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First Assistant Nurse Jobs in Renton, WA (NOW HIRING)

Surgical First Assist

Bellevue, WA ยท On-site

$91 - $149/hr

First Assist, OR RN, Surgical Physician Assistant (PA), Surgical Research experience, or experience working in travel assignments as a CST. Benefits and Compensation LifeCenter Northwest offers ...

Surgical First Assist

Bellevue, WA ยท On-site

$99K - $148K/yr

First Assist, OR RN, Surgical Physician Assistant (PA), Surgical Research experience, or experience working in travel assignments as a CST. LifeCenter Northwest offers medical, dental, vision, basic ...

Surgical First Assist

Bellevue, WA ยท On-site

$91K - $148K/yr

First Assist, OR RN, Surgical Physician Assistant (PA), Surgical Research experience, or experience working in travel assignments as a CST. LifeCenter Northwest offers medical, dental, vision, basic ...

Certified Registered Nurse First Assist (CRNFA) [Preferred] Pay Range: $36.09 - $67.12 This facility is an equal opportunity employer and complies with federal, state and local anti-discrimination ...

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First Assistant Nurse information

See Renton, WA salary details

$24.7K

$42.6K

$60.7K

How much do first assistant nurse jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for first assistant nurse in Renton, WA is $42,561.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,400.00 and $46,700.00 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 are popular job titles related to First Assistant Nurse jobs in Renton, WA?

For First Assistant Nurse jobs in Renton, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What cities near Renton, WA are hiring for First Assistant Nurse jobs?

Cities near Renton, WA with the most First Assistant Nurse job openings:

Surgical First Assist

LifeCenter Northwest

Bellevue, WA โ€ข On-site

$91 - $149/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 hours ago


Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Hospitals in Alaska, Montana, Northern Idaho, & Washington - Bellevue, WA 98006

Position Type: Full Time

Salary Range: $91,429.00 - $148,800.00 Salary

The Surgical First Assist (SFA) is accountable for all activities related to the surgical recovery and safe preservation of organs from donors. SFA's wear many different 'Scrub-Hats' in the delicate process necessary to make the gift of life through organ donation happen. The SFA brings essential equipment for surgery, and scrubs into surgery directly assisting our remarkable Surgical Organ Recovery Specialists. After surgery, the SFA helps deliver organs such as the kidney, liver, pancreas, heart, lungs, and bowel in a chain of handoffs to the transplant recipient.

  • Comprehensive anatomy training
  • Surgical first assist, including sharp dissection
  • Vascular dissection for cannulation of kidneys placed on perfusion devices
  • Renal Pulsatile perfusion
  • How to independently recover research thoracic and abdominal organs
  • Independent recovery of heart for valve tissue processing
  • Logistics around organ recovery and transplantation

This position has 3 career levels, with increased knowledge required at each level. We hire at all levels commiserate with relevant experience. Those with more experience can advance the levels faster while meeting the goals of each level. Applicants with all levels of experience are encouraged to apply.

What you will do:
  • Work a 24-hour on-call schedule
  • Travel by personal automobile, commercial and chartered aircraft throughout LifeCenterโ€™s donation service area which includes Alaska, Montana, Northern Idaho, and Washington
  • Provide rapid on-site response
  • Acts as Surgical First Assist to the Surgical Organ Recovery Specialist, or visiting surgeon
  • Responsible for renal pulsatile perfusion of suitable kidneys for optimal transplantation outcomes.
  • Trained to independently recover organs for research and heart for valve processing
  • Preservation and packaging of organs for optimal transplantation outcomes
  • Document case data and complete recovery documentation within assigned timeframe.
  • Ensures effective communication and strong collaboration with hospital personnel, physicians, related donation agencies, transplant centers, and other LifeCenter staff.
  • Assist thoracic recovery teams with recovery perfusion and packaging
What you need:
  • Previous Operating Room (O.R.) experience
  • Certification or relevant surgical training
  • Hands on experience with tissue manipulation, sharp and blunt dissection skills, tying and suturing skills
  • The ability to meet schedule and travel requirements
  • Ability to lift up to 75pounds with or without assistance
  • Knowledge of anatomy and aseptic technique
  • Proof of COVID-19 vaccination, or applicable medical or religious exemption will be required as a condition of employment upon offer. For those that need to complete the vaccination series, start dates will be adjusted.
Who we want:
  • Someone who shares our values:Integrity, Collaboration, Service, and Courage
  • Surgical First Assist experience
Experience that translates well into this role:
  • First Assist, OR RN, Surgical Physician Assistant (PA), Surgical Research experience, or experience working in travel assignments as a CST.
Benefits and Compensation

LifeCenter Northwest offers medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance, accidental death & dismemberment insurance, long-term disability insurance, and travel accident insurance. Employees have the option of enrolling in the following supplemental or voluntary plans: life insurance, short-term disability, accident insurance, hospital indemnity, critical illness coverage and pet insurance. Employees enrolled in our 403(b) program will receive an employer match of up to 7% after one year, employees are auto enrolled at 3% and may change their enrollment at any time. LifeCenter encourages all employees to find balance and well-being and provides all employees access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and provides a quarterly Wellness Reimbursement. Employees enjoy paid holidays throughout the calendar year and earn 119 hours of PTO annually (to start) as well as Health Time Off hours that is earned 1 hour per 30 worked, paid living donor leave, two weeks paid jury duty leave after 6 months of service, and three weeks of paid parental leave after one year of service is complete. A comprehensive review of benefits can be foundathttps://lcnw.org/about/employment-opportunities/.

PAY RANGE
  • SFA I: $91,429 - $132,608 Salary
  • SFA II: $94,560 - $141,840 Salary
  • SFA III: $99,200 - $148,800 Salary

The pay range for this role is provided above. Where a candidateโ€™s compensation falls within this range is based on several bona fide factors such as experience, tenure, and other specialized knowledge. LifeCenter Northwest is committed to providing its employees equitable and competitive compensation.

This position is eligible for additional compensation to the base pay rate, in the form of Extra Call Pay, Extra Call Worked, Overnight Differential and Holiday Stipend Pay.

LifeCenter Northwest is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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