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First Assistant Nurse Jobs in Michigan (NOW HIRING)

RN - First Assist

Flint, MI · On-site

$2.2K - $2.3K/wk

Contract - W2 First Assist Registered Nurse (RN) Job Location: Flint, Michigan Start Date: August 10, 2026 Profession: Registered Nurse (RN) Facility: Short Term Acute Care Estimated Pay: $2212.8 - ...

Job Opportunity Job ID:51676 First Assist RN Certified Description: Positions Location: Lansing, MI The registered Nurse First Assistant provides professional nursing services guided by the ...

OR First Assist

Flint, MI · On-site

$1.9K - $2.1K/wk

Now Hiring: RN OR First Assist - Flint, MI Job ID: JOB-422107 Weekly Pay Range: Contact us for Pay Information $1959.08-$2189.56 wk Shift: Days Duration: 13 wks Are you a passionate RN professional ...

Showing results 41-60

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 cities in Michigan are hiring for First Assistant Nurse jobs?

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

Registered Nurse - First Assistant - Operating Room - 20 hours - Day Shift

Henry Ford Health System

Novi, MI • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Henry Ford Health rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 565 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

416th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

GENERAL SUMMARY:
  • Provide direct assistance to surgeons before, during and after surgical procedures.
  • Position patient to give best exposure for surgical procedure, using stabilizing equipment, when necessary, while maximizing patient comfort and safety.
  • Implement physicians' orders to provide visualization of the operative site using appropriate methods, including manipulation of tissue and materials, retraction, sponging, suctioning and irrigation.
  • Utilize appropriate techniques to achieve temporary and permanent hemostasis.
  • Assist with body plane closure, application of wound dressings and securing of drainage systems.

POSITION SUMMARY:
  • Henry Ford Providence Hospital - Novi
  • Day Shift
  • Call required

Henry Ford Providence Novi Hospital is a 277-bed facility offering advanced specialty care spanning cardiology, oncology, neuroscience, orthopedics, women's services, and more, including treatment at its comprehensive stroke center and Level II trauma center.
The hospital provides leading-edge treatments and technologies to address the diverse healthcare needs of the local community.
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
  • Diploma from an accredited school/college of nursing OR required professional licensure at time of hire.

CERTIFICATION/LICENSURES REQUIRED:
  • Registered Nurse credentialed from the Michigan Board of Nursing obtained prior to hire date or job transfer date required.
  • One or more of the following required:
    • Advanced Life Support obtained within 6 Months (180 days) of hire date or job transfer date required. American Heart Association or American Red Cross accepted.
    • BLS Provider obtained within 1 Month (30 days) of hire date or job transfer date required. American Heart Association or American Red Cross accepted.
  • Certified Registered Nurse specializing in Operating Room credentialed from the Competency & Credentialing Institute (CCI) preferred.
  • Certified Registered Nurse specializing in First Assistant credentialed from the National Assistant at Surgery Certification preferred.
  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support preferred. American Heart Association or American Red Cross accepted.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Graduate of an RN First Assist Program
  • 1 year of First Assist experience

What Henry Ford Health employees say

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About Henry Ford Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Henry Ford Health provides a full continuum of services from Primary and Preventative care, to Complex and Cpecialty care, Health Insurance, a full suite of home health offerings, Virtual care, Pharmacy, Eye care and other Healthcare retail. It is one of the Nation’s leading Academic Medical Centers, recognized for Clinical excellence in Cancer care, Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Orthopedics and Sports medicine, and Multi organ transplants. Consistently ranked among the top five NIH funded institutions in Michigan, Henry Ford Health engages in more than 2,000 research projects annually. Equally committed to educating the next generation of Health Professionals, Henry Ford Health trains more than 4,000 Medical students, Residents and fellows every year across 50+ accredited programs. With more than 33,000 valued team members, Henry Ford Health is also among Michigan’s largest and most Diverse employers, including nearly 6,000 physicians and researchers from the Henry Ford Medical Group, Henry Ford Physician Network and Jackson Health Network.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Detroit, MI, US

Year founded

1915