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

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First Assist Rnfa information

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$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.
First Assist Rnfa jobs near you
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.

Physician Assistant or Acute Care Nurse Practitioner (with RNFA) - Thoracic Surgery, Full-time, Days

Lake Forest, IL • On-site

Northwestern Medical Group
See more jobs at Northwestern Medical Groupexternal

$107K - $139K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

Description

Northwestern Medicine has an exciting opportunity for either a motivated Physician Assistant or Acute Care Nurse Practitioner to work with our Thoracic Surgery team. This APP will support a hybrid practice model, including surgical first assist responsibilities, and care delivery through the Lung Health Clinic, including review of CT scan results and patient follow up.

Schedule: Monday-Friday

Essential Functions: 

  • Demonstrates clinical expertise and expanded knowledge through patient care activities which may include diagnosis and management of a wide range of health problems.
  • Responsible for health outcome of an assigned patient population.
  • Confers with collaborating physician and other health professionals in area of clinical expertise.
  • Develops appropriate educational systems for patients, families and staff in areas of expertise.
  • Mentors graduate students in aspects of advanced practice and patient care.
  • Actively participates in quality improvement and/or research pertinent to area of expertise. 

Responsibilities: 

  • Conducts comprehensive appraisals of patients' health status by taking health histories and performing physical examinations in clinical area.
  • Provides direct clinical care to patients.
  • Prescribes/orders medications, therapies; orders/interprets laboratory tests, x-rays and procedures according to clinical privileges.
  • Evaluates patients to determine their need for further health care.
  • Provides comprehensive teaching to patients and families.
  • Documents in the medical record all care and education provided and/or procedures performed for which the Licensed Advanced Practice Provider is responsible.
  • Refers to other disciplines as appropriate.
  • Consultant to other disciplines in areas of expertise.
  • Integrates research based knowledge and clinical expertise in decision making.
  • Exemplifies a professional image in appearance, manner and presentation.
  • Advocate for patients, families, coworkers, and the community.
  • Maintains certifications and continuing education as required for licensure and privileging.
  • Serves as a patient advocate and role model for 'Patients First'.
  • Participates in unit/departmental/divisional or hospital committees/task forces as appropriate.
  • Provides comprehensive teaching strategies for patients and their families.
  • Develops and participates in programs to meet continuing education needs of staff.
  • Serves as a role model and preceptor to students.
  • Provides formal education to both internal and external groups pertinent to area of specialty.
  • Participates in quality improvement and/or research initiatives for specific patient population as appropriate. 

AA/EOE Minorities/Women/Disabled/Veterans. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Qualifications

Required:

  • Master's degree from an accredited school/college of nursing OR master's degree from an accredited Physician Assistant Program  
  • Acute care certification required for APRNs (inpatient experience as an NP will be considered in lieu of acute care certification)
  • First Assist Certification for all APRNs
  • Current license as a Registered Nurse in the State of Illinois. Current license as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse in the State of Illinois. Certification as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse by a national certifying body as approved by the Illinois Department of Regulation APRN Board. Once licensed may apply for a controlled substance license and DEA number OR Master's degree from an accredited Physician Assistant Program/Current license as a Physician Assistant in the State of Illinois.  Once licensed may apply for a controlled substance license and DEA number
  • Privileged and credentialed through the Northwestern Medicine Medical Staff Office (MSO)
  • Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation - BLS, issued by the American Heart Association 

Equal Opportunity

Northwestern Medicine is an equal opportunity employer (disability, VETS) and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

Background Check

Northwestern Medicine conducts a background check that includes criminal history on newly hired team members and, at times, internal transfers. If you are offered a position with us, you will be required to complete an authorization and disclosure form that gives Northwestern Medicine permission to run the background check.  Results are evaluated on a case-by-case basis, and we follow all local, state, and federal laws, including the Illinois Health Care Worker Background Check Act.

Artificial Intelligence Disclosure

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools may be used in some portions of the candidate review process for this position, however, all employment decisions will be made by a person. 

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our Benefits section to learn more.

Sign-on Bonus Eligibility (if sign-on bonus offered for position): Internal employees and rehires who left Northwestern Medicine within 1 year are not eligible for the sign on bonus. Exception: New graduate internal employees seeking their first licensed clinical position at NM may be eligible depending upon the job family. 

Qualifications:

Required:

  • Master's degree from an accredited school/college of nursing OR master's degree from an accredited Physician Assistant Program  
  • Acute care certification required for APRNs (inpatient experience as an NP will be considered in lieu of acute care certification)
  • First Assist Certification for all APRNs
  • Current license as a Registered Nurse in the State of Illinois. Current license as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse in the State of Illinois. Certification as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse by a national certifying body as approved by the Illinois Department of Regulation APRN Board. Once licensed may apply for a controlled substance license and DEA number OR Master's degree from an accredited Physician Assistant Program/Current license as a Physician Assistant in the State of Illinois.  Once licensed may apply for a controlled substance license and DEA number
  • Privileged and credentialed through the Northwestern Medicine Medical Staff Office (MSO)
  • Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation - BLS, issued by the American Heart Association 
Education:Licensed Patient Care GiverEmployment Type: Full-time

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