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First Assistant Nurse Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CT Assist

CT Surgery NP, Perm

Springfield, MO · On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

First Assist and Vein Harvesting Skills Required * Place and remove chest tubes, arterial lines ... PA, NP, cardiothoracic, cardiovascular, cardiac, endoscopic vein harvest, EVH, CVOR, CABG ...

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$22K

$37.8K

$54K

How much do first assistant nurse jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for first assistant nurse in the United States is $37,838.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $31,500.00 and $41,500.00 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.
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First Assistant Nurse jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Assistant Nurse job openings in the United States 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 $37,838 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Nurse Practitioner - Surgery-General job available in Charleston, South Carolina

CT Assist

Charleston, SC • On-site

$120K - $180K/yr

Other

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Hiring group is a not-for-profit, unified group of primary and specialty care physicians providing care across the Lowcountry. Our footprint includes 108 locations throughout five counties. Our team consists of more than 230 physicians representing 18 specialties.
  • Full Scope Cardiothoracic Surgery Physician Assistant/Nurse Practitioner
  • M-F, 7am - 4pm
  • On Call Nights and Weekends: Rotating
  • First Assist and Vein Harvesting Skills Required
  • Hemopro 2
  • EMR: Epic
  • CABG, AVR, MVR, MV Repair
  • South Carolina
  • Salary set by client, equivalent positions range around $120000 - $180000

KEYWORDS: PA, NP, cardiothoracic, cardiovascular, cardiac, endoscopic vein harvest, EVH, CVOR, CABG, thoracentesis, central line, arterial line, chest tube, ICU, CVICU, CTICU, CCU, stepdown

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