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First Nurse Jobs (NOW HIRING)

3B Healthcare, Inc.

RN

Bennington, VT · On-site

Start times vary from 6:15am (that is the earliest for the first nurse on a Monday which is the early day); so start could be 6:15 - 8am, Variable based on case mix for the week. End times are ...

The Grey Group

Nurse Practitioner

Martinsburg, WV

The physician was recently hired and has already started working there so they now want to hire the departments first NP. This neonatal department is opening a 4 bed Unit, will be expanding to 8 bed ...

The Grey Group

Nurse Practitioner

Martinsburg, WV · On-site

The physician was recently hired and has already started working there so they now want to hire the departments first NP. This neonatal department is opening a 4 bed Unit, will be expanding to 8 bed ...

3B Healthcare, Inc.

RN- Endoscopy

Bennington, VT · On-site

$2.5K - $2.6K/wk

Start times vary from 6:15am (that is the earliest for the first nurse on a Monday which is the early day); so start could be 6:15 - 8am, Variable based on case mix for the week. End times are ...

LanceSoft

Travel Nurse RN - Endoscopy

Bennington, VT · On-site

Start times vary from 6:15am (that is the earliest for the first nurse on a Monday which is the early day); so start could be 6:15 - 8am, Variable based on case mix for the week. * End times are ...

Focus Staff

Travel CVOR PCU RN

Asheville, NC · On-site

Focus Staff is a traveler-first nurse and healthcare staffing agency! We prioritize the needs of our travelers, giving you complete control over your journey. Our mission is to help you create the ...

New

Focus Staff

Travel CVOR PCU RN

Asheville, NC · On-site

Focus Staff is a traveler-first nurse and healthcare staffing agency! We prioritize the needs of our travelers, giving you complete control over your journey. Our mission is to help you create the ...

New

Focus Staff

Travel CVOR PCU RN

Asheville, NC · On-site

Focus Staff is a traveler-first nurse and healthcare staffing agency! We prioritize the needs of our travelers, giving you complete control over your journey. Our mission is to help you create the ...

New

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First Nurse information

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$38

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How much do first nurse jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for first nurse in the United States is $38.62, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29.57 and $43.27 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are First Nurses?

First Nurses, often referred to as triage nurses or the first point of contact in a healthcare setting, are registered nurses responsible for assessing and prioritizing patients as they arrive in clinics or emergency departments. They perform initial evaluations, record vital signs, gather medical histories, and determine the urgency of care needed. Their quick and accurate assessments help ensure that the most critical patients receive timely treatment. First Nurses play a crucial role in patient safety and the overall efficiency of healthcare delivery.

What are some common challenges First Nurses face when transitioning into a new healthcare facility?

First Nurses often encounter challenges when adapting to a new healthcare facility, such as learning unique protocols, integrating with established teams, and navigating new electronic health record systems. Building rapport with colleagues and understanding the specific needs of patient populations served by the facility are also key parts of the transition. However, most organizations provide structured onboarding, mentorship, and ongoing training to help First Nurses acclimate and succeed in their roles.

What is the difference between First Nurse vs Registered Nurse?

AspectFirst NurseRegistered Nurse
CredentialsTypically requires a nursing diploma or certificateRequires an RN license, usually a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
Work EnvironmentOften in community health, clinics, or as a first point of contactHospitals, clinics, long-term care, and various healthcare settings
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in primary care, community health, and outpatient servicesWidely employed across healthcare facilities and hospitals

First Nurses generally have basic nursing certifications and work mainly in community or outpatient settings. Registered Nurses (RNs) have advanced credentials, including licensure, and work in diverse healthcare environments. The main difference lies in their qualifications and scope of practice, with RNs typically having more responsibilities and a broader range of duties.

How to make an extra 2000 a month as a nurse?

First nurses can increase income by taking on per diem or agency shifts, which often pay higher rates, or by working overtime in their current roles. Additionally, they can pursue specialized certifications in areas like ICU or anesthesia to qualify for higher-paying positions or consider side opportunities such as telehealth or health coaching, depending on their skills and schedule.

How to find your first nursing job?

To find your first nursing job, complete a nursing degree and obtain licensure through the NCLEX exam. Gain experience through clinical rotations, internships, or entry-level positions, and prepare a professional resume highlighting your skills and certifications. Job searches can be conducted through hospital career portals, nursing job boards, and networking with healthcare professionals.

How to start a career in nursing with no experience?

