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First Assistant Nurse Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Registered Nurse First Assistant Hospitals on Incredible Health are actively hiring and accepting applications in the Tyler, TX area for the following position: Registered Nurse First Assistant.

This is done in collaboration with the circulating RN and other perioperative/OB team members. The Surgical First Assistant is educated and skilled in both the use of surgical instruments on tissues ...

This is done in collaboration with the circulating RN and other perioperative/OB team members. The Surgical First Assistant is educated and skilled in both the use of surgical instruments on tissues ...

This is done in collaboration with the circulating RN and other perioperative/OB team members. The Surgical First Assistant is educated and skilled in both the use of surgical instruments on tissues ...

This is done in collaboration with the circulating RN and other perioperative/OB team members. The Surgical First Assistant is educated and skilled in both the use of surgical instruments on tissues ...

This is done in collaboration with the circulating RN and other perioperative/OB team members. The Surgical First Assistant is educated and skilled in both the use of surgical instruments on tissues ...

This is done in collaboration with the circulating RN and other perioperative/OB team members. The Surgical First Assistant is educated and skilled in both the use of surgical instruments on tissues ...

This is done in collaboration with the circulating RN and other perioperative/OB team members. The Surgical First Assistant is educated and skilled in both the use of surgical instruments on tissues ...

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First Assistant Nurse information

See Texas salary details

$20.5K

$35.3K

$50.3K

How much do first assistant nurse jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average yearly pay for first assistant nurse in Texas is $35,252.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29,300.00 and $38,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 perioperative nursing certification. The position offers opportunities for increased responsibility, higher pay, and working closely with surgical teams, but requires a commitment to ongoing education and skill development.
What cities in Texas are hiring for First Assistant Nurse jobs? Cities in Texas with the most First Assistant Nurse job openings:
Infographic showing various First Assistant Nurse job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $35,252 per year, or $16.9 per hour.

Nurse Practitioner- CV/CT Surgery - First Assist

Baylor Scott & White Health

Plano, TX

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 23 days ago


Baylor Scott & White Health rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 760 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

266th of 887 rated healthcare providers


Job description

CV/CT Surgery First Assist Nurse Practitioner (RNFA Required)

Baylor Scott & White Health - The Heart Hospital Baylor Plano

Baylor Scott & White Health is seeking an experienced Nurse Practitioner (NP) to join our Cardiovascular/Cardiothoracic Surgery team as a First Assist at The Heart Hospital Baylor Plano, with occasional floating to our Heart Hospitals in Dallas and Frisco.

Position Overview

The CV/CT Surgery First Assist Nurse Practitioner will work closely with a highly collaborative surgical team, providing perioperative care and first-assist support for cardiovascular and cardiothoracic surgical procedures. This role offers a predictable weekday schedule with structured call coverage in a well-established heart program.

Schedule
  • Monday-Friday, typically 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM

  • Schedule may vary when assigned to call

Call Requirements
  • Rotating weekday call (approximately once per week)

  • Rotating weekend call (Friday-Sunday) every 4th or 5th weekend

Practice Setting
  • Primary location: The Heart Hospital Baylor Plano

  • Occasional floating to Dallas and Frisco Heart Hospitals

Case Volume
  • 1-2 cardiovascular surgery cases per day, depending on call coverage

Team Structure
  • 14 Surgeons

  • 12 Advanced Practice Providers (APPs)

  • Established, collaborative CV surgery service

Key Responsibilities
  • First assist in cardiovascular and cardiothoracic surgical procedures

  • Preoperative and postoperative patient management

  • Participate in on-call coverage for the CV surgery service

  • Collaborate with surgeons, APPs, nursing staff, and multidisciplinary teams

  • Deliver high-quality, patient-centered surgical care

Experience and Qualifications
  • Graduate of an accredited Nurse Practitioner program

  • Active or eligible Texas RN and APRN license

  • Certified Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) required

  • Cardiovascular/Cardiothoracic surgical experience strongly preferred

  • Will consider candidates with 2+ years of general surgery or other surgical specialty experience

  • Demonstrated first-assist and perioperative skill set

  • Ability to work independently in a fast-paced surgical environment while contributing to a team-based culture

Why Baylor Scott & White Health
  • Nationally recognized heart and vascular program

  • Supportive, team-oriented culture

  • Predictable weekday schedule with structured call rotation

  • Opportunity to practice in a premier Heart Hospital setting

BENEFITS

Our benefits are designed to help you live well no matter where you are on your journey. For full details on coverage and eligibility, visit the Baylor Scott & White Benefits Hub to explore our offerings, which may include: 

  • Immediate eligibility for health and welfare benefits
  • 401(k) savings plan with dollar-for-dollar match up to 5%
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • PTO accrual beginning Day 1

Note: Benefits may vary based upon position type and/or level

Belonging Statement

We believe that all people should feel welcomed, valued, and supported. 

QUALIFICATIONS

  • EDUCATION - Grad of an Accredited Program
  • EXPERIENCE - More than 1 Year of Experience
  • CERTIFICATION/LICENSE/REGISTRATION -

       Nurse Practitioner (NP)
Registered Nurse (RN)
RN-First Assist (RNFA)
Basic Life Support (BLS): BLS or BLS within 30 days of hire or transfer.
 

Employment Type: FULL_TIME

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