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First Assistant Nurse Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

TNAA

Operating Room (OR) Registered Nurse RN

Boone, IA

$66.65/hr

The right RN should have 1-2 years recent acute care experience as a circulating nurse, and/or scrub nurse, and potentially RN first assistant. Read below for more requirements. As an OR Travel Nurse ...

Concentra

Nurse Practitioner Onsite

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$83 - $85/hr

Full Name: First Last Erika Patkowa Overview Concentra has an immediate need for an Advanced ... Consider joining Concentra as a Physician Assistant/Nurse Practitioner. WORK ENVIRONMENT AND ...

UnityPoint Health

Nurse Practitioner - Surgery

Cedar Rapids, IA · On-site

$107K - $138K/yr

Provide first-assist in the OR * 80% Inpatient/20% Outpatient; potential rounding on weekends when ... Nurse Practitioner or Physician Associate * Board Certified * Hold an unrestricted medical license ...

Virginia Gay Hospital

CNA LTC 1st shift

Vinton, IA

CNA Long Term Care 1st Shift M-F About VGH Virginia Gay Hospital, established in Vinton in 1923, is an independent, nonprofit critical access hospital supported by a strong local community. The ...

First Resources Corp.

Traveling CNA

Ottumwa, IA · On-site

Traveling Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) First Resources Corp. is seeking a dedicated, adaptable, and compassionate Traveling CNA to join our team. If you are looking for a dynamic role that ...

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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 Sep 7, 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 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 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 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 surgical assisting certification. The position offers opportunities for increased responsibility, higher pay, and working closely with surgical teams in healthcare settings. However, it requires additional education and experience compared to standard nursing roles.

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

Operating Room (OR) Registered Nurse RN

TNAA

Boone, IA

$66.65/hr

Contractor

Posted 17 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Assist physicians and medical staff in caring for surgical patients, including providing pre- and post-surgery care and education.

  • Prepare, administer, and record prescribed medications, monitor patient during surgery, and respond to potential complications.

  • Handle and prepare surgical instruments and equipment, monitor surgical procedures, and ensure correct procedures are performed on the correct patient.

Job description

We are looking for a Travel OR RN for a great Travel nursing job in Boone, IA.

This OR Travel nursing job pays for 40 hours a week for 13 weeks. With Wanderly you can compare Travel nurse salary from leading Travel nurse agencies in the United States.

With Wanderly you can chat and apply to any agency with Wanderly’s Universal Application, below are the details of this Travel Nursing Job including the Travel nurse salary:

  • Specialty: OR RN
  • Travel Operating Room (OR) Registered Nurse : Boone, IA
  • Travel Nurse Salary: $2666/Week
  • Start Date: September 19, 2026
  • Travel Nursing Job Assignment Length: 13 weeks
  • Travel Nurse Hours: 40 hours per week
  • Shift: 8 hours, Rotating

We're looking for Operating Room RNs for an immediate travel nurse opening in Boone, IA. The right RN should have 1-2 years recent acute care experience as a circulating nurse, and/or scrub nurse, and potentially RN first assistant. Read below for more requirements.
As an OR Travel Nurse, you will assist physicians and medical staff in caring for surgical patients, as well as providing pre- and post-surgery care and education to the patient. Circulating OR Nurses work within the operating suite but outside of the sterile field; Scrub OR Nurses handle and prepare operating instruments and equipment within the sterile field. Surgery responsibilities may include preparing instruments for specific surgical procedures, monitoring and observing the patient during surgery, and responding to potential complications alongside the physician.
As an OR Travel Nurse, you should be prepared to perform the following tasks:

  • Provide basic bedside care.
  • Prepare, administer and record prescribed medication, reporting any adverse reactions to treatment.
  • Serve as the communication liaison between patients' family members and members of the operating team.
  • Ensure that the correct procedure(s) is being performed on the correct patient.
  • Initiate patient education plan as prescribed by physician; teach patients and families how to manage medication and home care needs.
Additional duties for Circulating OR Nurses may include:
  • Responding to comfort and safety needs of patient.
  • Accurate care and handling of specimens.
  • Monitoring equipment used during surgery.
  • Inventory of surgical items pre- and post-procedure.
Additional duties for Scrub OR Nurses may include:
  • Selection and handling of surgical instruments and supplies during procedures.
  • Inventory of surgical items pre- and post-procedure.
Additional duties for RN First Assistant may include:
  • Assist physicians by delivering direct surgical care.
  • Help control bleeding.
  • Suture patients following surgery.
OR Travel Nurses should be able to stand and walk for long periods of time, as well as bend, lean and stoop without difficulty. RNs should be able to easily lift 20 pounds. Moving or lifting of patients may require lifting of up to 50 pounds at times. RNs may face hazards from exposure to certain chemicals or infectious diseases in the operating room environment.
Requirements*: BLS, 2 Years
* Additional certifications may be required before beginning an assignment.

PK-1483382

Travel Nurse Across America logo

About Travel Nurse Across America

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Travel Nurse Across America (TNAA) is a leading healthcare staffing firm headquartered in North Little Rock, Arkansas, USA. Their primary focus lies within the healthcare industry, specializing in providing travel nurses for medical facilities across the country. Founded in 1999, TNAA has thrived over the years by maintaining an unwavering dedication to quality service, reliability, and personalized care for both the clients and the teams they contract. Their mission is driven by their commitment to improve the lives of the patients they serve by ensuring they're provided with the most highly skilled, caring, and dedicated healthcare professionals.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services and health care and social assistance

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

North Little Rock, AR, US

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