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First Assistant Nurse Jobs in Perry Hall, MD (NOW HIRING)

MedStar Health

Neurology Physician Assistant

Rosedale, MD · On-site

$115K - $189K/yr

Current certification/licensure as a Physician Assistant (PA) or Nurse Practitioner (NP) * RNFA (Registered Nurse First Assistant) certification required for Nurse Practitioners * Prior neuroscience ...

TNAA TotalMed RN

Travel OR RN

Towson, MD · On-site

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 TotalMed RN

Travel OR RN

Towson, MD · On-site

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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All JobsFirst Nurse JobsFirst Assistant Nurse JobsFirst Assistant Nurse Jobs in Perry Hall, MD

First Assistant Nurse information

See Perry Hall, MD salary details

$21K

$36.1K

$51.6K

How much do first assistant nurse jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for first assistant nurse in Perry Hall, MD is $36,131.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $30,100.00 and $39,600.00 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 cities near Perry Hall, MD are hiring for First Assistant Nurse jobs?

Cities near Perry Hall, MD with the most First Assistant Nurse job openings:

First Assistant Nurse jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Assistant Nurse job openings in Perry Hall, MD as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,131 per year, or $17.4 per hour.

Senior Cardiac Surgery First Assist: Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA)

Baltimore, MD

University of Maryland Medical System
See more jobs at University of Maryland Medical Systemexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Job Requirements
Join One of the Nation's Premier Cardiac Surgery Programs

The University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) is seeking an experienced Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, Physician Assistant, or RN First Assist with vein harvesting experience to join our nationally recognized Cardiac Surgery Team.


This is an exceptional opportunity to work alongside world-class cardiothoracic surgeons in a high-acuity academic medical center known for innovation, collaboration, and outstanding patient outcomes. As a Cardiac Surgery First Assist, you will play a critical role in complex cardiac procedures while contributing to exceptional perioperative patient care.


About the University of Maryland Medical Center

The University of Maryland Medical Center, the flagship academic hospital of the University of Maryland Medical System (UMMS), is a nationally respected teaching hospital committed to advancing medicine through patient care, education, and research.

In partnership with the University of Maryland School of Medicine, UMMC provides leading-edge care while training the next generation of healthcare professionals. Our collaborative culture, advanced technology, and commitment to innovation make UMMC one of the region's premier destinations for healthcare professionals seeking to grow their careers.


Position Highlights

Working under the direction of an attending Cardiothoracic Surgeon, you will:

  • First assist during complex cardiac surgical procedures
  • Perform endoscopic and open saphenous vein harvesting for coronary artery bypass grafting
  • Perform radial artery harvesting and vessel preparation
  • Assist with tissue handling, hemostasis, suturing, chest tube placement, and surgical wound closure
  • Participate in preoperative planning and postoperative patient management
  • Round on cardiac surgery patients to monitor recovery and clinical progress
  • Collaborate with surgeons, anesthesia providers, nursing staff, perfusionists, and other multidisciplinary team members
  • Participate in emergency and on-call cardiac surgery coverage
  • Support education of students, staff, and surgical trainees
  • Contribute to quality improvement and research initiatives within the Cardiac Surgery program

QualificationsRequired
  • Vein harvesting experience is required
  • Current licensure as one of the following:
  • Acute Care Nurse Practitioner
  • Physician Assistant
  • Registered Nurse First Assist (RNFA)
  • Current Maryland licensure (or eligibility)
  • BLS certification
  • Minimum 5 years of surgical first assist experience
Preferred
  • Previous experience in a high-volume cardiac surgery program
  • Endoscopic vein harvesting experience
  • Strong communication and teamwork skills
  • Commitment to excellence in patient care

Why Join UMMC?
  • Work with nationally recognized cardiothoracic surgeons
  • Practice in a leading academic medical center
  • Be part of a collaborative, multidisciplinary team
  • Access ongoing professional development and educational opportunities
  • Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits
  • Opportunity to participate in research, innovation, and quality improvement initiatives

If you're an experienced surgical first assist looking to advance your career in cardiovascular surgery, we'd love to hear from you.


Apply today and become part of a team that's redefining cardiac care in Maryland and beyond.


The University of Maryland Medical System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic
Employment Type: OTHER

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