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First Assistant Nurse Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

Olmsted Medical

RN First Assistant- Operating Room

Rochester, MN · On-site

$40.60 - $60.89/day

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

Graduate of an accredited professional nursing program and accredited RNFA program * Operating room ... Utilizes appropriate techniques to assist with hemostasis. * Utilizes appropriate techniques in ...

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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.

Surgical First Assist(Laparoscopic and Robotic) - PA/NP - Minnesota (Sign-On Bonus and Relocation...

MPOWERHealth

Winona, MN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Overview

MPOWERHealth is seeking a highly skilled Certified Surgical First Assist to join our team in Minnesota. We are looking for a dedicated professional with OR experience and one of the following credentials:NP/PA. As a Surgical First Assist, you will play a critical role in the success of our surgical procedures. 

Benefits:

  • Multiple medical plan options
  • Health Savings Account with company contributions
  • Dental and vision coverage for you and your dependents
  • 401k with company match
  • Paid time off (PTO) including vacation, sick time, and holidays
  • Company wellness program with health insurance incentives

***RELOCATION IS AVAILABLE FOR THIS ROLE****

Responsibilities
  • Surgical First Assist: Primary function is to provide first assist support during surgical procedures. 
  • Pre-operative Coordination: Confirm cases, meet patients, explain procedures, obtain necessary documentation, and coordinate with OR staff.
  • Intraoperative Support: Assist with patient positioning, maintain sterile field, anticipate surgeon needs, and collaborate with the OR team.
  • Post-operative Care: Assist with patient transfer, provide PACU handover, and complete necessary documentation.
  • Continuous Improvement: Participate in clinical and operational projects, such as education, training, and process improvement.
  • Skill Expansion: Demonstrate willingness to learn new surgical specialties and expand skill set.
Qualifications

Requirements:

  • Must have at least 2 years of surgical assisting experience.
  • Must have experience assisting in General, GYN, and Orthopedics(laproscopic and robotics).
  • Spine experience is a plus.

Education/Training:

  • Must have excellent computer skills, specifically MS Office, and EMR.
  • Must be a graduate of an Accredited Surgical Assist program.
  • Must possess current state license where practicing.

Physical Requirements:

Able to perform all essential duties with or without accommodations, including but not limited to:

  • Ability to lift, sit, stand, or squat
  • Constantly seeing, hearing, and speaking
  • Frequent lifting to 20+ lbs. in addition to bending, reaching, standing, walking, and kneeling.

Preferred Skills:

  • Strong interpersonal skills with ability to adapt to different personalities and needs.
  • Customer service-oriented mindset.
  • Able to function independently, autonomously, and confidently.

It is the policy of MPOWERHealth not to discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status.

#IND456

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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