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Nurse Practitioner First Assistant Jobs in Decatur, AL

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Nurse Practitioner First Assistant information

See Decatur, AL salary details

$74.5K

$119.7K

$165K

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

As of Jul 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for nurse practitioner first assistant in Decatur, AL is $119,696.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $102,200.00 and $132,200.00 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 Decatur, AL? For Nurse Practitioner First Assistant jobs in Decatur, AL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
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What cities near Decatur, AL are hiring for Nurse Practitioner First Assistant jobs? Cities near Decatur, AL with the most Nurse Practitioner First Assistant job openings:
Nurse Practitioner First Assistant jobs near you

Nurse Practitioner

Huntsville Hospital Health System

Huntsville, AL • On-site

Other

Re-posted 10 days ago

Huntsville Hospital Health System rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 206 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

729th of 890 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Overview

The Orthopaedic Center, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Nurse Practitioner to work directly with one of TOC's established, board-certified orthopedic sports surgeon. This is an office and surgical-based position with a typical five-day work week, working in our Huntsville, Madison, and Decatur office locations on a rotational basis. Minimal call duties and weekend obligations. Candidate must be licensed to practice in Alabama. The Nurse Practioner's duties will include, but are not limited to, diagnosing and managing acute and chronic sports and activity-related injuries, focusing on shoulders, elbows and knees. Running concurrent and independent clinics, referring for diagnostic treatments/test, ordering and reviewing lab results, evaluating X-Ray, CT scan, and MRI results. Providing clear, concise, and accurate information in the EMR. