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First Assistant Nurse Jobs (NOW HIRING)

CT Assist

CT Surgery NP, Locums

Napa, CA

$115 - $135/hr

CT Surgery Physician Assistant/Nurse Practitioner, Locums * Spring 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 Jun 7, 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, 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.

More about First Assistant Nurse jobs
What cities are hiring for First Assistant Nurse jobs? Cities with the most First Assistant Nurse job openings:
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First Assistant Nurse jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Assistant Nurse job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $37,838 per year, or $18.2 per hour.
PA, Physician Assistant/ NP, Nurse Practitioner - Cardiothoracic Surgery

PA, Physician Assistant/ NP, Nurse Practitioner - Cardiothoracic Surgery

CHRISTUS Health

Texarkana, TX

$97K - $126K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

CHRISTUS Health rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 514 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

558th of 869 rated healthcare providers

Job description

PA, Physician Assistant/ NP, Nurse Practitioner - Cardiothoracic Surgery

We are seeking a skilled Physician Assistant or Nurse Practitioner with first assist experience to join our Cardiothoracic Surgery team in Texarkana, TX. This role focuses heavily on surgical first assist and vein harvesting in the operating room.

Responsibilities will vary based on credentials, with PAs and NPs participating in both surgical and clinical care, while SFAs and RNFAs will focus primarily on operative responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities
  • Serve as first assist in cardiothoracic surgical procedures, including CABG and valve surgeries
  • Perform vein harvesting (endoscopic or open techniques)
  • Provide intraoperative support including tissue handling, suturing, and hemostasis
  • Collaborate closely with cardiothoracic surgeons and OR staff to ensure optimal surgical outcomes
  • Participate in perioperative patient care as appropriate

Additional Responsibilities for PAs/NPs:

  • Conduct outpatient clinic visits including pre- and post-operative evaluations
  • Assist with patient management, follow-ups, and care coordination
  • Order and interpret labs, imaging, and diagnostic studies
  • Provide patient education on procedures, recovery, and long-term care
Qualifications
  • Current Texas license (if applicable to role: PA, NP, or RNFA)
  • National certification (AANP, ANCC, NCCPA, or RNFA as applicable)
  • First assist experience required
  • Experience with vein harvesting strongly preferred
  • Strong surgical skills and ability to work in a high-acuity environment
  • Excellent teamwork and communication skills
Schedule & Compensation
  • Full-time position with schedule aligned to surgical case volume
  • Call responsibilities may be required depending on role
  • Competitive compensation based on experience and role type
  • Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, and vision insurance, malpractice coverage (if applicable), PTO, CME allowance (for APPs), and 403(b) retirement plan with employer match
Why Texarkana?

Texarkana offers a welcoming community, low cost of living, and a strong healthcare presence. It's an excellent location for providers seeking both professional growth and quality of life.

Apply Today If you are an experienced first assist with cardiothoracic experience and vein harvesting skills, we encourage you to apply and join our surgical team in Texarkana, Texas.

What CHRISTUS Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About CHRISTUS Health

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

CHRISTUS Health is a prominent name in the healthcare industry, with its headquarters situated in Irving, TX, USA. Established in 1999, the company has since been devoted to providing comprehensive care and extending the healing ministry of Jesus Christ. This not-for-profit health system primarily operates more than 600 healthcare services and programs, including long-term care facilities, health insurance products, community clinics, and outreach services, serving both urban and rural populations.

Industry

Outpatient health care

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Irving, TX, US

Year founded

1999

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