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First Assistant Nurse Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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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 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.
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:
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.

Travel Nurse RN - First Assist - $3,166 per week

Malone Healthcare - Nursing

Washington, NC โ€ข On-site

$3.1K/wk

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 11 days ago


Job description

Malone Healthcare - Nursing is seeking a travel nurse RN First Assist for a travel nursing job in Washington, North Carolina.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: First Assist
  • Discipline: RN
  • Start Date: 08/17/2026
  • Duration: 13 weeks
  • 40 hours per week
  • Shift: 10 hours, days
  • Employment Type: Travel

Looking for a great Travel First Assist Nursing Job in Washington, North Carolina? Malone Healthcare - Nursing posted this Travel Nursing Job that offers 40 hours a week for 13 weeks in Washington, North Carolina.

Vivian Health provides transparent Travel First Assist Salary information and unbiased reviews from leading Travel Nurse Agencies across the United States, so you can compare travel opportunities matching your desired criteria.

With Vivian, you can chat directly with recruiters and apply to staffing agencies with a Single Reusable Profile to find your ideal job faster and easier than ever.

The details for this Travel First Assist Nursing Job are:

  • Specialty: First Assist
  • Job Location: Washington, North Carolina
  • Travel Nurse Salary: $3,166/week
  • Start Date: ASAP
  • Assignment Length: 13 weeks
  • Total Hours Per Week: 40 weekly
  • Shift Breakdown: 4x10 hrs
  • Shift: 10 hours, days
About Malone Healthcare - Nursing

With a commitment to providing a higher standard of service and experience in patient care, Malone Healthcare places expert nurses and allied health professionals in rewarding careers throughout the United States. As a leading healthcare staffing agency, Maloneโ€™s focus on compliance and integrity translates to a seamless experience for our team members and partner facilities. When you work with Malone Healthcare, you can rely on over 50 years of proven experience placing exceptional professionals in quality healthcare settings.

Benefits
  • Weekly pay
  • Holiday Pay
  • Guaranteed Hours
  • Continuing Education
  • 401k retirement plan
  • Pet insurance
  • Referral bonus
  • Medical benefits
  • Dental benefits
  • Vision benefits
  • License and certification reimbursement
  • Life insurance