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First Assistant Nurse Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Visiting Angels

CNA Nurse Aide

Iowa City, IA · On-site

$15 - $19.50/hr

CNA Nurse Aide Visiting Angels of Cedar Rapids is hiring caregivers to serve our treasured clients ... Training in First Aid and emergency response is required (provided if needed) * Have excellent time ...

Rosecrance

Assistant Nurse Manager- (RN)

Sioux City, IA · On-site

$36.18/hr

CPR and First Aid certification Responsibilities * Work scheduled hours and remain available for ... needed. * Assist staff with nursing tasks, behavioral interventions, and crisis situations.

Skybridge Resources

CNA (Nurse Aide)

George, IA · On-site

$23.10 - $27.30/hr

Certified Nursing Assistant SkyBridge Healthcare is currently seeking Certified Nursing Assistant ... Whether you are an experienced traveler, or this is your first travel position, SkyBridge Health ...

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All JobsFirst Nurse JobsFirst Assistant Nurse JobsFirst Assistant Nurse Jobs in Iowa

First Assistant Nurse information

See Iowa salary details

$20.7K

$35.5K

$50.7K

How much do first assistant nurse jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for first assistant nurse in Iowa is $35,540.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29,600.00 and $39,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a first assistant nurse?

To thrive as a First Assistant Nurse, you need advanced clinical skills in perioperative care, surgical procedures, and patient assessment, typically supported by RN licensure and completion of a First Assistant training program. Familiarity with surgical instruments, sterile technique, and electronic medical records is essential, and certification such as CNFA (Certified Nurse First Assistant) is often preferred. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to work under pressure set outstanding First Assistant Nurses apart. These skills are crucial for ensuring patient safety, supporting surgeons efficiently, and maintaining optimal surgical outcomes.

What are some common challenges first assistant nurses face during surgical procedures, and how can they effectively address them?

First Assistant Nurses often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing surgical conditions, communicating efficiently with the surgical team, and managing instruments under pressure. To address these, it's important to stay organized, anticipate the needs of the surgeon, and maintain clear, assertive communication throughout the procedure. Continuous learning and building strong relationships with both surgeons and surgical technologists can also help improve adaptability and teamwork in the operating room.

What is a first assistant nurse?

First Assistant Nurses, also known as Registered Nurse First Assistants (RNFAs), are specially trained nurses who assist surgeons during surgical procedures. Their responsibilities include providing direct patient care, helping with surgical instruments, controlling bleeding, suturing incisions, and ensuring the safety of the patient throughout the operation. They work alongside surgeons, anesthesiologists, and surgical technologists to ensure procedures run smoothly and safely. Typically, First Assistant Nurses have advanced education and certification beyond the standard registered nurse (RN) credentials.

What is the difference between First Assistant Nurse vs Surgical Technologist?

AspectFirst Assistant NurseSurgical Technologist
CredentialsRN license, specialized surgical trainingPost-secondary certificate or diploma, surgical tech certification
Work EnvironmentHospitals, surgical centers, assisting during surgeriesOperating rooms, preparing surgical instruments, assisting surgeons
Employer & IndustryHospitals, clinics, healthcare facilitiesSurgical centers, hospitals, outpatient clinics
Common Search & ComparisonYesNo

The First Assistant Nurse and Surgical Technologist both work in surgical settings, but the First Assistant Nurse holds an RN license and provides direct patient care and assistance during surgeries. Surgical Technologists mainly prepare the operating room and assist surgeons with instruments. While both roles support surgical teams, the First Assistant Nurse has a broader scope of practice and requires nursing credentials, making it a more advanced position in the surgical environment.

Is becoming a first assistant nurse worth it?

Becoming a first assistant nurse can be worthwhile for those interested in advanced clinical roles, as it often involves specialized training and certification, such as a perioperative nursing certification. The position offers opportunities for increased responsibility, higher pay, and working closely with surgical teams, but requires a commitment to ongoing education and skill development.
What are popular job titles related to First Assistant Nurse jobs in Iowa? For First Assistant Nurse jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching First Assistant Nurse jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for First Assistant Nurse jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for First Assistant Nurse jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most First Assistant Nurse job openings:
First Assistant Nurse jobs near you

Registered Nurse - First Assistant

Iowa Specialty Hospital

Clarion, IA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 26 days ago

Iowa Specialty Hospital rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 10 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

97th of 1,055 rated hospitals

Job description

Description
Job Description:
Surgery-Registered Nurse First Assistant fulltime position for both Clarion and Belmond campuses.
Seeking a motivated, flexible, dependable individual to join our surgery team.
Primary responsibilities include providing direct patient care, mainly in the OR in the Circulator role.
Will also assist surgeons on cases and independently perform wound closure, including deep tissue, by stapling, suturing, and applying topical skin adhesives.
This position includes call responsibilities.
Requirements:
Valid Iowa Registered Nurse license, certification in perioperative nursing (CNOR);
Successful completion of a RNFA program that meets AORN standards.
ACLS, PALS, and BLS.
Provided Benefits:
IPERS
Short-Term Disability (Employer Paid Coverage)- New York Life
Basic Life and AD&D Insurance (Employer Paid Coverage)-New York Life
Employee Assistance Program-Connections
Access to professional services to help you deal with the following, but not limited to, financial, drug/alcohol or grief.
PTO
Optional Benefits:
Health Insurance (Wellmark BCBS)
Dental Insurance (Delta Dental)
Vision Insurance (Delta Vision)
Supplemental Life Insurance (New York Life)
Supplemental Insurance Plans (Aflac)
Flexible Spending Accounts (TASC)
Health Savings Account (Through local banks)
457 Retirement Savings Plan (First Citizens Trust Company)
Fitness Center Memberships
Iowa Specialty Hospital is an equal opportunity employer. Minorities are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, status as a qualified individual with a disability, or status as a protected veteran.

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