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First Assist Rnfa Jobs in Massachusetts (NOW HIRING)

First Assist * Discipline: RN * Start Date: ASAP * Duration: 13 weeks * 40 hours per week * Shift: 8 hours, days * Employment Type: Travel Job Title Registered Nurse - First Assist (RNFA) Location ...

First Assist * Discipline: RN * Start Date: 09/14/2026 * Duration: 13 weeks * 36 hours per week * Shift: 12 hours, days * Employment Type: Travel * Position: Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA)

First Assist * Discipline: RN * Start Date: 09/21/2026 * Duration: 13 weeks * 36 hours per week ... RNFA experience * Experience in an Acute Hospital OR setting * Strong perioperative/OR background

Posted job title: RN First Assistant (RNFA) About Care Career Care Career brings together a portfolio of leading healthcare staffing organizations, each delivering specialized talent solutions across ...

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First Assist Rnfa information

See Massachusetts salary details

$15

$63

$111

How much do first assist rnfa jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for first assist rnfa in Massachusetts is $63.35, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $43.22 and $79.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a First Assist RNFA?

A First Assist RNFA, or Registered Nurse First Assistant, is a specialized registered nurse who assists surgeons during surgical procedures. They play a crucial role in the operating room by providing direct patient care, including handling tissues, using instruments, and suturing incisions under the supervision of a surgeon. RNFAs also help with preoperative and postoperative care, ensuring patient safety and optimal surgical outcomes. To become an RNFA, a nurse must have advanced education and training in perioperative nursing and first assisting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a First Assist RNFA?

To thrive as a First Assist RNFA, you need advanced perioperative nursing skills, a solid understanding of surgical procedures, and completion of a Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) program with current RN licensure. Familiarity with surgical instruments, sterile techniques, and documentation systems is essential, along with certifications such as CNOR or RNFA credentialing. Strong communication, teamwork, and critical thinking abilities help you anticipate surgeon needs and respond quickly to changes during surgery. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensuring patient safety, efficient surgical workflows, and positive outcomes in the operating room.

What are some common challenges First Assist RNFAs encounter in the operating room, and how can they effectively address them?

First Assist RNFAs often face challenges such as adapting to rapidly changing surgical environments, managing intraoperative complications, and communicating efficiently with surgeons and surgical teams. To address these, it’s important to stay updated on surgical protocols, maintain strong situational awareness, and proactively communicate any concerns or observations. Building trust with the surgical team and participating in ongoing training can also help RNFAs handle high-pressure situations and contribute to positive patient outcomes.

What is the difference between First Assist Rnfa vs Surgical Technologist?

AspectFirst Assist RnfaSurgical Technologist
CredentialsRN license, First Assist certificationPost-secondary education, surgical tech certification
Work EnvironmentHospitals, surgical centers, assisting during surgeriesOperating rooms, assisting surgeons, preparing instruments
Employer & IndustryHospitals, surgical clinics, healthcare providersHospitals, outpatient surgical centers, clinics

First Assist Rnfa and Surgical Technologists both work in surgical settings, but First Assist Rnfa typically holds an RN license and provides direct patient care during surgeries, while Surgical Technologists focus on preparing the operating room and assisting surgeons with instruments. The roles overlap in the surgical environment but differ in scope and credentials.

Is a First Assist RNFA in demand?

First Assist RNs (RNFAs) are in increasing demand due to the growing need for skilled perioperative professionals in surgical teams. They typically require specialized training and certification, and their role enhances surgical efficiency and patient outcomes, making them a valuable asset in hospitals and surgical centers.

Is becoming a first assist RNFA worth it?

Becoming a first assist RNFA can enhance surgical career opportunities by providing advanced perioperative skills and increasing earning potential. It requires additional certification and training, but it can lead to more responsibilities and job satisfaction in surgical settings.
Infographic showing various First Assist Rnfa job openings in Massachusetts as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 15% As Needed, 30% Full Time, 5% Temporary, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $131,774 per year, or $63.4 per hour.

RN - First Assistant (RNFA)

Pittsfield, MA • On-site

Other

Re-posted 7 days ago


Berkshire Health Systems rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

RN - First Assistant (RNFA)

The RN First Assistant carries out functions that will assist the surgeon in performing a safe surgical procedure with optimum results for the patient. The RN First Assistant practices perioperative nursing, functions directly under the supervision of the surgeon during the surgical procedure, and does not function simultaneously as the scrub nurse.


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