, staples, or adhesives as directed by the surgeon
• Applying direct pressure or assisting with cauterization when needed
• Assist with specimen handling and labeling in accordance with facility protocols
• Maintain accurate counts of sponges, needles, and instruments during procedures
• Document surgical activities and patient care according to facility policies under the direction of the circulating nurse
• Communicate any changes in patient condition or surgical concerns promptly to the RN and surgical team
• Correctly identify and label medications presented to the sterile field
• Assist with immobilization, splinting, or casting as required during orthopaedic procedures
• Support sterile processing workflows as needed, including instrument decontamination and tray preparation

Required Qualifications

• Current certification as either:
• Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) with Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA/CSA) certification, OR
• Registered Nurse (RN) with RNFA certification
• Graduate of an accredited surgical technologist or nursing program
• First Assist certification required
• Minimum 2 years of operating room experience preferred
• Experience in orthopaedic surgery or ambulatory surgery center settings preferred
• Strong understanding of sterile technique and surgical instrumentation
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced surgical environment
• Strong teamwork, communication, and patient-centered care mindset
• Professional demeanor and ability to represent OAM positively with physicians, patients, and staff

Ready to Make an Impact?

If you’re looking for a meaningful role where you can support patients and be part of a dynamic healthcare team, we’d love to hear from you! Apply today and take the next step in your career!