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First Assistant Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Kaiser Permanente

RN, OR First Assist

Clackamas, OR · On-site

... N First Assistants. Practice within limitations of preparation and experience. Demonstrate RNFA specific clinical skills. Review and update skills checklist on an ongoing basis as specified by ...

GQR

CSFA - Surgical

Portland, OR · On-site

$2.1K/day

Certified Surgical First Assistant Estimated Pay: $2116.00 Duration (weeks): Specialty: Surgical Shift Details: Day *Estimated weekly pay includes projected hourly wages and weekly meal and lodging ...

GQR Global Markets

CSFA Surgical

Portland, OR · On-site

$2.1K/day

Certified Surgical First Assistant Estimated Pay: $2116.00 Duration (weeks): Specialty: Surgical Shift Details: Day *Estimated weekly pay includes projected hourly wages and weekly meal and lodging ...

Lyle Health

Neurosurgery Physician Assistant

Salem, OR · On-site

$100K - $136K/yr

Serve as the primary first-assist in the OR for neurosurgical cases, including spinal fusions, craniotomies, and laminectomies. • Clinical Management: Independently see patients for pre-operative ...

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First Assistant information

See Oregon salary details

$34.4K

$141.1K

$202.5K

How much do first assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for first assistant in Oregon is $141,096.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,800.00 and $190,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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.

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 environment. Some roles may require specific certifications or training, depending on the industry standards. Gaining practical experience through internships or entry-level positions can also be beneficial.

How much do first assistants make?

First assistants in Florida typically earn between $30,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the industry they work in. They often require strong organizational skills and proficiency with office tools to perform their duties effectively.

What are the most commonly searched types of First jobs in Oregon?

The most popular types of First jobs in Oregon are:

What cities in Oregon are hiring for First Assistant jobs?

Cities in Oregon with the most First Assistant job openings:

First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Assistant job openings in Oregon as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 74% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $141,096 per year, or $67.8 per hour.

RN, FIRST ASSIST-AMB SURGERY

Clackamas, OR • On-site

Kaiser Permanente
Health Care and Social Assistance • 10K+ employees
Learn more about Kaiser Permanenteexternal

$58.59/hr

Other

Posted 11 days ago

Kaiser Permanente rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 929 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Job Summary:

Provides assistance to the surgical team during the intra-operative phase of surgical care for the Northwest Region Ambulatory Surgery Centers. Works in collaboration with the surgeon and health care team in the performance of surgical procedures, including assessment, planning, directing, providing and evaluating advanced nursing care.

Essential Responsibilities:


  • Practice standards of performance: Pre-operative: Performs pre-operative assessment and evaluation if required. Collaborates with the surgical team on plan of care. Coordinate and communicate with circulator regarding equipment and implant needs for case, assist in obtaining.

  • Practice standards of performance: Intra-operative: Provides knowledge based technical assistance to the surgeon and operating room team during the operative procedure according to AORN standards, licensure, state regulation and facility/practice protocols, including: Use of instruments and medical devices. Providing surgical exposure. Handling and/or cutting tissue. Providing hemostatis, clamp, cut, and ligate tissue as directed by the surgeon. Suturing as directed by the surgeon.

  • Practice standards of performance: Post-Operative: Apply post-op splints and/or braces. During Anesthesia emergence, bring stretcher into room. Help transfer patient to stretcher. Remain in room for turnover unless specific instructions for Post-op care required in PACU.

  • Assessment Standard of Performance & Planning: Communicates information so that continuity of care is maintained. Communicates with patient, family and other staff in a professional and courteous manner. Obtains and demonstrates the skills and knowledge needed to provide appropriate population based and culturally sensitive care to patients and families through education, training and experience. Provides continuous reassessment through the intra operative period. Utilizes knowledge of type of procedure to plan for appropriate set up.

  • Practice standards of performance: Function as an assistant in all surgical specialties at the direction of the attending surgeon. Performs RNFA responsibilities in accordance with the Nurse Practice Act of the State of Oregon, institutional policies and procedures of Kaiser Permanente and the AORN Position Statement on RN First Assistants. Practice within limitations of preparation and experience. Demonstrate RNFA specific clinical skills. Review and update skills checklist on an ongoing basis as specified by policies of Kaiser Permanente. Assists with room preparation and opening of supplies in collaboration with the circulating nurse and scrub person. Have available patient X-rays/MRIs. Check image capture machine and films NOTE: Notify Team Lead or designee if films/MRIs etc. are not available. Assists in patient transport to the operating room and transfer to the operating room table. Assists in patient positioning. Assists in patient preparation, i.e., prepping, catheterization, clipping, as necessary. Participates in briefing/time out and debriefing. Assists in patient draping. Sets up ESU, lights, suction for the sterile field. Monitors free counted items on the sterile field. Observes for breaks in sterile technique and takes appropriate action as necessary. Assists with instrumentation and equipment as requested. Applies dressings and secures drainage tubes. Assists with patient transfer and positioning post operatively. Assists with room tear down and turn over in collaboration with the circulating nurse and scrub person. Assist in maintaining a safe environment and promoting efficiency in surgical procedures. Available for breaks and lunch relief, local monitor, scrub and circulate as needed.

Basic Qualifications:
Experience


  • Two (2) years of intra-operative scrubbing and circulating experience.

  • One (1) year of recent experience, within the last two (2) years, as an RNFA or successful completion of a CCI recognized RNFA course and agreement from ASC.

Education

  • N/A

License, Certification, Registration
  • Registered Nurse License (Oregon)
  • Advanced Cardiac Life Support
  • Basic Life Support
  • Nurse Operating Room Certificate
Additional Requirements:

  • Meets all qualifications of an RNFA as outlined in AORN Position Statement.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Two (2) to five (5) years of practice as an RNFA.
  • CRNFA Certification preferred.
  • Ability to assist on all cases performed within Surgical Services.

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