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First Assistant Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Registered Nurse First Assist (RNFA)

Breese, IL ยท On-site

$38.80 - $58.20/hr

Registered Nurse, First Assist (RNFA) Pay Range: $38.80 - $58.20 A successful candidate's actual pay rate will be based on several factors including relevant experience, skills, training ...

Details Client Name Springfield Memorial Hospital Job Type Travel Offering Allied Profession Surg Tech Specialty First Assist Job ID 18866740 Job Title Surg Tech - First Assist Weekly Pay $2206.0 ...

RN - First Assist (RNFA)

Alton, IL ยท On-site

$38.42 - $64.34/hr

Delivers intraoperative patient care as the first assistant to the surgeon(s) as a collaborative team member. Pre-operatively performs a focused nursing assessment in reference to planned procedure.

$45.36 - $70.31/hr

Registered Nurse First Assistant Registered Nurse- First Assistants are responsible for assisting in patient care and preparation of surgical patients by performing scrub, circulating duties.

Travel First Assist Technician

Mattoon, IL ยท On-site

$18.50 - $25.25/hr

First Assist Technician * Discipline: Allied Health Professional * Start Date: 08/23/2026 * Duration: 13 weeks * 40 hours per week * Shift: 10 hours, days * Employment Type: Travel TRS Healthcare Job ...

First Assist Technician * Discipline: Allied Health Professional * Start Date: 08/24/2026 * Duration: 13 weeks * 40 hours per week * Shift: 8 hours, days * Employment Type: Travel PRN Healthcare Job ...

Registered Nurse First Assist (RNFA)

Breese, IL ยท On-site

$38.80 - $58.20/hr

First Assist experience is preferred. Certifications, Licenses and Registrations * Licensed Registered Nurse (RN) in state of practice is required. Wisconsin: RNs may practice with a valid multi ...

Travel CVOR First Assist

Springfield, IL ยท On-site

$2.0K - $2.6K/wk

CVOR First Assist * Discipline: Allied Health Professional * Start Date: 08/31/2026 * Duration: 13 weeks * 40 hours per week * Shift: 10 hours, days * Employment Type: Travel Travel Nursing:

Surgical Tech First Assistant

O Fallon, IL ยท On-site

$32.58 - $48.87/hr

Hospital Sister Health System is seeking a Surgical Technician-First Assist who is looking to make a positive impact on the lives of every patient as part of a skilled and collaborative surgical team.

Showing results 41-60

First Assistant information

See Illinois salary details

$31.5K

$129.3K

$185.6K

How much do first assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for first assistant in Illinois is $129,318.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39,200.00 and $174,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How do I become a first assistant?

To become a first assistant, typically you need relevant experience in the field, strong communication and organizational skills, and often a background in the specific industry or role. Some positions may require specific certifications or training, and gaining experience through entry-level roles can help advance to a first assistant position.

What is a first assistant?

First Assistants, often referred to as First Assistant Directors (First ADs) in film and television production, are responsible for coordinating all production activities on set. They assist the director by managing the shooting schedule, ensuring that cast and crew are prepared, and facilitating communication between departments. Their role is essential in keeping the production running smoothly, safely, and on time. First Assistants also help enforce safety protocols and can be involved in overseeing rehearsals and blocking scenes. Overall, they play a key organizational and leadership role in any production.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a first assistant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a First Assistant, you need a comprehensive understanding of surgical procedures, aseptic techniques, and anatomy, usually backed by a relevant certification such as Certified Surgical First Assistant (CSFA) or equivalent clinical training. Familiarity with surgical instruments, operating room protocols, and electronic medical records is typically required. Strong attention to detail, effective communication, and the ability to work well under pressure are essential soft skills. These competencies ensure optimal surgical outcomes, enhance patient safety, and support seamless teamwork in the operating room.

What is the difference between First Assistant vs Second Assistant?

AspectFirst AssistantSecond Assistant
CredentialsTypically requires medical or legal certifications, depending on industrySimilar credentials, often with less experience required
Work EnvironmentHigh-pressure settings, assisting lead professionalsSupport role, often in administrative or support settings
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in legal, medical, or film industries as a primary support roleSupporting role, often subordinate to First Assistant
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for responsibilities and qualificationsLess frequently searched in comparison to First Assistant

The First Assistant typically holds more responsibilities, requires specific certifications, and works closely with lead professionals in high-pressure environments. The Second Assistant generally provides support and performs delegated tasks, often with less experience or certification requirements. Understanding these differences helps clarify career progression and role expectations within the industry.

What are some common challenges first assistants face when supporting high-level executives or teams?

