Surgical First Assist - Cardiothoracic Surgery

Company: Medical University of South Carolina
Location: Charleston
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Summary The Surgical First Assistant is responsible for the performance of direct patient care and services under the direct supervision of all attending physicians assigned. Entity University Medical Associates (UMA) Only Employees and Financials Worker Type Employee Worker Sub-Type? Regular Cost Center CC001068 COM SURG CT Adult Cardiac Surgery CC Pay Rate Type Salary Pay Grade Health-35 Scheduled Weekly Hours 40 Work Shift Job Description Minimum Training and Education : Must have BS degree from an accredited College or University. Must have a minimum of 3 years of experience in a Cardiac Surgical setting. Required Licensure, Certifications, Registrations : Certification as a surgical assistant by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. Current American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or American Red Cross BLS for Healthcare Providers certification is required Job Responsibilities: 25% - Function as First Assistant in all aspects of Cardiac surgical procedures 25% - Harvest the Greater Saphenous Vein or Radial Artery via an Endoscopic or open technique. 25% - Suturing of all surgical wounds using accepted techniques, or as directed by the attending surgeon. Insertion of required tubes, lines, drains including arterial, venous, chest drains or Intra Aortic Balloon Pumps (IABP), as directed by surgeon. Removes IABP or chest tubes when appropriate. 25% - Confirms with the surgeon and all members of the surgical team, the correct patient and operative site(s) through a "time out" procedure. Identifies unsafe patient care practices, and assumes responsibility for intervention. Serves as a clinical expert and educator to nurses and those who come to learn. Assists with the orientation of new coworkers and Physician Assistants with regard to Endoscopic Vein Harvesting and first assisting. Provides direct patient care when necessary during emergent situations. Additional Job Description Physical Requirements Continuous requirements are to perform job functions while standing, walking and sitting. Ability to bend at the waist, kneel, climb stairs, reach in all directions, fully use both hands and legs, possess good finger dexterity, perform repetitive motions with hands/wrists/elbows and shoulders, reach in all directions. Maintain 20/40 vision corrected, see and recognize objects close at hand and at a distance, work in a latex safe environment and work indoors. Frequently lift, lower, push and pull and/or carry objects weighing 50 lbs (/-) unassisted, exert up to 50 lbs of force, lift from 36" to overhead 25 lbs. Infrequently work in dusty areas and confined/cramped spaces. If you like working with energetic enthusiastic individuals, you will enjoy your career with us! The Medical University of South Carolina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. MUSC does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, age, sex, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by state laws and/or federal regulations. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment based upon applicable qualifications, merit and business need. Medical University of South Carolina participates in the federal E-Verify program to confirm the identity and employment authorization of all newly hired employees. For further information about the E-Verify program, please click here: http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify/employees

Keywords: Medical University of South Carolina, Savannah , Surgical First Assist - Cardiothoracic Surgery, Healthcare , Charleston, Georgia