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First Assistant Nurse Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Mercy

RN First Assist - Main Operating Room

Anoka, MN · On-site

Mercy St Louis Hospital RN First Assist, Main Operating Room Seeking experience! Sign On Bonus Available! Who We Are The Main Operating Room at Mercy St. Louis Hospital is a Level I Trauma Center and ...

Scout Exchange

CNA / Nurse Assistant - LTC

Hallock, MN · On-site

Position: CNA / Nurse Assistant - LTC Location: Hallock, MN 56728 Duration: 13 Weeks Shift: Day 5x8 ... First-Timers Accepted : Yes Weekend REQ: E/O Weekend Required Certs REQ: BLS/ACLS Required Is ...

TNAA TotalMed RN

Travel OR RN

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

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 ...

TNAA TotalMed RN

Travel OR RN

Duluth, MN · On-site

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 ...

TNAA TotalMed RN

Travel OR RN

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

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 ...

TNAA TotalMed RN

Travel OR RN

Winona, MN · On-site

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 ...

TNAA TotalMed RN

Travel Operating Room RN

Duluth, MN · On-site

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 ...

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All JobsFirst Nurse JobsFirst Assistant Nurse JobsFirst Assistant Nurse Jobs in Minnesota

First Assistant Nurse information

See Minnesota salary details

$21.5K

$37.1K

$52.9K

How much do first assistant nurse jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for first assistant nurse in Minnesota is $37,059.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30,900.00 and $40,600.00 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 Minnesota?

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

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

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

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

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

First Assistant Nurse jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Assistant Nurse job openings in Minnesota as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,059 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

RN-First Assistant (Non-Exempt) (10024N)

Mercy

Anoka, MN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 20 days ago

Mercy rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 209 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

614th of 898 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Find your calling at Mercy!Utilizes the nursing process to provide patient care. Maintains professional accountability for provision of patient care for the assigned patients. Evaluates the overall effectiveness of care provided by other direct caregivers. Coordinates the patient care in conjunction with other departments. Maintains patient rights and confidentiality of patient information. Performs duties and responsibilities in a manner consistent with our mission, values, and Mercy Service Standards.Position Details:Mercy South Registered Nurse First Assistant- Main OR
  • Education: Graduate of an accredited nursing program.
  • Licensure: Active RN licensure in the state of practice.
  • Experience: Must have a minimum of 1 year perioperative nursing experience.
  • Certifications: BLS/ACLS required within first year.
  • Other: Demonstrates continued competence in assisting and in perioperative nursing.
  • Preferred: CNOR certification and/or RN-First Assistant certification class preferred
Physical Requirements:
  • Position requires the ability to push, pull, and/or lift 50 lbs. on a regular basis.
  • Position requires prolonged standing and walking during each shift.
  • Position requires the ability to grip, reach, bend, kneel, twist, and squat to perform duties.
Why Mercy?

From day one, Mercy offers outstanding benefits - including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid time off, tuition support, and matched retirement plans for team members working 32+ hours per pay period.

Join a caring, collaborative team where your voice matters. At Mercy, you'll help shape the future of healthcare through innovation, technology, and compassion. As we grow, you'll grow with us.

What Mercy employees say

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About Mercy

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Our mission is clear. We bring to life a healing ministry through our compassionate care and exceptional service. At Mercy, we believe in careers that match the unique gifts of unique individuals - careers that not only make the most of your skills and talents, but also your heart.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Chesterfield, MO, US

Year founded

1827

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