Job Requirements

The Advanced Practice Provider (APP) – Surgical First Assist provides operative support in the operating room across multiple surgical specialties including general surgery, breast surgery, urology, and other surgical services as assigned. The APP functions as an integral member of the surgical team and collaborates closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, and operating room staff to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality surgical care.

The APP’s primary responsibility is to function as a  surgical first assistant  during operative procedures, providing intraoperative technical assistance and supporting the surgeon in performing surgical interventions. Responsibilities include surgical exposure, retraction, hemostasis, tissue handling, suturing, wound closure, and other operative assistance duties consistent with training and clinical privileges.

This role is primarily based in the operating room and supports surgical case flow and operative efficiency. The APP may assist surgeons across a variety of surgical specialties depending on service needs and clinical competency.

The position includes participation in a  call schedule covering weeknights and weekends  to support urgent or emergent surgical cases requiring operative first assist coverage.

The APP practices within the scope of professional licensure, national certification, institutional credentialing, and delineation of privileges in accordance with applicable state regulations and hospital policies.

Work Experience

Education and Experience

1. Graduate of an accredited  Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant program .
2. Current and unrestricted  state licensure as a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant .
3. Current national certification through an approved certifying body ( ANCC, AANP, or NCCPA ).
4. Registered Nurse First Assist (RNFA) certification is required for Nurse Practitioners.
5. Current  Basic Life Support (BLS)  certification required;  Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)  preferred.
6. Prior experience in  surgical assisting or operative first assist roles  strongly preferred.
7. Experience assisting in  general surgery, breast surgery, urology, or other surgical specialties  preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

1. Knowledge of  surgical anatomy, operative techniques, and perioperative patient care .
2. Ability to function effectively as a  surgical first assistant  in a variety of operative procedures.
3. Knowledge of sterile technique and operating room safety protocols.
4. Ability to anticipate surgeon needs and assist with operative workflow.
5. Strong technical skills related to  suturing, wound closure, and intraoperative assistance .
6. Ability to collaborate effectively with surgeons, anesthesia providers, and operating room staff.
7. Ability to work efficiently in a  fast-paced surgical environment  with changing case schedules.
8. Strong communication and teamwork skills within the surgical environment.
9. Proficiency in  electronic medical record documentation  and adherence to regulatory and compliance standards.
10. Commitment to  patient safety, surgical excellence, and high-quality perioperative care .

Benefits

• $54.00-$81.00 plus call pay
• Review the  2026-2027 UMMS Benefits Guide.pdf

Located in the suburban community of Towson in Baltimore County, University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center has a rich history of providing loving service and compassionate care since its founding in 1864 by the Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia. Its Catholic heritage ever-present, the medical center today boasts a wide range of superb clinical programs and centers of excellence, including the Cancer, Heart and Orthopaedic Institutes, Women and Children’s services and Emergency Medicine.

Key services include:

• Cardiovascular Care
• Cancer Care
• Orthopaedic Care
• Family Childbirth
• Emergency Care