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

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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 cities near Raleigh, NC are hiring for First Assistant Nurse jobs? Cities near Raleigh, NC with the most First Assistant Nurse job openings:

Physician Assistant - Thoracic Surgery, APP Robotic

Duke Clinical Research Institute

Durham, NC โ€ข On-site

Other

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

At Duke Health, we're driven by a commitment to compassionate care that changes the lives of patients, their loved ones, and the greater community. No matter where your talents lie, join us and discover how we can advance health together.

Duke Health Integrated Practice

Duke Health Integrated Practice comprises more than 110 primary and specialty outpatient clinics, extending the reach of the Duke Health mission across the state of North Carolina.

Job Location

(Duke Medical Pavillion, Duke North OR, and South Clinic Durham, NC)

Job Summary

We are seeking a Physician Assistant to join Duke's Cardiothoracic Surgery team as part of a premier robotic thoracic surgery group. The role would serve as a primary robotic first assistant on general thoracic surgery cases; including anterior mediastinum, foregut, and lung resections. The role will also include responsibilities such as managing robotic APP coverage, clinical instruction, and research.

One day per week will include providing APP coverage in the multidisciplinary benign esophageal outpatient clinic.

Desired Experience:

  • Minimally invasive surgery experience
  • Robotic PA experience
  • Prefer thoracic surgery experience
  • General surgery experience

Job Hours

Monday-Friday, day shift, with flexibility to meet clinic and OR coverage needs. There are no on-call requirements for this role.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

  • Surgical First Assisting / Robotic First Assisting and general thoracic surgery cases
  • Coordination of the robotic surgery schedule for first assist (bedside) first assisting coverage.
  • Perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to assist physician in diagnosing medical and surgical problems and prescribing necessary treatment and services for quality patient care; record the normal and abnormal data for review by the physician.
  • Take patient histories, conduct physical examinations, and record in the patient's record; write progress notes; prepare patient workups and summaries noting pertinent positive and negative findings; obtain psychosocial history relevant to patient care, and assume responsibility for developing therapeutic relationships with patients.
  • Order and schedule laboratory studies and diagnostic procedures; explain necessity, preparation, nature and anticipated effects of scheduled diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to the patient.
  • Triage outpatient phone calls and coordinate all necessary efforts in support of direct patient care. Communicate with family members regarding patient care and concerns; provide patient care support and follow up to ensure patient care is coordinated/communicated effectively; provide clinical instruction and oversight to nursing staff. Ensure appropriate communication with all referring physicians. Work with the hospital nursing team, residents, fellows, inpatient APPs, etc., upon transition of care to outpatient coverage.
  • Initiate referrals to other healthcare providers, and/or consults with the attending physician(s) or the collaborating physician.
  • Provide timely documentation in the electronic medical record of all relevant data including results of diagnostic tests; laboratory results; patients' condition and response to therapies/interventions; communications with physician colleagues and other healthcare providers.
  • Review outside records including clinic notes, hospital records, imaging, lab, and other test results
  • Analyze clinical practice patterns to provide the best medical care and to increase effectiveness and efficiency.


  • Participate in basic science and clinical research projects conducted by supervising physician. Participate in teaching students and residents when requested in clinic.

  • Attend the monthly multidisciplinary conference and participate in patient follow-up from that.

  • Regularly monitor and respond to patient and provider mychart messages, including cross coverage when necessary of the Esophageal Center at Duke Pool

  • Attendance at Surgery Grand Rounds and participation in other divisional educational events is encouraged.

Minimum Job Eligibility Requirements

Education

  • Completion of an accredited Physician Assistant program. A Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree strongly preferred.

Certification

  • BLS required.

License

  • Must be licensed in the state of NC, and be certified as a Physician Assistant by the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants.

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions:

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.