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First Assistant Nurse Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CT Assist

CT Surgery NP, Locums

Napa, CA · On-site

$115 - $135/hr

CT Surgery Physician Assistant/Nurse Practitioner, Locums * ASAP start * 4 to 6 Months * 12 hour ... OR, EVH, Radials, First Assist * CVICU and Clinic * EVH: Hemopro 2 * EMR: Epic * California * Must ...

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First Assistant Nurse information

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$22K

$37.8K

$54K

How much do first assistant nurse jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 19, 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?

Becoming a First Assistant Nurse (RNFA) can enhance career opportunities by allowing nurses to assist directly in surgical procedures, often leading to higher compensation and specialized skills. It requires additional certification and experience in perioperative nursing, making it a valuable credential for those interested in surgical support roles.

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, maintaining a sterile environment and ensuring the procedure runs smoothly. Certification and knowledge of surgical protocols are typically required for this role.

Do RNFA get paid more than RN?

Registered Nurse First Assistants (RNFAs) typically earn higher salaries than registered nurses (RNs) 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 obtaining additional certifications such as ACLS or PALS to qualify for higher-paying roles. Freelance or per diem work, such as staffing agencies or home health, can also provide extra income outside regular hours.
More about First Assistant Nurse jobs
What cities are hiring for First Assistant Nurse jobs? Cities with the most First Assistant Nurse job openings:
What states have the most First Assistant Nurse jobs? States with the most job openings for First Assistant Nurse jobs include:
What job categories do people searching First Assistant Nurse jobs look for? The top searched job categories for First Assistant Nurse jobs are:
First Assistant Nurse jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Assistant Nurse job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,838 per year, or $18.2 per hour.
Travel Operating Room RN First Assist

Travel Operating Room RN First Assist

MedPro Healthcare Staffing

Pittsfield, MA • On-site

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

MedPro Healthcare Staffing is seeking a travel nurse RN First Assist for a travel nursing job in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: First Assist
  • Discipline: RN
  • Start Date: 08/10/2026
  • Duration: 13 weeks
  • 40 hours per week
  • Shift: 8 hours, days
  • Employment Type: Travel

MedPro Healthcare Staffing, a Joint Commission-certified staffing agency, is seeking a quality First Assistant Registered Nurse (RNFA) for a travel assignment with one of our top healthcare clients.

 

Requirements

  • Eighteen months of recent experience in an Acute Care Perioperative Nursing practice as both a scrub and circulating nurse
  • Active RN License
  • Degree from an accredited nursing program
  • Successful completion of an RNFA program that meets AORN recommended education standards for RN First Assistant programs
  • BLS, ACLS, CNOR Certifications

Benefits

  • Weekly pay and direct deposit
  • Full coverage of all credentialing fees
  • Private housing or housing allowance
  • Group Health insurance for you and your family
  • Company-paid life and disability insurance
  • Travel reimbursement
  • 401(k) matching
  • Unlimited Referral Bonuses up to $1,000

Duties Responsibilities

First Assistant Nurses offer the skills needed to provide surgical preoperative patient care management, intraoperative surgical first assisting and postoperative patient care management

  • Assist surgeon by performing technical functions during surgery, including intra-operative retraction, homeostasis, tissue manipulation, and wound closure.
  • Provide direct patient care as part of the perioperative role, by acting as first assistant to the surgeon during operative procedures.
  • The First assisting nurse / RNFA will perform first assisting under the direct supervision of the primary surgeon.
  • The RNFA will immediately communicate any patient care issues verbally to the surgeon.

About Agency

MedPro Healthcare Staffing is a Joint Commission certified provider of contract staffing services. Since 1983, we have placed nursing and allied travelers in top healthcare facilities nationwide. Join us today for your very own MedPro Experience®.

If qualified and interested, please call for immediate consideration.


MedPro Staffing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, disability, marital status or veteran status.

Key Words: Registered Nurse, RN, First Assistant, Contract Nurse, Travel Nurse, Agency RN, Travel RN, Nursing, Contract, Perioperative Nurse, RNFA


*Weekly payment estimates are intended for informational purposes only and include a gross estimate of hourly wages and reimbursements for meal, incidental, and housing expenses. Your recruiter will confirm your eligibility and provide additional details.


MedPro Job ID #a0Fcx00000VxhALEAZ. Pay package is based on 8 hour shifts and 40 hours per week (subject to confirmation) with tax-free stipend amount to be determined. Posted job title: First Assistant Registered Nurse Nursing: First Assist.

About MedPro Healthcare Staffing

At MedPro Healthcare Staffing, we believe no one cares more for caregivers than we do. Our mission is simple: you focus on your patients, and we’ll take care of the rest.

As a Joint Commission-certified leader in temporary and contract healthcare staffing since 1983, MedPro has proudly connected nursing and allied travelers with top healthcare facilities across the nation. With thousands of job opportunities available nationwide, we make it easy to find assignments that align with your goals and lifestyle.

Our on-staff clinical support team—alongside a compassionate group of experienced recruiters—provides hands-on guidance every step of the way. From Day 1 medical benefits and a 401(k) plan to personalized career support, we’re committed to ensuring every professional we serve feels valued, cared for, and empowered to succeed.

Guided by a CEO who is a Registered Nurse, MedPro is built on a foundation of clinical insight and genuine compassion for the caregiving community. Through The MedPro Experience®, we deliver travel assignments that are rewarding, memorable, and designed to help you DREAM big, EXPLORE often, and ACHIEVE greatness.

Benefits

  • Day 1 medical, dental, and vision benefits for you and your family
  • Weekly pay and direct deposit
  • Unlimited Referral Bonuses starting at $500
  • On Staff Clinical Support Team
  • Access to nationwide travel assignments
  • MPX+ Mobile app -24/7 real-time access to jobs, credentials, assignment details, and more
  • Full coverage of all credentialing fees
  • Private housing or housing allowance
  • Tax Free Per Diems, Housing Stipends and Travel Reimbursements
  • Company-paid life and disability insurance
  • Travel reimbursement
  • 401(k) matching
Benefits
  • Weekly pay
  • Referral bonus
  • Employee assistance programs
MedPro Healthcare Staffing logo

About MedPro Healthcare Staffing

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At MedPro Healthcare Staffing, we are committed to placing travel nurses and allied professionals on rewarding assignments throughout the country, caring for each as part of our team, while having fun along the way. Founded in 1983, MedPro is a Joint Commission certified, leading provider of contract staffing services including travel nursing and allied health to facilities throughout the U.S. Our wide array of clients includes acute and long-term post-acute hospitals, government facilities, and medical laboratories.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Sunrise, FL, US

Year founded

1983

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