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First Assist Rnfa Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

SURGICAL FIRST ASSISTANT

Chicago, IL · On-site

$33.50 - $43.50/hr

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES Qualifications • Certified Surgical First Assist (CSFA), Certified First Assistant (CFA), or Physician Assistant (PA-C) / RNFA credential required. • ...

SURGICAL FIRST ASSISTANT

Chicago, IL · On-site

$33.50 - $43.50/hr

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES Qualifications ● Certified Surgical First Assist (CSFA), Certified First Assistant (CFA), or Physician Assistant (PA-C) / RNFA credential required. ● ...

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First Assist Rnfa information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$683

$2.2K

$3.9K

How much do first assist rnfa jobs pay per week?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average weekly pay for first assist rnfa in Chicago, IL is $2,242.83, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,713.46 and $2,515.38 per week, 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 Chicago, IL as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $116,627 per year, or $56.1 per hour.

Registered Nurse First Assist (RNFA), Surgery

Glenview, IL • On-site

$42 - $63/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Pay Range:$42.00 - $63.00A successful candidate's actual pay rate will be based on several factors including relevant experience, skills, training, certifications and education.Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) is seeking a Registered Nurse, First Assist (RNFA) to join our Surgery team and carry out the functions that will assist the surgeon in performing a safe operation with optimal results for the patient. The RNFA practices peri-operative nursing and is therefore responsible for independent nursing behaviors of peri-operative assessment and post-operative evaluation of care. The intra-operative practice of the RNFA is inter-department with the surgeon.Position Specifics:o Department: Surgeryo Core Function: Nursingo Schedule: Full Time, 40 hours/week, Dayso Facility: St. Elizabeth's Hospitalo Location: O'Fallon, ILo Sign on Bonus: $20,000Education QualificationsBachelor’s Degree in Nursing is required.Registered Nurses (RNs) who were practicing as RNFAs prior to January 1, 2020, who do not have a baccalaureate degree, are permitted to practice as RNFAs.Experience QualificationsFirst Assist experience is preferred.Certifications, Licenses and RegistrationsLicensed Registered Nurse (RN) in state of practice is required. Wisconsin: RNs may practice with a valid multi-state RN license as outlined in the Nurse Licensure Compact rules.Basic Life Support (BLS) is required.Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR) certification is required for colleagues hired after April 24, 2024.Successful completion of an RNFA program is required for colleagues hired after April 24, 2024.In lieu of CNOR certification/RNFA program, we will accept an RN with Certified Surgical Technologist First Assist (CSTFA) certification AND at least 2 years of OR experience as a first assist, with the understanding the colleague will successfully obtain CNOR certification and enter a RNFA program within 6 months of being eligible to obtain the CNOR certification.Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) is preferred.Job DescriptionScheduled Weekly Hours:36Throughout communities in Illinois and Wisconsin, 13 hospitals, numerous community-based health centers and clinics, our 13,000+ colleagues have built a culture based on our solid core values of respect, care, competence, and joy. These are the ideals we believe in, work by, and live each day.Built upon more than 145 years of service to the communities we serve, we now look to the future and our place in it as a health care system that strives to continually improve processes, procedures, and outcomes with the latest and most advanced technologies and treatments.Regardless of how far our passion for excellence carries us, our focus will always remain on the most important person in our entire organization: The patient.Benefits: HSHS provides a benefits package designed to support the overall well-being of our colleagues including their physical, emotional, financial, spiritual, and work health. Colleagues budgeted to work at least 32 hours per pay period are eligible for HSHS benefits.Comprehensive and affordable health coverage includes medical, prescription, dental and vision coverage for full-time and part-time colleagues.Paid Time Off (PTO) combines vacation, sick, and personal days into one balance to allow you the flexibility to use your time off as you need.Retirement benefits including HSHScontributions.Education Assistance benefits include up to $5,250 of educational assistance each calendar year and tuition discounts to select colleges with no waiting period.Adoption Assistance provides financial support up to $7,500 for colleagues growing their families through adoption to reimburse application and legal fees, transportation, and more!Other benefits include: Wellness program with incentives, employer-paid life insurance and short-term and long-term disability coverage, flexible spending accounts, employee assistance program, ID theft coverage, colleague rewards and recognition program, discount program, and more!BenefitsHSHS and affiliates is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).HSHS is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace dedicated to pursuing and hiring a diverse workforce.Notice Regarding Potential Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Hiring ProcessHospital Sisters may use automated tools, including artificial intelligence or machine-learning technologies, to assist with certain administrative aspects of the recruitment process. These tools may help our recruiting team organize applications, search for resumes, identify qualifications reflected in application materials, and facilitate communications or scheduling with applicants.Information used by these tools may include materials you provide during the application process, such as your resume, work history, education, qualifications, and responses to application questions.These tools are used only to support our recruiting process. Hiring decisions are made by HSHS personnel, and automated tools do not make employment decisions on behalf of HSHS.Applicants who have questions about this notice or who require a reasonable accommodation or alternative evaluation method may contact HSHS Human Resources at Contact@hshs.org #J-18808-Ljbffr