To start a career as a first nurse with no experience, pursue an accredited nursing program such as an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) or Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN), and obtain the necessary licensure by passing the NCLEX-RN exam. Gaining clinical experience through internships, volunteering, or entry-level healthcare roles can also help build skills and improve job prospects.

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

To thrive as a First Nurse (commonly known as a Charge Nurse or Head Nurse), you need an active RN license, clinical expertise, and experience in patient care leadership. Familiarity with healthcare management systems, electronic health records (EHRs), and scheduling software is typically required. Outstanding organizational, leadership, and communication skills help manage nursing teams and coordinate patient care. These abilities are crucial for ensuring high-quality patient outcomes, efficient team operations, and maintaining safety standards within healthcare settings.

What is a 2 year RN called?

A 2-year RN typically refers to a registered nurse who has completed an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN), which usually takes about two years. This credential qualifies them to take the NCLEX-RN exam and work in various healthcare settings, often with opportunities for further specialization or advancement through additional certifications or education.
What cities are hiring for First Nurse jobs? Cities with the most First Nurse job openings:
What states have the most First Nurse jobs? States with the most job openings for First Nurse jobs include:
First Nurse jobs near you
Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA)

Registered Nurse First Assistant (RNFA)

Sutter Health

Lakeport, CA • On-site

$72.96 - $98.71/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

Sutter Health rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 318 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

40th of 886 rated healthcare providers

Job description

We are so glad you are interested in joining Sutter Health!

Position Overview:

Functions as a perioperative team member and uses information from a variety of sources to assess, plan, implement and evaluate the results of patient care, under the direct supervision of the surgeon. Functions within the full scope of licensure; accountable for the assessment, coordination delivery and evaluation of nursing care, including direct patient care, patient/family education and transitions of care. Delivers holistic and individualized care to all patients in assigned area. Develops, implements, manages/coordinates an optimal interdisciplinary plan of care that incorporates psychological, sociocultural, spiritual, economic, and life-style factors. Fosters and maintains collaborative relationships between patients, their family/support group, physicians, and other healthcare providers through timely and effective communications. Adheres to hospital polices, industry standards, best practices, and applicable laws/regulations and codes to promote a quality, highly reliable patient experience. Engages in continuous growth and development in professional nursing practice.

Additional Requirements:

EDUCATION:

  • Graduate of an accredited school of nursing.

  • Completion of an accredited RNFA program

  • Preferred: Bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN)


CERTIFICATION & LICENSURE:

  • RN-Registered Nurse of California

  • BLS and ACLS

  • RFNA-Registered First Nurse Assistant

  • CNOR-Certified Operating Room


TYPICAL EXPERIENCE:

  • Minimum of 2 years of operating room experience with surgical scrub and/or circulating duties


SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE:

  • Demonstrated general knowledge and competence with regard to nursing theories, concepts and practices; medical terminology; anatomy; and physiology.

  • Working knowledge of the healthcare industry, safety precaution policies, best practices regarding patient care and privacy, and changes in local/state/federal regulations.

  • Possess written and verbal communications skills to explain sensitive information clearly and professionally to diverse audiences, including non-medical people.

  • Basic knowledge of computer applications, such as Microsoft Office Suite (Word and Outlook), Electronic Health Record

  • Prioritize assignments and work within standardized policies, procedures, and scientific methods to achieve objectives and meet deadlines.

  • Work independently, as well as be part of the team, including accomplishing multiple tasks in an environment with interruptions.

  • Identify, evaluate and resolve standard problems by selecting appropriate solutions from established options.

  • Ensure the privacy of each patient's protected health information (PHI).

  • Build collaborate relationships with peers and other healthcare providers to achieve departmental and corporate objectives.

Job Shift:

Days

Schedule:

Full Time

Shift Hours:

10

Days of the Week:

Variable

Weekend Requirements:

Rotating Weekends

Benefits:

Yes

Unions:

Yes

Position Status:

Non-Exempt

Weekly Hours:

40

Employee Status:

Regular

Sutter Health is an equal opportunity employer EOE/M/F/Disability/Veterans.

Pay Range is $72.96 to $98.71 / hour

The compensation range may vary based on the geographic location where the position is filled. Total compensation considers multiple factors, including, but not limited to a candidate's experience, education, skills, licensure, certifications, departmental equity, training, and organizational needs. Base pay is only one component of Sutter Health's comprehensive total rewards program. Eligible positions also include a comprehensive benefits package.

What Sutter Health employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

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