First assist in major and minor orthopedic surgical procedures * Perform casting and splinting, fracture alignment, hematoma blocks, and intra-articular injections (training provided as needed)
First assist in major and minor orthopedic surgical procedures * Perform casting and splinting, fracture alignment, hematoma blocks, and intra-articular injections (training provided as needed)
First assist in major and minor orthopedic surgical procedures * Perform casting and splinting, fracture alignment, hematoma blocks, and intra-articular injections (training provided as needed)
First assist in major and minor orthopedic surgical procedures * Perform casting and splinting, fracture alignment, hematoma blocks, and intra-articular injections (training provided as needed)
Physician Assistant or NP - Cardiothoracic Surgery
Albuquerque, NM · On-site
$120 - $180/hr
First-assist in OR for full-scope cardiothoracic cases * Conduct pre- and post-op office visits * Daily rounding, chest tube/pacer wire removals, and discharge planning * Collaborate closely with ...
Physician Assistant or NP - Cardiothoracic Surgery
Albuquerque, NM · On-site
$120 - $180/hr
First-assist in OR for full-scope cardiothoracic cases * Conduct pre- and post-op office visits * Daily rounding, chest tube/pacer wire removals, and discharge planning * Collaborate closely with ...
General Surgery Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant
Clovis, NM · On-site
$80 - $120/hr
First assist in OR. Responsibilities * Performs history and physical assessments. * Manages acute and chronic conditions. * Orders, conducts, and interprets appropriate diagnostic x‑ray and lab ...
General Surgery Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant
Clovis, NM · On-site
$80 - $120/hr
First assist in OR. Responsibilities * Performs history and physical assessments. * Manages acute and chronic conditions. * Orders, conducts, and interprets appropriate diagnostic x‑ray and lab ...
Surgical Services - Certified OR Tech / Surgical Tech (CST)
Santa Fe, NM · On-site
$1.6K/wk
Once obtained, maintains National Certification as 1st Assistant. TRAUMA EXPERIENCE REQUIRED POSITION TITLE: Certified Surgical Assistant DEPARTMENT: Surgical Services POSITION SUMMARY: Serves as ...
Surgical Services - Certified OR Tech / Surgical Tech (CST)
Santa Fe, NM · On-site
$1.6K/wk
Once obtained, maintains National Certification as 1st Assistant. TRAUMA EXPERIENCE REQUIRED POSITION TITLE: Certified Surgical Assistant DEPARTMENT: Surgical Services POSITION SUMMARY: Serves as ...
Key Holder - #440 Coronado
Albuquerque, NM · On-site
$14.58 - $15.08/hr
Assisting the 1st assistant and manager with all day-to-day operations of the store * Making sure the floor is properly merchandised with freight to floor within 48 hours * Inventory control and ...
Key Holder - #440 Coronado
Albuquerque, NM · On-site
$14.58 - $15.08/hr
Assisting the 1st assistant and manager with all day-to-day operations of the store * Making sure the floor is properly merchandised with freight to floor within 48 hours * Inventory control and ...
Nurse Practitioner (NP) - Surgery - Orthopedic in Artesia, NM at CompHealth Artesia, NM
Artesia, NM · On-site
$110 - $140/hr
PA-C or NP (RNFA) * First assist, clinic, and rounding * Permanent Position * Experience in Orthopedic Surgery preferred * New Grads with Orthopedic Surgery rotations welcome to apply * Loan ...
Nurse Practitioner (NP) - Surgery - Orthopedic in Artesia, NM at CompHealth Artesia, NM
Artesia, NM · On-site
$110 - $140/hr
PA-C or NP (RNFA) * First assist, clinic, and rounding * Permanent Position * Experience in Orthopedic Surgery preferred * New Grads with Orthopedic Surgery rotations welcome to apply * Loan ...
The right RN should have 1-2 years recent acute care experience as a circulating nurse, and/or scrub nurse, and potentially RN first assistant. Read below for more requirements. As an OR Travel Nurse ...
The right RN should have 1-2 years recent acute care experience as a circulating nurse, and/or scrub nurse, and potentially RN first assistant. Read below for more requirements. As an OR Travel Nurse ...
The right RN should have 1-2 years recent acute care experience as a circulating nurse, and/or scrub nurse, and potentially RN first assistant. Read below for more requirements. As an OR Travel Nurse ...
The right RN should have 1-2 years recent acute care experience as a circulating nurse, and/or scrub nurse, and potentially RN first assistant. Read below for more requirements. As an OR Travel Nurse ...
The right RN should have 1-2 years recent acute care experience as a circulating nurse, and/or scrub nurse, and potentially RN first assistant. Read below for more requirements. As an OR Travel Nurse ...
