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First Assistant Nurse Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

ILLUUM COSMETIC SURGERY

OR FIRST ASSIST

Novi, MI · On-site

  • PTO

EducationCurrent Michigan RN license, BSN preferredRegistered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) and/or Certified Surgical Tech First Assist (CSTFA)Must currently be RNFA certified or obtain your RNFA ...

Corewell Health

Surgical First Assist

Grand Rapids, MI · On-site

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Our interdisciplinary team of anesthesia providers, physicians, nurses, surgical technicians, and ... Scope of work The Surgical Techhnologist First Assistant (STFA) possessing advanced knowledge of ...

McLaren Flint

RN - RN First Assist

Flint, MI · On-site

$2.1K/wk

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Details Client Name McLaren Flint - Flint, MI Job Type Travel Offering Nursing Profession RN Specialty RN First Assist Job ID 37591311 Job Title RN - RN First Assist Weekly Pay $2146.0 Shift Details ...

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Spectrum Health

Surgical First Assist

Grand Rapids, MI

  • Medical

  • Retirement

Our interdisciplinary team of anesthesia providers, physicians, nurses, surgical technicians, and ... Scope of work The Surgical Techhnologist First Assistant (STFA) possessing advanced knowledge of ...

Sparrow Foundation

RN FIRST ASST CERT

Lansing, MI · On-site

First Assist RN Certified The registered Nurse First Assistant provides professional nursing services guided by the Transformational Model for the Professional Practice of Nursing. Essential Duties:

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First Assistant Nurse information

See Michigan salary details

$19.2K

$33K

$47.1K

How much do first assistant nurse jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for first assistant nurse in Michigan is $32,979.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27,500.00 and $36,200.00 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 Michigan?

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

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

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

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

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

First Assistant Nurse jobs near you

Registered Nurse First Assistant Certified

McLaren Northern Michigan

Petoskey, MI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 8 hours ago

McLaren Health Care rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 221 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

533rd of 887 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Position Summary:

Supports the Mission, Vision and Values of the Hospital.  Provides technical first assist to the primary surgeon.  Facilitates the application of the nursing process.  Establishes and maintains a safe perioperative environment.  Maintains a commitment to professional growth and development.  

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

  1. Supports the mission and vision of McLaren Port Huron through behaviors that reflect and integrate our values, as evidenced by observation, peer and customer feedback.
  2. Provides technical first assistance to the primary surgeon throughout the perioperative period.
  3. Facilitates the application of the nursing process in all facets of the RN First Assistant Role.
  4. Establishes and maintains a safe perioperative environment.
  5. Participates in a minimum of fifty (50%) of monthly departmental meetings.
  6. Contributes to the effective communication and efficient operation needs of unit.
  7. Maintains commitment to professional growth and development.
  8. Performs other related duties as required and directed.

 #LI-KH1

Qualifications:
Required:

  • Graduate of an accredited school of nursing
  • Two (2) years of perioperative nursing
  • Current RN license in the State of Michigan
  • CNOR
  • Open Heart experience with Vein harvesting
  • Completion of an RNFA course
  • BLS certification and/or Canadian equivalent

Preferred:  

  • Bachelor's in Nursing (BSN)
  • CRNFA
  • ACLS is preferred 
Additional Information
  • Schedule: Full-time
  • Requisition ID: 25004779
  • Daily Work Times: 7:00am-7:00pm
  • Hours Per Pay Period: 80
  • On Call: Yes
  • Weekends: Yes

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