ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

First Assistant Nurse Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

TNAA TotalMed RN

Travel Nurse RN - First Assist

Cary, NC · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

First Assist * Discipline: RN * Start Date: 08/24/2026 * Duration: 13 weeks * 40 hours per week * Shift: 8 hours, days * Employment Type: Travel About TNAA TotalMed RN TotalMed is a Top Ten, travel ...

TNAA TotalMed RN

Travel Nurse RN - First Assist

Cary, NC · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

First Assist * Discipline: RN * Duration: 13 weeks * 40 hours per week * Shift: 8 hours, days * Employment Type: Travel Requirements*: BLS, 2 Years * Additional certifications may be required before ...

New

Triage Staffing

Travel Nurse RN - First Assist

Cary, NC · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

First Assist * Discipline: RN * Start Date: ASAP * Duration: 13 weeks * 40 hours per week * Shift: 10 hours, days * Employment Type: Travel Travel Nursing: Registered Nurse First Assistant Cary, NC ...

First Choice Community Health

Physician Assistant (PA)

Lillington, NC · On-site

$83K - $113K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

Join First Choice Community Health Centers Nestled in the heart of North Carolina, Harnett County ... Physician Assistant /Nurse Practitioner degree from an accredited institution. * Current North ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFirst Nurse JobsFirst Assistant Nurse JobsFirst Assistant Nurse Jobs in Raleigh, NC

First Assistant Nurse information

See Raleigh, NC salary details

$19.2K

$33.1K

$47.2K

How much do first assistant nurse jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for first assistant nurse in Raleigh, NC is $33,059.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $27,500.00 and $36,300.00 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 are popular job titles related to First Assistant Nurse jobs in Raleigh, NC? For First Assistant Nurse jobs in Raleigh, NC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching First Assistant Nurse jobs in Raleigh, NC look for? The top searched job categories for First Assistant Nurse jobs in Raleigh, NC are:
What cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for First Assistant Nurse jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most First Assistant Nurse job openings:
First Assistant Nurse jobs near you

Registered Nurse First Assist - (RNFA)

WakeMed

Cary, NC • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 10 days ago

WakeMed rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 135 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

157th of 887 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Overview
The Clinical Nurse, First Assist (RNFA) is responsible for perioperative nursing duties and functions as a scrub, circulator or RN First Assist. Assists the operating surgeon during the operative procedure and provides comprehensive nursing management of care to the patient during the perioperative phase.
Department Description
  • Sign-on bonus/relocation up to $15,000 for qualified candidates
  • Comprehensive benefits + tuition reimbursement
  • Eligible for Public Service Loan Forgiveness
  • Free onsite parking
  • Tons of professional development opportunities

Serving the community since 1961, WakeMed Health & Hospitals is the leading provider of health services in Wake County. With a mission to improve the health and well-being of our community, we are committed to providing outstanding and compassionate care. For more information, visit www.wakemed.org .
EOE
Licensure
Registered Nurse Required
Certified Operating Room Registered Nurse Required
Education
Diploma Nursing Required OR Associate's Degree Nursing Required Bachelor's Degree Nursing Preferred
Experience
3 Years Clinical - Surgical Services Required

What WakeMed employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

WakeMed logo

About WakeMed

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Serving the community since 1961, WakeMed Health & Hospitals is the leading provider of health services in Wake County. With a mission to improve the health and well-being of our community, we are committed to providing outstanding and compassionate care.

Industry

Health care and social assistance

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Raleigh, NC, US

Year founded

1961

View All WakeMed Jobs

Apply