The right RN should have 1-2 years recent acute care experience as a circulating nurse, and/or scrub nurse, and potentially RN first assistant. Read below for more requirements. As an OR Travel Nurse ...
Operating Room (OR) Registered Nurse RN
Albuquerque, NM · On-site
$49.28/hr
The right RN should have 1-2 years recent acute care experience as a circulating nurse, and/or scrub nurse, and potentially RN first assistant. Read below for more requirements. As an OR Travel Nurse ...
Operating Room (OR) Registered Nurse RN
Albuquerque, NM · On-site
$49.28/hr
The right RN should have 1-2 years recent acute care experience as a circulating nurse, and/or scrub nurse, and potentially RN first assistant. Read below for more requirements. As an OR Travel Nurse ...
Operating Room (OR) Registered Nurse RN
Silver City, NM · On-site
$60.11/hr
The right RN should have 1-2 years recent acute care experience as a circulating nurse, and/or scrub nurse, and potentially RN first assistant. Read below for more requirements. As an OR Travel Nurse ...
Operating Room (OR) Registered Nurse RN
Silver City, NM · On-site
$60.11/hr
The right RN should have 1-2 years recent acute care experience as a circulating nurse, and/or scrub nurse, and potentially RN first assistant. Read below for more requirements. As an OR Travel Nurse ...
Operating Room (OR) Registered Nurse RN
Silver City, NM · On-site
$60.11/hr
The right RN should have 1-2 years recent acute care experience as a circulating nurse, and/or scrub nurse, and potentially RN first assistant. Read below for more requirements. As an OR Travel Nurse ...
Operating Room (OR) Registered Nurse RN
Silver City, NM · On-site
$60.11/hr
The right RN should have 1-2 years recent acute care experience as a circulating nurse, and/or scrub nurse, and potentially RN first assistant. Read below for more requirements. As an OR Travel Nurse ...
HPB Oncology PA needed in North-Central, New Mexico
Santa Fe, NM · On-site
$195.50/hr
The role involves a balanced mix of inpatient and outpatient care, with responsibilities including first assist in the OR, inpatient rounding, post-operative management, and clinic visits. This is a ...
HPB Oncology PA needed in North-Central, New Mexico
Santa Fe, NM · On-site
$195.50/hr
The role involves a balanced mix of inpatient and outpatient care, with responsibilities including first assist in the OR, inpatient rounding, post-operative management, and clinic visits. This is a ...
Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner (NP)/Physician Assistant (PA) -1395
Artesia, NM · On-site
$71.48 - $103/hr
First assist the supervising Orthopedic Surgeon during surgical procedures as credentialed and permitted by hospital policy. * Participate in preoperative assessments and patient preparation ...
Orthopedic Nurse Practitioner (NP)/Physician Assistant (PA) -1395
Artesia, NM · On-site
$71.48 - $103/hr
First assist the supervising Orthopedic Surgeon during surgical procedures as credentialed and permitted by hospital policy. * Participate in preoperative assessments and patient preparation ...
Travel OR Registered Nurse - $2,164 per week
Las Cruces, NM · On-site
$2.1K/wk
The right RN should have 1-2 years recent acute care experience as a circulating nurse, and/or scrub nurse, and potentially RN first assistant. Read below for more requirements. As an OR Travel Nurse ...
Travel OR Registered Nurse - $2,164 per week
Las Cruces, NM · On-site
$2.1K/wk
The right RN should have 1-2 years recent acute care experience as a circulating nurse, and/or scrub nurse, and potentially RN first assistant. Read below for more requirements. As an OR Travel Nurse ...
The right RN should have 1-2 years recent acute care experience as a circulating nurse, and/or scrub nurse, and potentially RN first assistant. Read below for more requirements. As an OR Travel Nurse ...
The right RN should have 1-2 years recent acute care experience as a circulating nurse, and/or scrub nurse, and potentially RN first assistant. Read below for more requirements. As an OR Travel Nurse ...
Travel OR RN - $2,274 per week
Albuquerque, NM · On-site
$2.2K/wk
The right RN should have 1-2 years recent acute care experience as a circulating nurse, and/or scrub nurse, and potentially RN first assistant. Read below for more requirements. As an OR Travel Nurse ...
Travel OR RN - $2,274 per week
Albuquerque, NM · On-site
$2.2K/wk
The right RN should have 1-2 years recent acute care experience as a circulating nurse, and/or scrub nurse, and potentially RN first assistant. Read below for more requirements. As an OR Travel Nurse ...
