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Nurse Practitioner First Assistant Jobs in Indiana

CT Assist

Travel CVOR RN First Assistant

Lafayette, IN · On-site

$2.2K - $3.2K/wk

CT Assist is seeking a travel nurse RN CVOR First Assist for a travel nursing job in Lafayette ... PA, NP, cardiothoracic, cardiovascular, cardiac, endoscopic vein harvest, EVH, CVOR, CABG ...

CT Assist

Travel Surgical First Assistant

Lafayette, IN · On-site

$2.0K - $3.0K/wk

CT Assist is seeking a travel Surgical First Assistant for a travel job in Lafayette, Indiana ... PA, NP, cardiothoracic, cardiovascular, cardiac, endoscopic vein harvest, EVH, CVOR, CABG ...

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Nurse Practitioner First Assistant information

See Indiana salary details

$75.6K

$121.5K

$167.5K

How much do nurse practitioner first assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for nurse practitioner first assistant in Indiana is $121,497.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $103,700.00 and $134,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Nurse Practitioner First Assistant, you need advanced clinical knowledge, surgical assisting expertise, and an active RN license with completion of a Nurse Practitioner program and a First Assistant certification (such as RNFA). Familiarity with surgical instruments, electronic health records (EHRs), and perioperative care protocols is essential. Excellent communication, critical thinking, and teamwork skills help ensure safe and efficient collaboration with surgeons and operating room staff. These competencies are crucial for optimizing patient outcomes and providing high-quality surgical support.

What is the difference between Nurse Practitioner First Assistant vs Physician Assistant?

AspectNurse Practitioner First AssistantPhysician Assistant
CredentialsRegistered Nurse (RN) + specialized training or certification as a First AssistantMaster's degree in Physician Assistant Studies + certification (PANCE)
Work EnvironmentOperating rooms, surgical teams, hospitalsHospitals, clinics, surgical settings
Roles & ResponsibilitiesAssisting surgeons during procedures, pre- and post-operative carePerforming exams, diagnosing, assisting in surgeries

Both Nurse Practitioner First Assistants and Physician Assistants work closely in surgical settings, assisting during procedures and providing patient care. While Nurse Practitioner First Assistants typically have advanced nursing credentials and specialized surgical training, Physician Assistants hold a master's degree and are trained to perform a broad range of medical tasks. Understanding these differences helps clarify their roles in healthcare teams.

What is a Nurse Practitioner First Assistant?

A Nurse Practitioner First Assistant (NPFA) is an advanced practice registered nurse who assists surgeons during surgical procedures. In this role, they provide direct patient care before, during, and after surgery, and perform specific tasks such as suturing, controlling bleeding, and handling tissues under the supervision of a surgeon. NPFA professionals are required to have specialized training and certification in surgical first assisting, in addition to their nurse practitioner credentials. Their expertise helps ensure surgeries run smoothly and patients receive comprehensive care throughout the surgical experience.

How does a Nurse Practitioner First Assistant typically collaborate with surgeons and other operating room staff during procedures?

As a Nurse Practitioner First Assistant (NPFA), you work closely with surgeons, anesthesiologists, and surgical nurses to ensure optimal patient outcomes during operations. Your responsibilities include providing direct surgical assistance, such as suturing, controlling bleeding, and handling tissues, as well as anticipating the surgeon's needs throughout the procedure. Effective communication and teamwork are crucial, as you help coordinate patient care before, during, and after surgery. This collaborative environment not only enhances patient safety but also offers valuable opportunities for professional development and skill-building within a multidisciplinary team.
What are popular job titles related to Nurse Practitioner First Assistant jobs in Indiana? For Nurse Practitioner First Assistant jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Nurse Practitioner First Assistant jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Nurse Practitioner First Assistant jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Nurse Practitioner First Assistant jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Nurse Practitioner First Assistant job openings:
Nurse Practitioner First Assistant jobs near you
Surgery - General Nurse Practitioner

Surgery - General Nurse Practitioner

RecruitWell

Mishawaka, IN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Locums - Mishawaka, Indiana NP/PA Cardiothoracic Surgery Opportunity Clinical Role

Join a high-functioning cardiothoracic surgery team providing hands-on surgical support and inpatient care. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced NP or PA with strong first assist and vein harvesting skills looking for a procedural, OR-focused role.

Start Date: ASAP
Ongoing Need

Position Highlights:

  • OR-focused role with first assist responsibilities

  • Work directly alongside Cardiothoracic Surgeons

  • Mix of rounding and surgical time

  • Night and weekend call included

  • Ideal for experienced providers with CTS background

Schedule & Coverage

  • Monday - Friday: 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM

  • Night call: 4:00 PM - 7:00 AM

  • Weekend call: 7:00 AM - 7:00 AM

  • Call primarily for OR cases (no clinic responsibilities)

Clinical Details & Responsibilities

  • Patient volume:

    • 10 outpatient

    • 5-8 inpatient

Daily Workflow:

  • Morning inpatient rounding

  • OR time with cardiothoracic surgeons

  • Call coverage for surgical cases as needed

Key Responsibilities Include:

  • First assist in cardiothoracic surgery

  • Vein and artery harvesting (Maquet system required)

  • Pre-op evaluations and post-op care

  • Rounding and care coordination

  • Chest tube and pacing wire removal

  • Wound care (including suture/staple removal, debridement)

  • Ordering/interpreting tests and managing treatment plans

  • Documentation and discharge summaries

  • Participation in multidisciplinary care planning

Practice Setting & Support

  • Setting: Hospital-based cardiothoracic surgery program

  • Collaborative environment with surgeons and multidisciplinary teams

  • EMR: Epic

Requirements

  • NP or PA certification required

    • PA: NCCPA certification required

    • NP: AANP certification required

  • Active Indiana license required at submission

  • Experience with Maquet vein harvesting required

  • Must be able to function as first assist

  • ACLS proficiency required (emergency response expected)

  • COVID-19 vaccination required

  • No new graduates

Additional Preferences:

  • Local candidates strongly preferred

Organization & Team

  • Established cardiothoracic surgery program

  • High-acuity surgical environment with hands-on experience

  • Strong collaboration across surgical and clinical teams

About Mishawaka, Indiana

Location & Access: Located near South Bend with access to regional airports and major cities
Lifestyle & Community: Friendly Midwestern community with a suburban feel
Outdoor Recreation: Parks, rivers, and walking trails
Regional Attractions: Dining, shopping, and proximity to Notre Dame
Quality of Life: Affordable living with a balanced lifestyle

What RecruitWell Provides

  • A+ rated malpractice coverage

  • Weekly direct deposit

  • 24/7 dedicated recruiter support

  • Professional onboarding and credentialing assistance

RecruitWell's Core Values

  • Open communication

  • Sense of urgency

  • Teamwork

  • Accountability

  • Driven to win

  • Higher consciousness

RecruitWell logo

About RecruitWell

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

RecruitWell is a prestigious entity operating in the recruitment and staffing industry, based out of Boynton Beach, FL, US. Its main focus is on global recruitment, providing both temporary and permanent staffing solutions. The company's primary mission is to provide the right talent to healthcare facilities while ensuring the satisfaction of healthcare professionals. Established with a vision to change the recruitment landscape for healthcare professionals, RecruitWell has been successful in establishing itself as a trusted name in the industry.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

11 - 50 Employees

Headquarters location

Boynton Beach, FL, US

Year founded

2019

Social media

Facebook

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