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Afternoon Rn First Assist Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Covenant Health

RN FIRST ASSISTANT I

Knoxville, TN · On-site

Registered Nurse, First Assistant, Surgery Part Time, 48 Hours Per Pay Period, Day Shift Parkwest Overview: Parkwest Medical Center, Covenant Health's flagship facility in West Knoxville, combines ...

Covenant Health

RN FIRST ASSISTANT II

Knoxville, TN

Registered Nurse First Assistant, Surgery Full Time, 80 Hours Per Pay Period, Day Shift Parkwest Overview: Parkwest Medical Center, Covenant Health's flagship facility in West Knoxville, combines ...

Covenant Health

RN FIRST ASSISTANT I

Knoxville, TN · On-site

Overview Registered Nurse, First Assistant, Surgery Part Time, 48 Hours Per Pay Period, Day Shift Parkwest Overview: Parkwest Medical Center, Covenant Health's flagship facility in West Knoxville ...

Covenant Health

RN FIRST ASSISTANT II

Knoxville, TN · On-site

Overview Registered Nurse First Assistant, Surgery Full Time, 80 Hours Per Pay Period, Day Shift Parkwest Overview: Parkwest Medical Center, Covenant Health's flagship facility in West Knoxville ...

West Tennessee Healthcare

RNFA (Surgery)

Jackson, TN · On-site

Category: RN City: Jackson State: Tennessee Shift: 12 - Day (United States of America) Summary: RNFA (Surgery) As defined by the American College of Surgeons, the first assistant provides aid in ...

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Afternoon Rn First Assist information

What are some common challenges faced by an Afternoon RN First Assist, and how can they be managed?

As an Afternoon RN First Assist, you may encounter challenges such as adjusting to variable surgical schedules, managing post-operative patient care during shift transitions, and ensuring clear communication between surgical teams and evening staff. Effective time management and strong collaboration skills are essential to provide continuity of care and address any complications that arise late in the day. Proactively communicating with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and nursing staff helps streamline workflows and maintain patient safety, even as the hospital environment becomes quieter in the afternoon and evening hours.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Afternoon RN First Assist, and why are they important?

To excel as an Afternoon RN First Assist, you need a registered nursing license, perioperative experience, and completion of a First Assistant certification program such as CNOR or CRNFA. Familiarity with surgical instruments, sterile techniques, and electronic health record (EHR) systems is typically required. Strong attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are essential soft skills for this role. These skills ensure safe and efficient surgical procedures, optimal patient outcomes, and seamless collaboration with surgical teams.

What is the difference between Afternoon Rn First Assist vs Afternoon Surgical Tech?

AspectAfternoon Rn First AssistAfternoon Surgical Tech
CredentialsRegistered Nurse (RN) license, First Assist certificationSurgical Technologist certification (CST), OR experience
Work EnvironmentOperating rooms, assisting surgeons during proceduresOperating rooms, preparing instruments and assisting surgical team
Employer & IndustryHospitals, surgical centers, healthcare providersHospitals, outpatient surgical centers, clinics

Afternoon Rn First Assist and Afternoon Surgical Tech roles both work in surgical environments, but the RN First Assist provides direct surgical assistance with patient care and has RN licensure, while Surgical Techs focus on preparing instruments and supporting the surgical team. The RN First Assist typically requires advanced certifications and licenses, whereas Surgical Techs need specialized training and certification. Both roles are essential in supporting surgical procedures in healthcare settings.

What are Afternoon RN First Assistants?