First Assistants often juggle multiple priorities, such as managing complex calendars, responding to urgent requests, and coordinating logistics for meetings or events. One common challenge is maintaining clear communication and anticipating the needs of executives, which requires strong organizational skills and discretion. Additionally, First Assistants may need to adapt quickly to changing schedules or last-minute tasks, making flexibility and problem-solving essential. Building good relationships with both internal teams and external contacts also helps ensure smooth workflow and successful collaboration.
What are the most commonly searched types of First jobs in Illinois? The most popular types of First jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for First Assistant jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most First Assistant job openings:
Infographic showing various First Assistant job openings in Illinois 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 $129,318 per year, or $62.2 per hour.

Registered Nurse First Assist (RNFA)

HSHS

Breese, IL โ€ข On-site

$38.80 - $58.20/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 26 days ago


Job description

Registered Nurse, First Assist (RNFA)

Pay Range: $38.80 - $58.20

A successful candidate's actual pay rate will be based on several factors including relevant experience, skills, training, certifications, and education.

Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) is seeking a Registered Nurse, First Assist (RNFA) to join our Surgery team and carry out the functions that will assist the surgeon in performing a safe operation with optimal results for the patient. The RNFA practices peri-operative nursing and is therefore responsible for independent nursing behaviors of peri-operative assessment and post-operative evaluation of care. The intra-operative practice of the RNFA is inter-department with the surgeon.

Position Specifics:

  • Department: Surgery
  • Core Function: Nursing
  • Schedule: Full Time, 40 hours/week, Days
  • Facility: St. Joseph's Hospital
  • Location: Breese, IL

Education Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Nursing is required.
  • Registered Nurses (RNs) who were practicing as RNFAs prior to January 1, 2020, who do not have a baccalaureate degree, are permitted to practice as RNFAs.

Experience Qualifications:

  • First Assist experience is preferred.

Certifications, Licenses and Registrations:

  • Licensed Registered Nurse (RN) in state of practice is required. Wisconsin: RNs may practice with a valid multi-state RN license as outlined in the Nurse Licensure Compact rules.
  • Basic Life Support (BLS) is required.
  • Certified Perioperative Nurse (CNOR) certification is required for colleagues hired after April 24, 2024.
  • Successful completion of an RNFA program is required for colleagues hired after April 24, 2024.
  • In lieu of CNOR certification/RNFA program, we will accept an RN with Certified Surgical Technologist First Assist (CSTFA) certification AND at least 2 years of OR experience as a first assist, with the understanding the colleague will successfully obtain CNOR certification and enter a RNFA program within 6 months of being eligible to obtain the CNOR certification.
  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) is preferred.

Job Description:

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40

Throughout communities in Illinois and Wisconsin, 13 hospitals, numerous community-based health centers and clinics, our 13,000+ colleagues have built a culture based on our solid core values of respect, care, competence, and joy. These are the ideals we believe in, work by, and live each day.

Built upon more than 145 years of service to the communities we serve, we now look to the future and our place in it as a health care system that strives to continually improve processes, procedures, and outcomes with the latest and most advanced technologies and treatments.

Regardless of how far our passion for excellence carries us, our focus will always remain on the most important person in our entire organization: The patient.

Benefits: HSHS provides a benefits package designed to support the overall well-being of our colleagues including their physical, emotional, financial, spiritual, and work health. Colleagues budgeted to work at least 32 hours per pay period are eligible for HSHS benefits.

  • Comprehensive and affordable health coverage includes medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage for full-time and part-time colleagues.
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) combines vacation, sick, and personal days into one balance to allow you the flexibility to use your time off as you need.
  • Retirement benefits including HSHS contributions.
  • Education Assistance benefits include up to $5,250 of educational assistance each calendar year and tuition discounts to select colleges with no waiting period.
  • Adoption Assistance provides financial support up to $7,500 for colleagues growing their families through adoption to reimburse application and legal fees, transportation, and more!
  • Other benefits include: Wellness program with incentives, employer-paid life insurance and short-term and long-term disability coverage, flexible spending accounts, employee assistance program, ID theft coverage, colleague rewards and recognition program, discount program, and more!

HSHS and affiliates is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE).

HSHS is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace dedicated to pursuing and hiring a diverse workforce.

Notice Regarding Potential Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Hiring Process

Hospital Sisters may use automated tools, including artificial intelligence or machine-learning technologies, to assist with certain administrative aspects of the recruitment process. These tools may help our recruiting team organize applications, search for resumes, identify qualifications reflected in application materials, and facilitate communications or scheduling with applicants.

Information used by these tools may include materials you provide during the application process, such as your resume, work history, education, qualifications, and responses to application questions.

These tools are used only to support our recruiting process. Hiring decisions are made by HSHS personnel, and automated tools do not make employment decisions on behalf of HSHS.

Applicants who have questions about this notice or who require a reasonable accommodation or alternative evaluation method may contact HSHS Human Resources at Contact@hshs.org