Surgical first assistant jobs, case by case
Agency SFA shifts across England and Wales, booked from the Novello app. Working alongside the surgeon on elective and emergency lists, with your pay confirmed before you accept. Pick up the lists that fit your life.
Quick enquiry
Just want to see what is out there?
Leave your details and we will come back to you with the roles we have near you, and what they pay. It takes about twenty seconds.
Why SFA work with Novello
Built around the list
One app to find shifts, see your pay and stay compliant, plus a team who understands the surgical first assistant role and where it sits in the team.
Shifts that fit around you
Book the lists and sessions that suit you, when they suit you, all from the app.
Know your pay up front
See your confirmed rate before you accept a shift. No surprises, no chasing.
Matched to your specialties
From orthopaedics to general surgery, we match you to the surgeons and lists that fit your assisting experience.
The work
The surgeon’s second pair of hands
Surgical first assisting is the most advanced role in the scrub team.
As an SFA you work directly across the table from the surgeon. You provide exposure and retraction so they can see and operate, assist with haemostasis, handle tissue with care and help close the wound at the end of the case. It is a role built on anatomy, anticipation and trust, working under the surgeon’s supervision as a genuine part of the operating team, and it changes with every specialty and every list.
It suits experienced theatre practitioners who have done the extra training because they wanted more from the table. Agency SFA work puts that qualification to use across different hospitals and surgical teams, on the cases and sessions that suit you, while your scrub background keeps you flexible when a list needs it.
The Novello app
Your work life, in one app
The Novello app keeps your compliance, availability and confirmed pay rates in one place, so managing your work life is simple. Rewards for the hours you work. No more chasing paperwork. Everything you need in one place. Available on iOS and Android.
How it works
From registration to your first shift
1
Register in minutes
Sign up and share your registration, your SFA qualification and your specialties.
2
Show your competencies
Confirm your assisting experience and complete standard compliance. We help you get list-ready.
3
Book shifts in the app
See confirmed pay, pick the lists that suit you and book in a few taps.
4
Work your way
Pick up SFA and scrub lists at the theatres that suit you, when they suit you.
New to Novello? See how it works for healthcare professionals.
Getting started
What you’ll need
Your registration
A live NMC or HCPC registration as a nurse or ODP, in good standing.
An accredited SFA qualification
A recognised surgical first assistant course, with recent assisting experience and standard NHS-level compliance.
The right temperament
Composed, anatomically sharp and easy to work with. Surgeons remember a good assistant, and so do their lists.
Reviews
Don’t just take our word for it.
Novello are highly professional, making the onboarding process easier. What I like most is the fact I can book shifts on the app at my own convenience!
Sarah Theatre
Very competent staff and a welcoming, supportive team. What I like most is the variety of shifts in the Novello app!
Khadra RGN
Everything is really simple. The whole process of joining, and then finding and booking shifts. It’s so simple!
Dan SFA
Frameworks & accreditations
Ready to pick up SFA lists?
Register in minutes and we’ll help you get list-ready and booking work.
Call 0333 307 8897 · hello@novellohealthcare.com
