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First Assistant Nurse Jobs in Boston, MA (NOW HIRING)

Assistant Nurse Manager

Concord, MA · On-site

$95K - $110K/yr

Assistant Nurse Manager (RN) - Full-Time Location: Concord, MA Compensation: $95,000-$110,000 ... Current CPR, AED, and First Aid certification (or ability to obtain). * Excellent leadership ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 1-20

First Assistant Nurse information

See Boston, MA salary details

$23.9K

$41.2K

$58.7K

How much do first assistant nurse jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for first assistant nurse in Boston, MA is $41,159.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34,300.00 and $45,100.00 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 cities near Boston, MA are hiring for First Assistant Nurse jobs?

Cities near Boston, MA with the most First Assistant Nurse job openings:

Infographic showing various First Assistant Nurse job openings in Boston, MA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $41,182 per year, or $19.8 per hour.

Women's Health Nurse Practitioner (NP)

AMN Healthcare

Cambridge, MA

$82.45 - $89.25/hr

Full-time, Temporary

Medical, Dental

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Job Description & Requirements
Women's Health Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant(NP)
StartDate: ASAP Pay Rate: $82.45 - $89.25

This facility is seeking a Women's Health Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant(NP) for locum tenens support as they look to fill a current need.


Details and requirements for this opportunity:


Schedule: Full-time, 3 shifts per week; 7:00 PM–7:00 AM nights and weekends


Practice Setting: Inpatient


Types of Cases: Labor and delivery, postpartum care, inpatient gynecology, emergency room gynecology consults, post-operative gynecology rounding, triage management, cesarean section first assist, emergency gynecology surgery first assist, fetal heart rate interpretation


Credentialing Timeframe: 30–60 days (expedited available)


Electronic Medical Record (EMR): Epic


Certifications Required: Physician Assistant-Certified (for physician assistants); Nurse Practitioners must be certified to first assist in the operating room


Licensure Required: Active Massachusetts Physician Assistant license (or Massachusetts Nurse Practitioner license for Nurse Practitioner candidates) required at submission. Massachusetts local candidates preferred.


Facility Location
Opposite the Charles River from Boston, Cambridge is just a hop away from Massachusetts' most exciting metropolitan area. Cambridge is the home of two of America's most prestigious and famous universities, Harvard and MIT. While residents find themselves in prime position to take advantage of all the cultural and entertainment options in Boston, Cambridge proper offers a wealth of leisure activities, sights and sounds. Culture seekers and history buffs will be delighted by Harvard Art Museum and the Harvard Museum of Natural History, not to mention the many historic buildings that adorn the city's storied streets. Fans of the performing arts can take in a show at one of several theaters in the area, including the Brattle Theatre and The Lily Pad. Outdoors types can visit the city's parks for canoeing, hiking and cycling.
Job Benefits
AMN Healthcare typically arranges medical or dental malpractice insurance for the contractor providers we match to client opportunities. In addition, our locum tenens can receive highly competitive pay and a dedicated team that handles all travel, lodging, \u0009rentals and transportation needs.
About the Company
At AMN Healthcare, we strive to be recognized as the most trusted, innovative, and influential force in helping healthcare organizations provide quality patient care that continually evolves to make healthcare more human, more effective, and more achievable.
nurse-practitioner, nurse practitioner, NP, Womens Health Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Practitioner, Np, Anp, Advanced Practice, Advanced Practice Nurse, Nurse, Nursing
AMN Healthcare is a digitally enabled workforce solutions partner focused on solving the biggest challenges affecting healthcare organizations today. We offer a single-partner approach to optimize labor sources, increase operating margins, and provide technologies to expand the reach of care.

Compensation Information:
$82.45 / Hourly - $89.25 / Hourly