ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

First Assistant Nurse Jobs in Minnesota (NOW HIRING)

RHSC

Advanced Practice Provider, Neurosurgery

Saint Paul, MN · On-site

$109K - $142K/yr

In the operating room and on the nursing units, the position will first assist the surgeon by preparing grafts, closing the incision and first and second assisting the surgeon as needed. On the ...

Vivian Health

Travel OR RN - $2,096 per week

Winona, MN · On-site

$2.0K/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

Vivian Health

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

Winona Health

Certified Surgical Assistant

Winona, MN · On-site

They communicate with the physician and nursing staff in a clear and concise manner. They function ... The Surgical Assistant is credentialed and provides First Assistant duties under the direction of a ...

Winona Health

Certified Surgical Assistant

Winona, MN · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

They communicate with the physician and nursing staff in a clear and concise manner. They function ... The Surgical Assistant is credentialed and provides First Assistant duties under the direction of a ...

Winona Health

Certified Surgical Assistant

Winona, MN

They communicate with the physician and nursing staff in a clear and concise manner. They function ... The Surgical Assistant is credentialed and provides First Assistant duties under the direction of a ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

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.

Advanced Practice Provider, Neurosurgery

RHSC

Saint Paul, MN • On-site

$109K - $142K/yr

Other

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Regions/RHSC is seeking an Advanced Practice Provider to join our Neurosurgery team. The Advanced Practice Provider in neurosurgery is responsible for the coordination of care of elective and trauma neurosurgery patients. In the operating room and on the nursing units, the position will first assist the surgeon by preparing grafts, closing the incision and first and second assisting the surgeon as needed.

On the inpatient nursing unit, this position will coordinate the patients care and assist the surgeon in directing the pre and post-operative nursing care for these patients. The major functions in this environment consist of patient assessment, writing medication and treatment orders and performing, or directing specific tasks. Daily and rotating inpatient rounding is expected in this position. Performs other duties as assigned.

Work Schedule:

4 - 10-hour shifts

Required Qualifications:

  • Completion of an accredited Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner program.

  • Current BLS certification

  • Current ACLS certification

  • Current DEA certification (verified during credentialing process)


Physician Assistant:

  • Licensed as a PA with the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice

  • NCCPA certification

  • Approved by Minnesota Board of Medical Practice for prescription writing privileges (verified during credentialing process)


Nurse Practitioner:

  • Currently licensed as an APRN by the Minnesota Board of Nursing

  • Currently licensed as a RN by the Minnesota Board of Nursing

  • AANP certification


Preferred Qualifications:

  • Prefer 1-2 years' experience in the neurosurgery in hospital environment which includes First Assisting and seeing patients independently.

Apply