PA First Assist - Full-Time

Take Your Surgical Career to the Next Level

University of Maryland Capital Region Health is seeking an experienced Physician Assistant First Assist to join our Robotic Surgery team in Largo, Maryland.

This full-time opportunity is ideal for an experienced surgical PA who enjoys being in the operating room, wants to expand their expertise in robotic and advanced surgical procedures, and is interested in taking on a meaningful role in the continued development of our First Assist program.

You'll work directly alongside surgeons and the perioperative team, providing hands-on surgical assistance while also serving as a clinical resource, mentor, and educator for fellow APPs and First Assists.

The position also offers opportunities for training and potential cross-coverage with other APP service lines, allowing you to continue expanding your surgical expertise.

What You'll Do

As a PA First Assist, you'll be an integral member of the surgical team throughout the perioperative process.

Surgical First Assist

Working under the clinical supervision and direction of the surgeon, you will:

• First assist during robotic and other surgical procedures
• Provide surgical exposure through appropriate retraction and tissue handling
• Assist with dissection, ligation, stapling, suturing, and wound closure
• Assist with hemostasis throughout operative procedures
• Anticipate the surgeon's needs and facilitate an efficient operative environment
• Demonstrate proficiency with surgical instrumentation, equipment, and medical devices
• Maintain knowledge of surgical anatomy, physiology, and operative techniques
• Support appropriate patient positioning to optimize surgical exposure and patient safety
• Identify and anticipate patient needs related to comfort and safety throughout the procedure

Support Patients Throughout the Perioperative Experience

Your responsibilities will extend beyond the surgical procedure itself.

You'll collaborate with surgeons, nursing, anesthesia, and other members of the perioperative team to:

• Assist with preoperative patient preparation, including positioning, draping, surgical scrub, and other appropriate procedures
• Be present in the designated operating room prior to the start of assigned surgical cases
• Respond to the needs of surgeons, OR nursing, and anesthesia teams to facilitate efficient patient care
• Collaborate with the surgical team to promote safe perioperative operations and optimal patient outcomes
• Assist with postoperative patient transfer from the operating table to the stretcher
• Accompany patients to the PACU or designated recovery area as appropriate
• Complete or contribute to immediate postoperative documentation
• Document relevant medical findings, care provided, and diagnostic information in the patient's clinical record
• Collaborate with physicians and other healthcare professionals regarding patient needs, outcomes, and effectiveness of the care plan

Help Build & Strengthen Our First Assist Program

This role goes beyond providing excellent care in the operating room. You'll also have the opportunity to help develop and strengthen our First Assist team.

Responsibilities may include:

• Serve as a clinical resource and mentor for PA First Assists and other APPs
• Support onboarding and day-to-day instruction for newly hired team members
• Provide guidance regarding procedures, competencies, and clinical best practices
• Assist with developing educational programming for PA First Assists
• Help ensure staff complete required institutional and departmental education
• Participate in interviewing and selecting future team members
• Support training and orientation of new hires
• Help maintain full coverage of the First Assist schedule
• Participate in APP leadership, education, and mentorship initiatives

If you're passionate about surgery and developing others, this role offers the opportunity to make an impact both inside and outside the operating room.

What We're Looking For

We're seeking an experienced surgical APP who brings technical expertise, sound clinical judgment, and a collaborative approach to the OR.

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Strong knowledge of surgical anatomy, physiology, and operative techniques
• Proficiency with surgical instrumentation and equipment
• Excellent tissue-handling, suturing, wound-management, and hemostasis skills
• Ability to anticipate the needs of the surgeon and surgical team
• Strong understanding of sterile technique and infection prevention
• Excellent clinical decision-making and problem-solving abilities
• Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced surgical environment
• Strong verbal and written communication
• Ability to work independently while collaborating closely with the multidisciplinary team
• Leadership, mentorship, and teaching skills
• Excellent organization, attention to detail, and follow-through
• Commitment to patient safety, professionalism, quality improvement, and compassionate care

Leadership & Professional Development

At UM Capital Region Health, APPs are valued members of the clinical and organizational team.

You'll have opportunities to participate in:

• APP Council meetings
• Surgical and service-line meetings
• APP education and professional development
• Organizational and clinical committees
• Quality and patient-safety initiatives
• Training and education of other APPs
• Mentorship of new hires and other learners
• Development of First Assist educational initiatives
• Service-line and organizational events

Providers are expected to maintain applicable continuing education requirements, including at least 50 hours of Category I CME every two years.

Commitment to Quality & Patient Safety

As part of UM Capital Region Health's High Reliability Organization principles, you'll help foster a culture focused on patient safety, zero harm, professionalism, mutual respect, and continuous improvement.

You'll collaborate with surgeons and the entire perioperative team to identify potential risks, maintain established clinical and procedural standards, and promote consistently safe, high-quality surgical care.

Qualifications

Physician Assistants

• Bachelor's degree required
• Graduate of an ARC-PA accredited Physician Assistant program
• Current certification through the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA)
• Active Maryland license through the Maryland Board of Physicians

Nurse Practitioners / RN First Assists

• Bachelor's degree and prior RN experience
• Completion of an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner program
• Active Maryland license through the Maryland Board of Nursing
• Successful completion of RNFA certification

Additional Requirements

• At least one year of First Assist or General Surgery experience preferred
• BLS and ACLS certification required
• Must successfully complete credentialing through the UM Capital Region Health Medical Staff Office
• Must meet applicable Maryland licensing, credentialing, and procedural requirements

Compensation is commensurate with clinical experience.

Bring Your Surgical Expertise to UM Capital Region Health

If you're an experienced surgical APP who wants to combine hands-on first assisting, robotic surgery, leadership, education, and mentorship in one role, we'd love to hear from you.

Join University of Maryland Capital Region Health and become an integral member of a collaborative surgical team where your technical expertise and leadership can help shape the continued growth of our First Assist program.

All information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines. We do not accept inquiries or solicitations from 3rd party recruiters/search firms.

University of Maryland Medical Center