Travel OR Registered Nurse
Las Cruces, NM · On-site
The right RN should have 1-2 years recent acute care experience as a circulating nurse, and/or scrub nurse, and potentially RN first assistant. Read below for more requirements. As an OR Travel Nurse ...
Travel OR Registered Nurse
Las Cruces, NM · On-site
The right RN should have 1-2 years recent acute care experience as a circulating nurse, and/or scrub nurse, and potentially RN first assistant. Read below for more requirements. As an OR Travel Nurse ...
Travel Nurse RN - OR - Operating Room - $2,039 per week
Silver City, NM · On-site
$2.0K/wk
The right RN should have 1-2 years recent acute care experience as a circulating nurse, and/or scrub nurse, and potentially RN first assistant. Read below for more requirements. As an OR Travel Nurse ...
Travel Nurse RN - OR - Operating Room - $2,039 per week
Silver City, NM · On-site
$2.0K/wk
The right RN should have 1-2 years recent acute care experience as a circulating nurse, and/or scrub nurse, and potentially RN first assistant. Read below for more requirements. As an OR Travel Nurse ...
First Assistant information
See New Mexico salary details
$44.8K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$31.5K - $45.5K
26% of jobs
$45.5K - $59.5K
0% of jobs
$59.5K - $73.5K
0% of jobs
$73.5K - $87.5K
0% of jobs
$87.5K - $101.5K
0% of jobs
$101.5K - $115.5K
0% of jobs
$115.5K - $129.5K
10% of jobs
The median wage is $141.4K / yr.
$129.5K - $143.6K
16% of jobs
$143.6K - $157.6K
0% of jobs
$157.6K - $171.6K
19% of jobs
$173.2K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$171.6K - $185.6K
28% of jobs
$31.5K
$129.3K
$185.6K
How much do first assistant jobs pay per year?
What is a first assistant?
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a first assistant, and why are they important?
What are some common challenges first assistants face when supporting high-level executives or teams?
What is the difference between First Assistant vs Second Assistant?
| Aspect | First Assistant | Second Assistant |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | Typically requires medical or legal certifications, depending on industry | Similar credentials, often with less experience required |
| Work Environment | High-pressure settings, assisting lead professionals | Support role, often in administrative or support settings |
| Employer & Industry Usage | Used in legal, medical, or film industries as a primary support role | Supporting role, often subordinate to First Assistant |
| Common Search & Comparison | Often compared for responsibilities and qualifications | Less 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.
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The most popular types of First jobs in New Mexico are:
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Cities in New Mexico with the most First Assistant job openings:

$81K - $110K/yr
Full-time
Re-posted 22 days ago
CHRISTUS Health rating
6.7
Based on 531 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
532nd of 891 rated healthcare providers
Job description
Work Type:
Full Time
Recruiter Contact: reeve.delmas@christushealth.org
Make a Meaningful Impact with CHRISTUS Health –
Join one of the largest and most respected multispecialty groups—CHRISTUS Health—as we seek an Orthopedic Physician Assistant to join a busy general orthopedic practice in Alamogordo, New Mexico. This is an opportunity to work in a mission-driven, faith-based organization that values collaboration, clinical excellence, and community-focused care, while supporting both outpatient clinic and surgical services alongside a dedicated orthopedic team.
Responsibilities:
-
Evaluate and manage orthopedic patients in the outpatient clinic, including new consultations, follow-ups, and post-operative care
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First assist in major and minor orthopedic surgical procedures
-
Perform casting and splinting, fracture alignment, hematoma blocks, and intra-articular injections (training provided as needed)
-
Interpret x-rays and assist with treatment planning
-
Conduct post-operative rounds and coordinate ongoing patient care
-
Collaborate closely with orthopedic surgeons, APCs, and clinical staff to optimize patient outcomes
Practice Details & Schedule:
-
Setting: Outpatient clinic and surgical cases
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Staffing: 4 Orthopedic Surgeons, 2 APCs
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Clinic Volume: Approximately 20–25 patients per day
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Clinic Hours: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday – 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
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OR Schedule: Monday & Wednesday – scheduled surgical cases
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On-Call: Shared call, 1 weekend every 3 weeks
Requirements:
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Active New Mexico Physician Assistant license (required)
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Prior orthopedic or surgical experience preferred
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Willingness to learn and train in procedures as needed
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Strong communication skills and ability to work in a team-based environment
Compensation & Benefits
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Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits package
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Sign-on bonus and relocation assistance
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Malpractice insurance with tail coverage
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CME allowance
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Physician-led organization
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Faith-based, mission-driven culture
What CHRISTUS Health employees say
Pay
Benefits
Hours and flexibility
Workplace
Get the full story on Breakroom
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