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$22K

$37.8K

$54K

How much do first assistant nurse jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 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.

Is becoming an RNFA worth it?

A First Assistant Nurse (RNFA) is a registered nurse who assists during surgical procedures, often requiring additional certification and experience. Becoming an RNFA can enhance career opportunities, increase earning potential, and provide specialized surgical skills, but it also involves additional training and certification costs. Whether it is worth it depends on individual career goals and interest in surgical nursing.

What does a nurse first assistant do?

A nurse first assistant, also known as a surgical technologist or scrub nurse, assists surgeons during procedures by preparing the operating room, sterilizing equipment, and passing instruments. They work closely with the surgical team, maintain sterile environments, and may require certification or training in surgical technology. Their role is essential for ensuring smooth and safe surgeries.

Do RNFA get paid more than RN?

Registered Nurse First Assistants (RNFA) typically earn higher salaries than registered nurses (RN) due to their specialized surgical assisting skills and additional training. RNFAs often work in operating rooms and may require certification, which can contribute to increased compensation compared to standard RNs.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a First Assistant Nurse, and why are they important?

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 are First Assistant Nurses?

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.

How to make an extra $2000 a month as a nurse?

First Assistant Nurses can increase their income by taking on overtime shifts, working in high-demand specialties, or providing private duty nursing services. Gaining additional certifications or specialized skills can also qualify them for higher-paying roles or per diem work, which often offers higher hourly rates.
More about First Assistant Nurse jobs
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What states have the most First Assistant Nurse jobs? States with the most job openings for First Assistant Nurse jobs include:
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First Assistant Nurse jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Assistant Nurse job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 56% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 25% 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.
Advanced Practice Provider - CVOR First Assist- NP or PA

Advanced Practice Provider - CVOR First Assist- NP or PA

KA Recruiting Inc.

Winterville, NC

$98K - $126K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

NP/PA CVOR First Assist Opportunity 

Seeking a Board-Certified Physician Assistant or RNFA certified Nurse Practitioner to assume the role of Cardiac Surgery First Assistant (CVOR). The successful candidate must have at least 1 year of experience working with a high-volume CT surgery program and be proficient in endoscopic vein harvesting.

Highlights include:

· Hospital privileges 

· 100% OR

· Work with an established team of Cardiac Surgeons and First Assist NP/PAs

· State of the art 6-story heart hospital with the largest operating rooms in the country, hybrid CVOR

· Ability to work with a nationally recognized cardiothoracic surgery program that performs more than 1,000 pump cases annually

· Large robotic program

· If NP, must hold RNFA certification

· Established NP and PA orientation programs

· Applicants will be required to have BLS/ACLS from the American Heart Association

· Compensated call structure

· Competitive salary, benefits, and relocation

 
Greenville, NC

Widely recognized as the thriving cultural, educational, economic and medical hub of eastern North Carolina, Greenville is the 10th largest city in the state with a metropolitan population of nearly 100,000. The Dickinson Avenue Arts District offers a vibrant arts, music, culinary and festival scene in the Uptown Greenville district. Greenville is also home to East Carolina University, the Brody School of Medicine, and Pitt Community College. Excellent affordability, convenient location and natural resources combined with all of the amenities of a metropolitan university town, Greenville is the perfect place to live, work and play!

  • Located inland off of the North Carolina coast, Greenville is 45 miles east of interstate 95, just over an hour to Raleigh, a little over an hour to the pristine beaches of the Crystal Coast of NC
  • Home to East Carolina University (ECU), a vibrant university with an annual enrollment of more than 24,000 students
  • Numerous waterways and the Greenville Greenway System are perfect for boating, kayaking, fishing, hiking and camping
  • Mild climate perfect for year-round outdoor activities
  • Cost of living below the national average, diverse and affordable housing and excellent educational opportunities, both public and private
  • Investment of more than $500 million in downtown Greenville’s revitalization bringing new restaurants, shops, businesses, and residents to the area

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