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$65

How much do first assist nurse jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for first assist nurse in the United States is $38.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.57 and $43.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a First Assist Nurse, and why are they important?

To thrive as a First Assist Nurse, you need advanced clinical skills in perioperative nursing, surgical procedures, and wound management, typically requiring RN licensure, perioperative certification, and completion of a First Assistant training program. Familiarity with surgical instruments, sterile techniques, and electronic medical records is essential. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate effectively under pressure help you excel in the surgical environment. These competencies are crucial for ensuring patient safety, supporting surgeons efficiently, and achieving optimal surgical outcomes.

What are some common challenges First Assist Nurses face during surgical procedures?

First Assist Nurses often encounter challenges such as adapting quickly to changing surgical situations, maintaining sterile technique under pressure, and effectively communicating with surgeons and the operating room team. They must anticipate the surgeon’s needs and respond promptly to any complications that arise. Staying current with evolving surgical techniques and protocols is essential to ensure patient safety and positive outcomes.

What is the difference between First Assist Nurse vs Surgical Nurse?

AspectFirst Assist NurseSurgical Nurse
CredentialsRN license, surgical assisting certificationRN license, perioperative certification
Work EnvironmentOperating room, assisting surgeons during proceduresOperating room, preparing and supporting surgical procedures
Employer & IndustryHospitals, surgical centers, clinicsHospitals, outpatient surgical facilities
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

First Assist Nurses and Surgical Nurses both work in surgical settings, often in hospitals or outpatient centers. While First Assist Nurses focus on directly assisting surgeons during procedures, Surgical Nurses prepare the operating room and support patient care before, during, and after surgery. Both roles require RN licensure, but First Assist Nurses typically need additional surgical assisting certification. Understanding these differences helps healthcare facilities and professionals choose the right role for their needs.

What is a First Assist Nurse?

A First Assist Nurse, also known as a Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA), is a perioperative nurse who works alongside surgeons during surgical procedures. Their primary responsibilities include assisting with surgical instruments, controlling bleeding, handling tissues, and suturing incisions as directed by the surgeon. First Assist Nurses play a crucial role in ensuring patient safety and positive surgical outcomes by providing skilled support throughout the operation. They typically require advanced training and certification beyond basic registered nursing education.
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First Assist Nurse jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Assist Nurse job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,321 per year, or $38.6 per hour.

Nurse Practitioner - Surgery-Neurosurgery job available in Tampa, Florida

Ascend Medical Staffing

Tampa, FL

$135/hr

Full-time, Temporary

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

Neurosurgery Physician Assistant/NP locum-Asap & Ongoing-Call & Clinic-Florida license required-Inpatient coverage-$135 Hr 
BayCare St. Joseph's Hospital
3001 W Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd
Tampa, FL 33607
EMR-Cerner
Inpatient coverage
Florida license required to apply
Scheduled clinic and Call
Physician Assistant/Nurse practitioner position
Asap and Ongoing need
Level 2 trauma
Average credentialing wait 30-60 days
Immediate need for an experienced Neurosurgery PA or NP (First Assist) to work with a well-established, high volume, neurosurgery practice with 5 neurosurgeons and 4 advanced practice providers serving adult and pediatric patients.
This position is inpatient rounding and first assist in the OR, with no outpatient responsibilities.
Call is rotated among the PA's 1:4/5 weekend call responsibility and 1:4/5 night call responsibility.
The current need is a 1 Full Time provider working 40 hours per week. Please do not submit any providers not able to work a minimum of two weeks per month.
Requirements include: Active Florida license Current board certification Minimum of 2 years of experience as an advanced practice provider in Neurosurgery OR.
Contact:
Robert Brabbs BSN/RN
Ascend Medical Staffing
rbrabbs@ascendmed.com
(517) 612-9507

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