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First Assistant Nurse Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Care Career

Travel Nurse RN - First Assist

Lodi, CA · On-site

First Assist * Discipline: RN * Duration: 12 weeks * 38 hours per week * Shift: 8 hours, days * Employment Type: Travel Position Details * Position: Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA ...

Assured Nursing

Travel RN First Assistant

Shiloh, IL · On-site

Assured Nursing is seeking a travel nurse RN First Assist for a travel nursing job in Shiloh, Illinois. & Requirements * Specialty: First Assist * Discipline: RN * Start Date: ASAP * Duration: 13 ...

Assured Nursing

Travel RN First Assistant

Montrose, CO · On-site

Assured Nursing is seeking a travel nurse RN First Assist for a travel nursing job in Montrose, Colorado. & Requirements * Specialty: First Assist * Discipline: RN * Start Date: 07/13/2026 * Duration ...

BJC HealthCare

Registered Nurse First Assist

Saint Louis, MO · On-site

$38.42 - $64.34/hr

Additional Information About the Role Barnes Jewish Hospital Registered Nurse First Assist * Robotics position * Acute critical care Pod 2 * 0630-1700 * 4/10 hour shifts * No call, no weekends * CNOR ...

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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 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
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 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.

Travel Nurse RN - First Assist

Care Career

Lodi, CA • On-site

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 4 days ago

Job description

Care Career is seeking a travel nurse RN First Assist for a travel nursing job in Lodi, California.

Job Description & Requirements
  • Specialty: First Assist
  • Discipline: RN
  • Duration: 12 weeks
  • 38 hours per week
  • Shift: 8 hours, days
  • Employment Type: Travel
Position Details
  • Position: Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) / Operating Room RN
  • Department: Operating Room (OR)
  • Contract Length: 13 Weeks
  • Shift: Days, 8-Hour Shifts
  • Guaranteed Hours: 40 Hours/Week
Schedule & Requirements
  • Day shift schedule
  • 40 hours per week guaranteed
  • Functions as both OR circulator and First Assistant as permitted by privileges
  • Must work collaboratively with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and perioperative staff
Required Experience
  • Operating Room (OR) experience required
  • First Assistant experience required
  • Experience assisting during surgical procedures throughout the perioperative process
  • Strong knowledge of perioperative patient care standards, medications, and treatments
Required Certifications
  • Active RN License
  • RNFA certification/credentials (as required by facility)
  • BLS (typically required)
  • Additional certifications may be required per facility policy
Key Responsibilities
  • Organize and coordinate patient care throughout the surgical procedure
  • Function as a First Assistant during surgical incision, excision, and repair procedures
  • Collaborate with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and OR staff to ensure safe patient care
  • Participate in preoperative patient assessments and surgical planning
  • Maintain sterile technique and perioperative safety standards
  • Assist with intraoperative patient positioning, exposure, hemostasis, and wound closure as appropriate
  • Monitor patient status and support optimal surgical outcomes
  • Demonstrate expertise in medications, treatments, and perioperative care practices

Quick Offer Process Referral Bonus Available Fast Submission & Interview Process

About Care Career

Care Career brings together a portfolio of leading healthcare staffing organizations, each delivering specialized talent solutions across the industry. Wherever you want to go, We Make It Happen.

With travel nursing jobs across the country, you can discover the possibilities that create the lifestyle and financial position that you have dreamed of.

Care Career is a modern, transparent staffing firm creating the ultimate community of US.


Benefits
  • Referral bonus
  • Weekly pay
  • Medical benefits
  • Continuing Education
  • Dental benefits
  • Vision benefits

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