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First Assistant Nurse Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

TRS Healthcare

Travel First Assist Technician

Winona, MN · On-site

$19.25 - $26.25/hr

Specialty: First Assist Technician * Discipline: Allied Health Professional * Start Date: ASAP ... An RN-founded, woman-owned company, TRS Healthcare has team members in all 50 states. We recruit ...

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 ...

RiverView Health

Surgical Assistant

Crookston, MN

$35.49 - $45.50/hr

Surgical First Assistant - (PRN) Location: Hospital / outpatient Position Status: Non-exempt; hours ... Collaborate closely with surgeons, anesthesia providers, surgical technologists, and nursing staff.

RiverView Health

Surgical Assistant

Crookston, MN · On-site

$35.49 - $45.50/hr

Responsibilities Surgical First Assistant - (PRN) Location: Hospital / outpatient Position Status ... Collaborate closely with surgeons, anesthesia providers, surgical technologists, and nursing staff.

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 ...

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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 Aug 17, 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, 75% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 5% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,059 per year, or $17.8 per hour.

Travel Surgical First Assistant

Travel Nurses, Inc.

Winona, MN • On-site

Contractor

Life, Retirement

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

Travel Nurses, Inc. is seeking a travel Surgical First Assistant for a travel job in Winona, Minnesota.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: Surgical First Assistant
  • Discipline: Allied Health Professional
  • Start Date: ASAP
  • Duration: 13 weeks
  • 36 hours per week
  • Shift: 12 hours
  • Employment Type: Travel

Travel Nurses, Inc. Job ID #343760. Pay package is based on 12 hour shifts and 36 hours per week (subject to confirmation) with tax-free stipend amount to be determined. Posted job title: CSFA (Certified Surgical First Assist)

About Travel Nurses, Inc.

Travel Nurses, Inc. is a nurse-founded and operated healthcare staffing agency connecting nurses and allied health professionals with opportunities nationwide. Since 1988, we’ve grown from supporting operating room teams in the Mid-South to serving a wide range of specialties across the country.

At our core, we believe healthcare professionals are the foundation of care. That belief drives everything we do, from how we support our clinicians to how we build long-term relationships.

We are committed to making travel simple, transparent and rewarding. With clear pay packages, dedicated recruiter support and a focus on career mobility, our clinicians can move forward with confidence.

Wherever your career takes you, you’ll never go alone.


Benefits
  • Weekly pay
  • 401k retirement plan
  • Life insurance

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