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First Assistant Jobs in Old Bridge, NJ (NOW HIRING)

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First Assistant information

See Old Bridge, NJ salary details

$33.3K

$136.6K

$195.9K

How much do first assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for first assistant in Old Bridge, NJ is $136,551.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,400.00 and $184,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are First Assistants?

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's the easiest hospital job to get?

The easiest hospital job to get is often a patient transporter or hospital aide, which typically requires minimal formal education and on-the-job training. These roles usually have high turnover and may not require certifications, making them accessible entry-level positions in healthcare settings.

How much do first assistants make per hour?

First assistants typically earn between $15 and $25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and the industry they work in. They often work in fast-paced environments and may require skills in organization and communication.

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.

Where do surgical first assistants make the most money?

Surgical first assistants tend to earn the highest salaries in regions with a high cost of living and advanced healthcare facilities, such as metropolitan areas or states with strong medical industries. Factors like experience, certifications, and the complexity of surgeries also influence earning potential, with those working in specialized or high-demand surgical fields typically earning more.

What does a first assistant do?

A first assistant is a key member of a production team, often in film or theater, responsible for supporting the director or producer by managing schedules, coordinating communication, and assisting with logistical tasks. They may also handle administrative duties, oversee daily operations, and ensure the smooth flow of the project. Strong organizational skills and knowledge of production processes are essential for this role.
First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Assistant job openings in Old Bridge, NJ as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $136,551 per year, or $65.6 per hour.

RNFA First Assist Part Time

Hackensack Meridian Health

Brick, NJ • On-site

Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 12 days ago

Hackensack Meridian Health rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 361 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

132nd of 887 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Overview
The RN First Assist collaborates with the surgeon or obstetrician and the health care team in performing a safe operation with optimal outcomes for the patient. The RN first assistant practices perioperative nursing and must have acquired the necessary knowledge, skills, and judgment specific to clinical practice. The RN first assistant practices in collaboration with and at the direction of the surgeon or obstetrician during the intraoperative phase of the perioperative experience. The RN first assistant does not concurrently function as a scrub nurse.
Responsibilities
  1. Assessment, Planning, Intervention and Evaluation of patient care are reflective of Policy and Procedure and Standard of Care, measured by complete and accurate documentation. Properly complies with physician orders within a timely manner when applicable.
  2. Demonstrates the ability to care for patients by providing safe, direct patient care, demonstrating knowledge and competency in completing assigned tasks according to established standards and policies.: Performs patient care duties in a safe and proficient manner. Follows the plan of care as directed by the surgeon or obstetrician Tasks are performed as directed with minimal follow up. Maintains AORN standards in all aspects of patient care for the surgical team.
  3. Appropriately participates during crisis situations. Delegates tasks and assignments to appropriate staff within their scope of practice.
  4. Intra-operative Patient Care: The rnfa is responsible intra-operatively for collaborating with the surgeon and other health care professionals. For an optimal surgical outcome. Assisting the anesthesiologist when applicable. Assisting with patient positioning, skin preparation, and other areas of patient prep.
  5. Maintains ongoing communication with nursing staff, ancillary staff, other departments and physicians.: Serves as a resource nurse. Communicates effectively with physicians. Implements surgeons' preferences in surgical procedures. Utilizes conflict resolution and negotiation skills appropriately.
  6. Makes rounds and responds to patient/family requests for assistance in a timely manner.: Patient needs are promptly attended to in a courteous manner and steps are taken to anticipate and meet customer expectations.
  7. Teaches families and patients based on identified health needs. Facilitates a multi-disciplinary care delivery system. Utilizes appropriate teaching methodologies based upon the learning needs of the patient.
  8. Participates in the improvement process of quality patient care: Takes self-directed or self-motivated initiative to do more than is expected or required in the job, acts before being required to, to improve job performance, and/or creates new opportunities. Participates in department PI activities.
  9. Postoperative Patient Care: The RNFA is responsible postoperatively for assisting in the safe delivery of the patient to the recovery room, communicating to appropriate health care personnel and family members performing follow-up care to evaluate the patient.
  10. Preoperative Patient Care: The RNFA is responsible preoperatively for interviewing the surgical patient for a comprehensive, health history, performing nursing physical assessments, educating the patient and offering emotional support, evaluating the needs of the patient and of the families.
  11. Assignments are accurately completed with minimal supervision counseling.
  12. Utilizes available resources to assist staff in providing patient education. Utilizes knowledge of human anatomy and physiology and nursing process to provide educational support. Identifies areas for educational offerings, including competencies.
  13. Adapts work schedule to meet the needs of the department. Floats between Maternity OR and Main OR depending on scheduled cases and area with greatest need.
  14. Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care, based on physical, psychosocial, education, safety, and related criteria, appropriate to the age of the patients served in the assigned service area.
  15. Clinical practice accurately reflects Code of Ethics, the NJ Board of Nursing regulations, AORN Standards of care, the New Jersey Department of Health regulations, JCAHO, and institutional policies and procedures providing for effective and safe patient/customer care.
  16. Other duties and/or projects as assigned.
  17. Adheres to HMH Organizational competencies and standards of behavior.

Qualifications
  • Education:
    • Must be a graduate of an accredited Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) program.
  • Licenses & Certifications:
    • Current, unrestricted NJ State Professional Registered Nurse License.
    • Current AHA Basic Life Support (BLS) certification from the American Heart Association (AHA).
  • Skills & Abilities:
    • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
    • Proficiency with computer platforms, including Microsoft Office and/or Google Suite.
  • Certifications:
    • AHA Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) Certification.
    • AHA Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) Certification.

Starting Minimum Rate
Minimum rate of $53,976.00 Annually
Job Posting Disclosure
HMH is committed to pay equity and transparency for our team members. The posted rate of pay in this job posting is a reasonable good faith estimate of the minimum base pay for this role at the time of posting in accordance with the New Jersey Pay Transparency Act and does not reflect the full value of our market-competitive total rewards package.
The starting rate of pay is provided for informational purposes only and is not a guarantee of a specific offer. Posted hourly rates may be stated as an annual salary in the offer and posted annual salaries may be stated as an hourly rate in the offer, depending on the level and nature of the job duties and credentials of the candidate. The base compensation determined at the time of the offer may be different than the posted rate of pay based on a number of non-discriminatory factors, including but not limited to:
Labor Market Data: Compensation is benchmarked against market data to ensure competitiveness.
Experience: Years of relevant work experience.
Education and Certifications: Level of education attained, including specialized certifications, credentials, completed apprenticeship programs or advanced training.
Skills: Demonstrated proficiency in relevant skills and competencies.
Geographic Location: Cost of living and market rates for the specific location.
Internal Equity: Compensation is determined in a manner consistent with compensation ranges for similar roles within the organization.
Budget and Grant Funding: Departmental budgets and any grant funding associated with the job position may impact the pay that can be offered.
Some jobs may also be eligible for performance-based incentives, bonuses, or commissions not reflected in the starting rate. Certain positions may also be eligible for shift differentials for work performed on evening, night, or weekend shifts.
In addition to our compensation for full-time and part-time (20+ hours/week) job positions, HMH offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and retirement benefits.

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