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First Assist Rnfa Jobs in Philadelphia, PA (NOW HIRING)

Pennsylvania Medicine

PRN RNFA

West Chester, PA · On-site

Certificate of completion of RNFA program that meets the "AORN recommended education standards for first assistant programs" Certification in perioperative nursing (CNOR) ACLS certification Two years ...

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First Assist Rnfa information

See Philadelphia, PA salary details

$669

$2.2K

$3.8K

How much do first assist rnfa jobs pay per week?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average weekly pay for first assist rnfa in Philadelphia, PA is $2,196.98, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $1,678.85 and $2,465.38 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 Philadelphia, PA as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% As Needed. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $114,243 per year, or $54.9 per hour.

Physician Assistant - Clinic/Surgical First Assist

Collegeville, PA • On-site

The CORE Institute
Outpatient Health Care • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about The CORE Instituteexternal

$99K - $134K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Perform initial evaluations of new, post-op, and follow-up patients in the clinic.

  • Assist in surgery as a first-assist, including suturing wounds, applying splints, and confirming patient consent.

  • Manage pre-operative and post-operative orders, prescribe medications, and communicate with patients regarding their care and treatment.

The CORE Institute rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Physician Assistant - Clinic/Surgical First Assist

POSITION TITLE: Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner with RNFA Certification
Location: Paoli, Exton & Collegeville
Organization: Premier Orthopaedics, in partnership with Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder

Overview
Premier Orthopaedics, in partnership with Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder, is seeking a dedicated and skilled APP to support a Shoulder Surgeon in the clinic and OR.

Office Locations: Paoli, Exton & Collegeville
OR Locations: Exton ASC and Paoli Hospital

Position Summary

Schedule: Two days in the OR; Three days in the clinic (Paoli, Exton & Collegeville)

Responsibilities on Clinic Days:

  • Perform initial evaluations of new patients, post-op patients, and follow up patients along with the supervising physician
  • Evaluate and treatment post-op patients independently when supervising physician is away
  • Dictate patient office note in Company HER system
  • Order appropriate x-rays & review images with supervising physician
  • Order other appropriate diagnostic studies
  • Review diagnostic reports to determine if patient needs to be seen sooner than already scheduled
  • Alert patients of any urgent results
  • Order medications (Must have DEA license)
  • Search Pennsylvania Drug Monitoring program prior to prescribing any narcotics
  • Educate patients about condition and post-op course/treatment
  • Answer patient phone calls pertaining to medical questions/concerns
  • Coordinate patient care needs with administrative members of team and assist as needed with administrative tasks
  • Communicate with other medical specialists involved with patient’s care including occupational therapists, trainers and physicians

Responsibilities on OR Days:

  • Communicate with OR staff prior to the start of case to confirm all necessary instrumentation is present & working properly
  • Communicate with nursing staff any special concerns
  • First-assist in surgery
  • Suture deep and superficial wounds
  • Apply splint
  • Perform surgical history and physical
  • Confirm consent with patient
  • Pre-operative orders
  • Write brief note
  • Post-operative orders
  • Confirm with patients that they are set up for therapy if they are expected to begin prior to their first post-op visit
  • Prescribe post-op antibiotics and pain medication

Qualifications

Education:

  • Graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant program.

Licenses & Certifications:

  • Active and unrestricted Pennsylvania Physician Assistant (or eligibility to obtain).

Experience:

  • Minimum of 1 year as a Physician Assistant with Shoulder OR Experience.
  • Familiarity with Athena or other EMR systems preferred.
Compensation & Benefits
  • Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision plans
  • 100% employer-paid life insurance
  • 401(k) retirement plan with employer Safe Harbor contribution and additional discretionary profit sharing
  • Benefits are effective on your hire date (for full-time employees)
  • Generous paid sick and vacation time
  • 7 paid holidays annually
  • Opportunities for growth and advancement
  • Employee referral reward program
About Premier Orthopaedics & Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder

Premier Orthopaedics and Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center (PHSC) are leading providers of comprehensive musculoskeletal care throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.

Premier Orthopaedics delivers expert treatment for orthopedic injuries, joint disease, interventional spine care, regenerative medicine, and comprehensive physical therapy services, supported by more than 1200 providers across 50+ locations. Our facilities include state-of-the-art MRI centers, outpatient surgery centers, physical therapy clinics, and orthopedic urgent care centers to ensure timely access to high-quality, patient-focused care.

Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center (PHSC), a division of Premier Orthopaedics, has been nationally recognized for more than 50 years for its specialized care of the hand, wrist, elbow, arm, and shoulder. Our fellowship-trained surgeons and certified Hand and Occupational Therapists collaborate to provide seamless care—from diagnosis and treatment to post-operative and rehabilitative recovery. With 20+ convenient locations across Pennsylvania and New Jersey, PHSC offers advanced, integrated care to restore function, mobility, and quality of life for patients with upper extremity conditions.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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