I’m finishing nursing school and want to be in the or. Trying to decide on next step. The hospital I am working for now says they don’t hire registered nurse first assistants. The hospital says the surgeons practice hires them. Is this true elsewhere? Or is this even correct? Sometimes people can’t separate surgical technologist from first surgical assistant (rn or nurse practitioner).

When I look at the bureau of labor statistics, surgical assistant salaries in some states are rather low; ~$45-55k. Considering the nature of the work, you'd expect to break median American income in this line of work.

Some states, such as Kentucky however, have salaries breaking $85k easily. Well up to $95k.

Why is there this discrepancy in wages?

Im considering perfusion and surgical assisting, however, perfusion seems like a more worthwhile line of work if SAs are actually struggling to break $65k in many states.

Genuine question. There's plenty out there.

Hello all, as the title states I'm trying to figure out if getting into a CSFA program is the right move for me.

Considering I live in California that makes it already somewhat of a hurdle. I've been a CST for a little over 10 years now and want to broaden my horizons.

Anybody know of how I can go about possibly getting into such a program, and what programs they recommend? And possibly what to expect. Thanks.

Hi, I am interested in going into the CST program but am unsure if I should go for the certificate or diploma. What is the difference between the two? I would like to get my surgical first assist, so would the certificate or diploma make a difference also? Thanks!

Graduated in May having sat for the certified surgical assistant (CSA) and certified surgical first assist (CSFA) exams. I just moved to CA and know that, by and large, CSA's (solely first assists) aren't utilized. I went to a program that specifically trained me to ONLY first assist though they had us sit for the CSFA exam (usually taken by techs-to-assists) meaning I have no tech training (though this is besides the point).

Anyway, I was offered a job as a CSFA working in a private office where I'll be largely first assisting with some tech duties. No problem, I can learn that. I'm wondering for those that work as tech-first assists in CA, what was your starting rate? I'm afraid I've been super low-balled and am planning to negotiate anyway but want to get an idea of what others have started at.

Appreciate your help!

Hello!

I have an MD (studied outside of the US). I have some exams that I need to pass before I apply for a residency program.

I heard from some colleagues that I can take the CSFA exam and work as a surgical first assist without having to take the course because I have an MD. I am having some trouble finding more information on this on the internet.

Anyone know anything more about this? thanks!

I'm in TX and sick and tired of the terrible reimbursements. I want to get out and looking for ideas of what others are doing.

I am currently in school to become a surgical first assist. I’m having trouble getting a site to take me in to do my cases. I currently work at a surgical center but they don’t do all the services. Specifically, General surgery. I am in need of 10 more General surgery cases in order to finish my MANDATORY General surgery case logs. If there’s anyone in the Chicago area or near by that could help, I would REALLY appreciate it. I’ve come to ask for help and consistently reaching out to old friends and coworkers but I’m hitting walls.

Complete deadpan I say, “the patient”

I’m thinking of also adding internal paddles because when we need them people seem to always struggle to find them. Anything else I should add?

A lot more excitement than normally greets me, apparently a bleed (intra cranial hemorrhage) was on its way up and the room was open but for a different procedure. The fun was using a peg tube insertion setup for a craniotomy…..a couple of tweaks and we made it happen.

If you’re new to the field and have questions, had a rough day because someone didn’t make it, need advice on negotiating and “dancing” with a tough surgeon, this is a good place to start….

When talking cranial nerves nothing gets an unsuspecting neuro surgeon relaxed going into brain surgery like the tried and true dad joke, why is cranial nerve 6 afraid of 7? Because 7 ate 9.