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First Assistant Nurse Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

TNAA TotalMed RN

Travel OR RN - $2,131 per week

Duluth, MN · On-site

$2.1K/wk

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 ...

New

Mercy

Certified Surgical Tech - FA Main OR

Anoka, MN · On-site

... nurses, and surgical staff, the CSTFA supports surgical procedures by maintaining a sterile environment, assisting with tissue exposure, hemostasis, wound closure, and other first-assist ...

Mercy

Vascular OR RNFA PRN

Anoka, MN · On-site

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 ...

New

Mercy

RNFA - Outpatient Surgery, PRN

Anoka, MN

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 ...

TNAA

Operating Room (OR) Registered Nurse RN

Duluth, MN · On-site

$68.72/hr

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

Operating Room (OR) Registered Nurse RN

Duluth, MN · On-site

$66.53/hr

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

Operating Room (OR) Registered Nurse RN

Winona, MN · On-site

$58.22/hr

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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Showing results 21-40

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.

Travel Operating Room RN - $2,474 per week

TNAA TotalMed RN

Duluth, MN • On-site

$2.4K/wk

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

TNAA TotalMed RN is seeking a travel nurse RN OR - Operating Room for a travel nursing job in Duluth, Minnesota.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: OR - Operating Room
  • Discipline: RN
  • Duration: 13 weeks
  • 36 hours per week
  • Shift: 12 hours, days
  • Employment Type: Travel

We're looking for Operating Room RNs for an immediate travel nurse opening in Duluth, MN. 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, you will assist physicians and medical staff in caring for surgical patients, as well as providing pre- and post-surgery care and education to the patient. Circulating OR Nurses work within the operating suite but outside of the sterile field; Scrub OR Nurses handle and prepare operating instruments and equipment within the sterile field. Surgery responsibilities may include preparing instruments for specific surgical procedures, monitoring and observing the patient during surgery, and responding to potential complications alongside the physician.
As an OR Travel Nurse, you should be prepared to perform the following tasks:

  • Provide basic bedside care.
  • Prepare, administer and record prescribed medication, reporting any adverse reactions to treatment.
  • Serve as the communication liaison between patients' family members and members of the operating team.
  • Ensure that the correct procedure(s) is being performed on the correct patient.
  • Initiate patient education plan as prescribed by physician; teach patients and families how to manage medication and home care needs.
Additional duties for Circulating OR Nurses may include:
  • Responding to comfort and safety needs of patient.
  • Accurate care and handling of specimens.
  • Monitoring equipment used during surgery.
  • Inventory of surgical items pre- and post-procedure.
Additional duties for Scrub OR Nurses may include:
  • Selection and handling of surgical instruments and supplies during procedures.
  • Inventory of surgical items pre- and post-procedure.
Additional duties for RN First Assistant may include:
  • Assist physicians by delivering direct surgical care.
  • Help control bleeding.
  • Suture patients following surgery.
OR Travel Nurses should be able to stand and walk for long periods of time, as well as bend, lean and stoop without difficulty. RNs should be able to easily lift 20 pounds. Moving or lifting of patients may require lifting of up to 50 pounds at times. RNs may face hazards from exposure to certain chemicals or infectious diseases in the operating room environment.
Requirements*: BLS, ACLS, 2 Years
* Additional certifications may be required before beginning an assignment.

TNAA TotalMed RN Job ID #1448147. Pay package is based on 12 hour shifts and 36.0 hours per week (subject to confirmation) with tax-free stipend amount to be determined. Posted job title: Operating Room - OR 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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