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First Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA (NOW HIRING)

Astrana Health Management

RN First Assist

Tustin, CA · On-site

$90 - $117/hr

RN First Assist Department: 7420-Surgery & Recovery Employment Type: Full Time Location: 14662 Newport Ave, Tustin, CA 92780 ("HOSPITAL") Reporting To: Glenda Luce Compensation: $65.00 - $85.00 ...

Astrana Health, Inc.

RN First Assist

Tustin, CA

$65 - $85/hr

Description About the Role The Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) is a highly skilled perioperative nurse who utilizes the nursing process to assess, plan, coordinate, implement, and evaluate ...

Astrana Health

RN First Assist

Tustin, CA

$65 - $85/hr

About the Role The Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) is a highly skilled perioperative nurse who utilizes the nursing process to assess, plan, coordinate, implement, and evaluate patient care ...

Steve Madden

1st Assistant Store Manager

Ontario, CA · On-site

Assistant Store Managers may be required to perform duties of all store personnel. 1st assistant managers are seasoned assistant managers or former store managers that will be ready for promotion to ...

Steve Madden

1st Assistant Store Manager

Ontario, CA · On-site

Assistant Store Managers may be required to perform duties of all store personnel. 1st assistant managers are seasoned assistant managers or former store managers that will be ready for promotion to ...

City of Hope

Physician Assistant - GI Surgery

Irvine, CA · On-site

$119K - $213K/yr

To deliver the cures of tomorrow to the people who need them today.   We are seeking a Physician Assistant with First Assist experience for Surgical Oncology at City of Hope in Irvine. The ...

Arrowhead Orthopaedics

Physician Assistant

Redlands, CA · On-site

$100K - $136K/yr

Perform first-assist duties in the operating room, including exposure, retraction, suturing, and closure. * Support care across multiple subspecialties as needed (sports, trauma, adult reconstruction ...

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All JobsFirst JobsFirst Assistant JobsFirst Assistant Jobs in Riverside, CA

First Assistant information

See Riverside, CA salary details

$33.9K

$139.2K

$199.8K

How much do first assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for first assistant in Riverside, CA is $139,225.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,300.00 and $188,300.00 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 Riverside, CA?

The most popular types of First jobs in Riverside, CA are:

What cities near Riverside, CA are hiring for First Assistant jobs?

Cities near Riverside, CA with the most First Assistant job openings:

First Assistant jobs near you
Infographic showing various First Assistant job openings in Riverside, CA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 19% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 12% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $139,225 per year, or $66.9 per hour.

RN First Assist

Astrana Health Management

Tustin, CA • On-site

$90 - $117/hr

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Provide advanced clinical support to the surgeon during operative procedures to ensure patient safety and optimal surgical outcomes.

  • Perform preoperative assessments, intraoperative first-assist responsibilities, and postoperative evaluations of care.

  • Demonstrate expertise in aseptic techniques, infection prevention practices, and operating room standards.

Job description

RN First Assist

Department: 7420-Surgery & Recovery

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: 14662 Newport Ave, Tustin, CA 92780 ("HOSPITAL")

Reporting To: Glenda Luce

Compensation: $65.00 - $85.00 / hour


DescriptionAbout the Role
The Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA) is a highly skilled perioperative nurse who utilizes the nursing process to assess, plan, coordinate, implement, and evaluate patient care throughout the surgical experience. The RNFA ensures the delivery of safe, effective, and patient-centered care for individuals undergoing operative procedures. This role may function as a scrub nurse or circulating nurse, demonstrating expert knowledge of aseptic techniques, infection prevention practices, and established operating room standards.
Who We Are
Serving Tustin, Santa Ana and other surrounding communities, Foothill Regional Medical Center is a fully accredited acute care hospital, licensed for 177 beds—120 beds for general acute care, 15 intensive care beds and 42 pediatric sub-acute beds. Our surgeons are supported by state-of-the-art robotics.
Our Values
  • Put Patients First
  • Empower Entrepreneurial Provider and Care Teams
  • Operate with Integrity & Excellence
  • Be Innovative
  • Work As One Team

What You'll Do

The RNFA functions as an integral member of the surgical team, providing advanced clinical support to the surgeon during operative procedures to ensure patient safety and achieve optimal surgical outcomes. Utilizing specialized perioperative nursing knowledge and skills, the RNFA independently performs preoperative assessments, intraoperative first-assist responsibilities, and postoperative evaluations of care. This role requires sound clinical judgment, professional accountability, and a commitment to delivering high-quality, patient-centered surgical care across the perioperative continuum.


Qualifications
  • Active, current, and unrestricted Registered Nurse (RN) license in the State of California.
  • Graduate of an accredited School of Nursing.
  • At least three (3) years of perioperative nursing knowledge experience.
  • Current Certified Nurse Operating Room (CNOR) certification.
  • Successful completion of an RN First Assistant (RNFA) education program that includes a supervised clinical component.
  • Current American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support (BLS) certification.
  • Current American Heart Association (AHA) Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification.
  • Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.
  • Ability to work flexible schedules, including on-call shifts, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.
  • Demonstrated ability to maintain composure, adaptability, and professionalism in a fast-paced, changing environment.
  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
  • Bilingual communication skills to effectively interact with patients and their families.
  • Current American Heart Association (AHA) Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certification.

Enviornmental Job Requirements and Working Conditions
  • Our organization follows an in person work structure where the expectation is to work onsite on a weekly basis. The hospital is located at 14662 Newport Ave, Tustin, CA 92780.
  • The total compensation target pay range for this role is $65.00 - 85.00 per hour. The salary range represents our national target range for this role.

Astrana Health is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity and Aff… We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need. If you require assistance in applying for open positions due to a disability, please email us at humanresourcesdept@astranahealth.com to request an accommodation.

Additional Information:

The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

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