Afternoon RN First Assistants are registered nurses who work primarily in the afternoon and assist surgeons during surgical procedures. They are specially trained to provide intraoperative care, including tasks such as suturing, controlling bleeding, and handling surgical instruments. Their role is critical for ensuring patient safety and supporting the surgical team, especially during afternoon or later shifts. These nurses generally hold additional certifications in perioperative nursing and first assist duties.
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Afternoon Rn First Assist jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Afternoon Rn First Assist job openings:
Afternoon Rn First Assist jobs near you
RN FIRST ASSISTANT I

RN FIRST ASSISTANT I

Covenant Health

Knoxville, TN • On-site

Part-time

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Registered Nurse, First Assistant, Surgery

Part Time, 48 Hours Per Pay Period, Day Shift

Parkwest Overview:

Parkwest Medical Center, Covenant Health’s flagship facility in West Knoxville, combines world-class cardiac expertise with the warmth of home in serving a vibrant East Tennessee community. Since 1973, Parkwest has grown into the region’s largest hospital in the area, offering advanced services like an all-digital catheterization lab, comprehensive breast health, emergency, and critical care. It’s consistently ranked among Tennessee's top 10 hospitals by U.S.News & World Report and earns national recognition as a Top100 Heart Hospital, as well as an “A” safety grade from Leapfrog. As part of Covenant Health, the region’s largest employer, Parkwest Medical Center, marries cutting-edge technology with compassionate, community-centered care, earning accolades for cardiology, stroke, surgical excellence, and patient safety. 

To learn more about Parkwest Medical Center and our units, visit Covenant Health Parkwest Medical Center Opportunities.  

Position Summary:

The RN First Assistant I (RNFA) is a registered nurse with specialized education. The development of specific technical skills enables the RNFA to assist the surgeon with specific intraoperative procedures that are beyond the scope of practice for registered nurses without RNFA education and training. The RNFA may provide direct patient care to patients using the nursing process and intraoperatively functions interdependently with the surgeon and applies knowledge, skill and judgment necessary to assist the surgeon in performing a safe operation that yields optimal results for the patient.


  • Collaborates with other health team members to develop, coordinate and implement a perioperative plan of care unique to individual patient needs.
  • Maintains the dignity of the patient while assuming the responsibility of patient advocate.
  • Skillfully applies principles of asepsis and infection control.
  • Has excellent knowledge of surgical anatomy, physiology and operative technique specific to the surgical procedure to work in collaboration with the surgeon.
  • Recognizes safety hazards and initiates appropriate preventative and/or corrective actions to ensure a safe environment for the patient and the surgical team throughout the perioperative experience.
  • Participates in the performance of positioning, prepping and draping of the patient.
  • Preparation and administration of medications perioperatively; as directed by the surgeon and anesthesiologist.
  • Provides exposure through appropriate use of instruments, retractors, suctioning and sponging techniques.
  • Handles and dissects tissue in collaboration with the surgeon.
  • Clamping blood vessels, coagulating bleeding points, ligating vessels and other procedures in collaboration with the surgeon to achieve hemostasis.
  • Sutures muscle, fascia, subcutaneous and skin tissue in collaboration with the surgeon.
  • Places drains as surgically indicated.
  • Application of surgical dressings.
  • Possesses knowledge of and works within appropriate regulatory guidelines and legal constraints.
  • Practices according to recognized standards of nursing practice and the AORN “Standards of perioperative professional performance.”
  • Participates in the orientation of new personnel; serve as educator, mentor, consultant and resource to colleagues and other healthcare personnel.
  • Responsible for following through specific work projects or studies assigned by supervisor.
  • Analyze and evaluate services rendered to improve quality of patient care given.
  • Follows policies, procedures, and safety standards. Completes required education assignments annually. Works toward achieving goals and objectives, and participates in quality improvement initiatives as requested.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Education:           

None specified; however, must be sufficient to meet the standards for achievement of the below indicated license and/or certification as required by the issuing authority. Also must have completed a recognized RNFA certification program.

Minimum Experience:         

Five (5) year’s perioperative nursing experience. A Thousand (1,000) hours Surgeon supervised clinical practice in First Assistant Role.

Licensure Requirement:      

Must hold current RN license and current RNFA license. CPR and CNOR certifications are required.  

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