Ability First Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) for a 16-week travel nursing assignment in Chico, California.
This role is ideal for an experienced perioperative RN who has completed RN First Assistant training and is comfortable working directly with surgeons during operative procedures. The RNFA will provide advanced nursing support throughout the surgical process, including preoperative preparation, intraoperative first-assist responsibilities, and postoperative patient care.
Candidates must have strong operating room experience, active California RN licensure, CNOR certification, and current BLS/CPR and ACLS credentials.
What You'll Do
As an RN First Assist, you will:
• Work directly with surgeons and the perioperative team during surgical procedures.
• Provide first-assist support within the RNFA scope of practice.
• Assist with exposure of the surgical site, tissue handling, retraction, and other approved intraoperative functions.
• Assist with hemostasis and bleeding control using approved techniques and equipment.
• Perform wound closure and other delegated surgical tasks within applicable regulations and facility policies.
• Prepare patients for surgical procedures and verify required documentation before surgery.
• Participate in surgical time-outs and patient safety protocols.
• Maintain sterile technique throughout surgical procedures.
• Assist with positioning, prepping, and draping patients for surgery.
• Anticipate surgeon needs and support efficient progression of surgical cases.
• Monitor patient safety throughout the perioperative process.
• Collaborate with surgeons, anesthesiologists, circulating nurses, surgical technologists, and other members of the operating room team.
• Assist with postoperative patient assessment and transition of care when required.
• Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation.
• Follow infection-prevention, surgical safety, and regulatory standards.
• Participate in emergency procedures and respond appropriately to changes in patient condition.
Required Qualifications
Candidates must have:
• Current Registered Nurse (RN) license through the California Board of Registered Nursing
• Current RN First Assistant (RNFA) qualification or recognized RNFA training
• Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR) certification
• Current BLS / CPR
• Current ACLS
• Previous professional experience functioning as an RN First Assist
• Strong operating room and perioperative nursing experience
• Knowledge of sterile technique and surgical infection-prevention practices
• Ability to work effectively with surgeons and multidisciplinary operating room teams
Preferred Experience
Strong candidates will have experience with:
• Acute-care operating room environments
• Multiple surgical specialties
• General surgery
• Orthopedic procedures
• Cardiovascular or vascular procedures
• Gynecologic surgery
• Urologic surgery
• Trauma or emergency surgical procedures
• Surgical wound closure
• Tissue handling and surgical exposure
• Hemostasis techniques
• Preoperative and postoperative patient assessment
Specific surgical service assignments may vary based on facility needs and the candidate's clinical background.
Core RNFA Skills
Candidates should be comfortable with:
• Surgical first assisting
• Maintaining sterile technique
• Surgical site exposure
• Retraction
• Tissue handling
• Hemostasis
• Surgical wound closure
• Suturing within RNFA scope
• Patient positioning
• Surgical skin preparation
• Intraoperative patient safety
• Operating room workflow
• Infection-control standards
• Emergency response
• Interdisciplinary communication
• Perioperative documentation
Schedule
• Day Shift
• Approximately 8-10 hour shifts
• 40 hours per week
• Schedule may vary based on surgical case volume and facility needs.
• Weekend, holiday, call, or emergency coverage may be required depending on department scheduling.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is an experienced RN First Assistant with strong perioperative nursing skills and the ability to work confidently alongside surgeons in a fast-paced acute-care operating room.
You should be highly comfortable with sterile technique, surgical procedures, patient safety, and intraoperative decision-making. Strong communication, teamwork, clinical judgment, and the ability to anticipate the needs of the surgical team are essential.
This opportunity may be a strong fit for professionals currently working as an RN First Assist, RNFA, Perioperative RN, Operating Room RN First Assistant, Surgical RN, or CNOR-Certified OR Nurse.
Equal Opportunity
We are an equal opportunity employer and consider qualified applicants based on experience, education, licensure, certifications, skills, and the requirements of the position.