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First Assistant Nurse Jobs in Kentucky (NOW HIRING)

Ascension St Vincent

$90 - $120/hr

Nurse Practitioner First Assist (NP FA) or Physician Assistant (PA) Key Responsibilities * Obtains and documents a health history; performs and documents complete, system-focused, or ...

Astrana Health Management

$90 - $117/hr

RN First Assist Department: 7420-Surgery & Recovery Employment Type: Full Time Location: 14662 Newport Ave, Tustin, CA 92780 ("HOSPITAL") Reporting To: Glenda Luce Compensation: $65.00 - $85.00 ...

BJC HealthCare (New)

$90 - $130/hr

Delivers intraoperative patient care as the first assistant to the surgeon(s) as a collaborative team member. Pre-operatively performs a focused nursing assessment in reference to planned procedure.

New

Baptist Health

Surg First Assist (RN) PRN

Paducah, KY · On-site

Summary PRN The SURG FIRST ASSIST (RN) is responsible for providing nursing care for patient populations in the operating rooms (OR) and for perioperative care in the transition from preoperative ...

Baptist Health

Surg First Assist (RN) PRN

Paducah, KY · On-site

Summary PRN The SURG FIRST ASSIST (RN) is responsible for providing nursing care for patient populations in the operating rooms (OR) and for perioperative care in the transition from preoperative ...

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First Assistant Nurse information

See Kentucky salary details

$19.1K

$32.9K

$46.9K

How much do first assistant nurse jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for first assistant nurse in Kentucky is $32,863.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27,400.00 and $36,000.00 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 Kentucky?

For First Assistant Nurse jobs in Kentucky, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching First Assistant Nurse jobs in Kentucky look for?

The top searched job categories for First Assistant Nurse jobs in Kentucky are:

What cities in Kentucky are hiring for First Assistant Nurse jobs?

Cities in Kentucky with the most First Assistant Nurse job openings:

First Assistant Nurse jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Assistant Nurse job openings in Kentucky as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,863 per year, or $15.8 per hour.

Travel Nurse RN - First Assist

TNAA TotalMed RN

Jackson, KY • On-site

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

Key responsibilities

  • Assist the surgeon with exposure, hemostasis, and closure during surgical procedures

  • Prepare the operating room with necessary supplies, instruments, and equipment

  • Maintain a sterile field and ensure adherence to aseptic techniques

Job description

TNAA TotalMed RN is seeking a travel nurse RN First Assist for a travel nursing job in Jackson, Kentucky.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: First Assist
  • Discipline: RN
  • Duration: 13 weeks
  • 40 hours per week
  • Shift: 8 hours, days
  • Employment Type: Travel

We're looking for Operating Room First Assist (OR FA) Techs for an immediate travel opening in Jackson, KY.
The right candidate should have at least 1 year of recent experience as a First Assist in a surgical setting. Read below for more requirements.

As an OR First Assist Tech, you will work alongside surgeons and the surgical team to provide intraoperative technical assistance, ensure a sterile environment, and support optimal patient outcomes. You will be responsible for anticipating the needs of the surgical team and providing advanced assistance during procedures, including wound closure and hemostasis.

As an OR FA Tech, you should be prepared to perform the following tasks:

  • Assist the surgeon with exposure, hemostasis, and closure during surgical procedures
  • Prepare the operating room with necessary supplies, instruments, and equipment
  • Maintain a sterile field and ensure adherence to aseptic techniques
  • Hand instruments and supplies to the surgeon during the procedure
  • Assist with patient positioning, prepping, and draping prior to surgery
  • Perform sponge, instrument, and needle counts in accordance with facility policy
  • Monitor the patient's condition and communicate with the surgical team as needed
  • Properly clean and sterilize instruments and equipment post-procedure
  • Document all intraoperative care and activities accurately and timely
  • Collaborate with circulating nurses, anesthesia providers, and surgical staff for seamless workflow

The ideal candidate must have at least one year of experience as a Surgical Tech with First Assist responsibilities with certification as a Surgical First Assistant. Active certification through NBSTSA or NCCT. Additionally, they should possess a current BLS certification and be eligible for state-specific licensure if applicable.

First Assist Techs must demonstrate excellent knowledge of surgical techniques, strong communication skills, and the ability to remain calm and focused in high-pressure environments.


Requirements*: BLS, CST, 2 Years
* Additional certifications may be required before beginning an assignment.

TNAA TotalMed RN Job ID #1435201. Pay package is based on 8 hour shifts and 40.0 hours per week (subject to confirmation) with tax-free stipend amount to be determined. Posted job title: - FA RN - Travel Nurse

About TNAA TotalMed RN

TotalMed is a Top Ten, travel nursing and healthcare staffing agency with the mission of igniting purpose in healthcare. The organization staffs nurses, therapists, pharmacists, and other clinicians of all specialties in all 50 states. They offer local and travel jobs and match caregivers with the right organization to assist both facilities and patients. As an organization, they focus on putting highly-skilled staff into facilities to ensure adequate staffing for a better patient experience.


TotalMed specializes in recruiting and placing healthcare professionals in travel, PRN, and permanent positions across the country in Nursing and Allied Health. Throughout 2020, the organization filled roles at even the most short-staffed facilities during the most challenging time in healthcare. By matching the right travel healthcare professional with the right organization, TotalMed continues to offer a lifeline to facilities and their patients.

Benefits
  • Weekly pay
  • Guaranteed Hours
  • Continuing Education
  • 401k retirement plan
  • Sick pay
  • Wellness and fitness programs
  • Referral bonus
  • Employee assistance programs
  • Medical benefits
  • Dental benefits
  • Vision benefits
  • Benefits start day 1
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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