Surgical First Assistant (SFA)
Location: Midlands
Availability: Weekend Sessions
Rates: Competitive
Are you a Surgical First Assistant with experience in post-anaesthetic or perioperative care, looking for additional weekend work? Here at 18 Week Support, we have an exciting opportunity to support a well-established NHS Trust in the Midlands area within a busy General Surgery service.
This is an excellent opportunity to work alongside experienced theatre and recovery teams in a well-supported, patient-focused environment while benefiting from flexible additional sessions.
Opportunity Highlights:
- Amazing rates of pay
- Flexibility around your current commitments
- Consistent or ad-hoc work available
- Opportunity to work within a specialist General Surgery environment
Key Responsibilities
Pre-Operative Duties
- Review patient records, surgical plans, and relevant investigations.
- Prepare operating theatres, instruments, equipment, and surgical supplies.
- Participate in surgical safety checks and the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist.
- Position patients safely and appropriately for surgical procedures.
- Assist with skin preparation and draping while maintaining aseptic technique.
Intra-Operative Duties
- Provide skilled assistance to the surgeon during general surgical procedures.
- Handle tissues carefully to minimise trauma.
- Achieve haemostasis through techniques such as suction, swabbing, and use of appropriate instruments.
- Retract tissues and organs to provide optimal surgical exposure.
- Assist with suturing, stapling, and wound closure.
- Handle surgical instruments and equipment safely and efficiently.
- Maintain the sterile field throughout procedures.
- Anticipate the surgeon's needs and prepare instruments and materials accordingly.
- Assist in specimen handling and documentation as required.
- Support minimally invasive and laparoscopic procedures when trained and competent.
Post-Operative Duties
- Assist with dressing application and patient transfer.
- Ensure accurate documentation of surgical procedures and interventions.
- Participate in instrument, swab, and needle counts according to policy.
- Report any concerns, incidents, or complications promptly.
- Assist with theatre turnaround and preparation for subsequent cases.
Requirements:
- Accredited Surgical First Assistant qualification.
- Current professional registration and licence to practise.
- Current experience working within a surgical setting for a minimum of 6 months within the last 12 months.
- Proven NHS experience.
- Experience working within surgical wards or theatre environments is desirable.
- Strong clinical, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
Essential Experience
- Experience working within an operating theatre environment.
- Demonstrable knowledge of general surgical procedures.
- Experience maintaining aseptic technique and surgical safety standards.
- Experience across multiple surgical specialties.
- Experience in laparoscopic surgery.
Who We Are:
At 18 Week Support, we are the UK’s leading insourcing provider to the NHS. We partner with trusts nationwide to expand clinical capacity, reduce waiting times, and improve patient access to outpatient and surgical care. Clinical excellence and patient safety are at the heart of everything we do.
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General Surgery Surgical First Assistant employer: 18 Week Support
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Surgery Surgical First Assistant
✨Join Medical Networks
Get involved in local and national medical associations, like the Royal College of Physicians. These networks can help you connect with mentors and colleagues who might know of openings, plus they're great for staying updated on the latest in medicine and clinical practices.
✨Attend Healthcare Conferences
Make it a habit to attend medical conferences and seminars. These events are fantastic for networking and often feature job boards where hospitals and clinics post their openings. Plus, it’s a good way to get your face recognised in the industry.
✨Leverage Your Medical School's Resources
Don’t forget to use your medical school’s career services! They usually have great connections with hospitals and clinics looking to fill full-time physician positions and can help you with mock interviews or networking events.
✨Apply Directly Through Hospital Websites
When you're ready to apply, make sure to check the careers section of hospital websites directly. Hospitals like 18 Week Support often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Credentials:When applying for a physician role, make sure to highlight your medical qualifications and any special certifications you have. We want to see your medical degree, residency training, and any additional certifications that set you apart, like specialised training in paediatrics or geriatrics. Don’t leave out those all-important letters after your name!
Tailor Your CV to Medicine:Your CV should reflect your experience and skills as a doctor. Be specific about your clinical rotations, medical practice, and any research work you've done – we love seeing quantifiable impacts, so mention how you've improved patient care or led successful treatment plans.
Craft a Personal Statement with Heart:In your cover letter, let us know why you chose medicine and what drives your passion for patient care. Personal stories about transformative experiences—like a memorable patient encounter or a moment that defined your career path—can really make you shine. Remember, we're looking for someone who genuinely cares about their patients!
Demonstrate Continuous Learning:In the medical field, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning is essential. Mention any recent courses, workshops, or conferences you’ve attended, and highlight your willingness to stay updated on medical advancements. This shows us that you’re not just a physician; you're a lifelong learner, ready to adapt and grow.
How to prepare for a job interview at 18 Week Support
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at 18 Week Support. Expect questions about diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient management. Be ready to discuss case studies or even do some role-playing with hypothetical patient scenarios for a more practical assessment.
✨Know Your Procedures and Protocols
Familiarise yourself with the latest procedures and protocols that are specific to the field of medicine you’re applying to. Whether it’s surgical techniques or patient care protocols, being able to discuss these confidently can really set you apart in the interview at 18 Week Support.
✨Show You're a Team Player
In the medical field, collaboration is key. Have examples ready that showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Talk about how you've worked with nurses, specialists, or other doctors in the past to provide the best care for your patients. This shows you're ready to integrate into the team at 18 Week Support.
✨Stay Current with Medical Trends
Make sure you’re clued up on the latest medical trends, research, and innovations. Not only does this prepare you for technical questions, but it also shows your passion for the field. Be ready to discuss how these trends might affect your practice at 18 Week Support.
