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1St Assistant Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

RN First Assist Bakersfield, California Contract Dates: July 6, 2026 - November 8, 2026 Shift: 10-Hour Days (6:30 AM - 5:00 PM) Duration: 18 Weeks Position Overview We are seeking an experienced RN ...

First Assistant Manager

Milpitas, CA ยท On-site

$18.20 - $24.50/hr

Compensation Pay Range: $18.20 - $24.50 The actual hourly rate will equal or exceed the required minimum wage applicable to the job location. Additional compensation includes annual, quarterly ...

First Assistant Manager

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$17.95 - $24.50/hr

Compensation Pay Range: $17.95 - $24.50 The actual hourly rate will equal or exceed the required minimum wage applicable to the job location. Additional compensation includes annual, quarterly ...

First Assistant Manager

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$18.45 - $25/hr

Compensation Pay Range: $18.45 - $25.00 The actual hourly rate will equal or exceed the required minimum wage applicable to the job location. Additional compensation includes annual, quarterly ...

First Assistant Manager

San Jose, CA ยท On-site

$18.45 - $25/hr

Compensation Pay Range: $18.45 - $25.00 The actual hourly rate will equal or exceed the required minimum wage applicable to the job location. Additional compensation includes annual, quarterly ...

First Assist * Discipline: RN * Start Date: 09/21/2026 * Duration: 13 weeks * 40 hours per week * Shift: 10 hours, days * Employment Type: Travel Anders Group Job ID #1367253. Pay package is based on ...

First Assist * Discipline: RN * Start Date: 09/21/2026 * Duration: 13 weeks * 40 hours per week * Shift: 8 hours * Employment Type: Travel About the Position Specialty: Registered Nurse - Operating ...

Showing results 41-60

1St Assistant information

What is a 1st assistant?

A 1st Assistant, often referred to as a First Assistant or First Assistant Director (1st AD) in the film and television industry, is responsible for coordinating the cast and crew, managing the shooting schedule, and ensuring that production runs smoothly and on time. They act as the right hand to the director, facilitating communication between departments and maintaining order on set. Their role is crucial in keeping the project organized and addressing any logistical challenges that arise during filming.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a 1st assistant, and why are they important?

To excel as a 1st Assistant, you need a solid understanding of surgical procedures, sterile techniques, and anatomy, usually supported by certification as a Certified First Assistant (CFA) or similar credential. Familiarity with surgical instruments, operating room protocols, and electronic health record systems is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong communication skills help you anticipate surgeon needs and support the surgical team effectively. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring patient safety, efficient procedures, and smooth teamwork in the operating room.

What are some common challenges faced by a 1st assistant, and how can they be effectively managed?

As a 1st Assistant, one of the most common challenges is managing multiple priorities and ensuring smooth communication between the director, department heads, and crew. The role often requires rapid problem-solving and adaptability, especially when unexpected changes or time constraints arise on set. Effective organization, proactive planning, and maintaining a calm, positive attitude help address these challenges. Building strong professional relationships and being clear in your communication can also make a significant difference in ensuring production runs efficiently.

What is the difference between 1St Assistant vs 2Nd Assistant?

Aspect1St Assistant2Nd Assistant
CredentialsRelevant certifications, experience in assisting senior staffSimilar credentials, often less experience required
Work EnvironmentSupports primary assistant, often in busy or high-pressure settingsAssists the 1st Assistant, typically in less complex tasks
Industry UsageCommon in legal, medical, and corporate sectorsOften found in same industries, supporting the 1st Assistant

The 1st Assistant and 2nd Assistant roles are closely related, with the 1st Assistant typically having more experience and taking on more responsibilities. The 2nd Assistant supports the 1st Assistant and handles secondary tasks. Both roles are essential in high-demand environments like legal, medical, or corporate settings, but the 1st Assistant usually works directly with senior staff and manages more complex duties.

What cities in California are hiring for 1St Assistant jobs?

Cities in California with the most 1St Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various 1St Assistant job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 70% Full Time, 23% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Surgical First Assist RN

St Josephs Medical Center

Stockton, CA โ€ข On-site

$57.37 - $85.33/hr

Per diem

Re-posted 27 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Assist during operative and invasive procedures by assessing patients, helping with tissue dissection and closure, and providing postoperative follow-up.

  • Collaborate closely with the surgical team, maintain precise documentation, and manage instruments to ensure patient safety and prevent surgical site infections.

  • Support the delivery of safe, effective, and patient-family centered care throughout the perioperative continuum.


Job description


Job Summary and Responsibilities

As our Surgical First Assist RN, you will help surgical patients across all age populations receive safe, effective, and quality patient-family centered care in the OR and other areas of perioperative services so they can achieve optimal surgical outcomes and a smooth recovery throughout the perioperative continuum.

Every day you will function as an RN First Assistant during operative and invasive procedures, including assessing patients, assisting with tissue dissection and closure, and providing postoperative follow-up. You will be expected to collaborate closely with the surgical team, maintain precise documentation, and ensure patient safety through careful management of instruments and prevention of surgical site infections.

To be successful in this role you must be committed to the delivery of safe, effective, and quality patient-family centered care for all patient populations. This requires a strong working knowledge of performance improvement, licensure, and accreditation requirements, along with active participation in fulfilling the Mission of the Organization and consistent demonstration of its Core Values. You will also possess excellent communication and organizational skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office, Outlook, and Internet, and demonstrate a strong capacity for teaching, planning, and development to support the Organization's strategic plan and performance improvement initiatives.

  • Working knowledge of performance improvement, licensure and accreditation requirements
  • Knoweldge of Microsoft Office, Outlook and Internet
  • Demonstrate good capacity for teaching, organizing, planning and development
  • Possess strong interpersonal communication and customer relation skills
  • Possess knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet applications
Job Requirements

Required

  • Current California RN License
  • BLS through the American Heart Association (AHA)
  • ACLS through the American Heart Association (AHA)
  • PALS through the American Heart Association (AHA)
  • Graduate of an RN School of Nursing
  • RNFA or CRNFA certification
  • Three (3) years operating room experience as an RN or one (1) year current surgical first assistant experience required
  • Minimum fifty (50) core procedures completed within the past 24 months

Preferredย 

  • Three (3) years operating room experienceย 
  • Prior Ortho and/or Cardio Thoracic experienceย 
  • Bachelor degree in health related fieldย 
  • CNORย 
Where You'll Work

Founded in 1899, Dignity Health - St. Josephโ€™s Medical Center is a 355-bed, acute care, nonprofit hospital located in Stockton, California. Serving over 125,000 patients annually, the hospital offers a full complement of services including a Level III NICU, cancer care, heart care, and a family birth center. Additionally, St. Josephโ€™s Medical Center has been recognized as an LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality High Performer by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation. It is a Joint Commission-certified Primary Stroke Center and was named one of Americaโ€™s 250 Best Hospitals by Healthgrades in 2026.

One Community. One Mission. One Californiaย 

Qualifications:

Required

  • Current California RN License
  • BLS through the American Heart Association (AHA)
  • ACLS through the American Heart Association (AHA)
  • PALS through the American Heart Association (AHA)
  • Graduate of an RN School of Nursing
  • RNFA or CRNFA certification
  • Three (3) years operating room experience as an RN or one (1) year current surgical first assistant experience required
  • Minimum fifty (50) core procedures completed within the past 24 months

Preferredย 

  • Three (3) years operating room experienceย 
  • Prior Ortho and/or Cardio Thoracic experienceย 
  • Bachelor degree in health related fieldย 
  • CNORย 
Employment Type: PRN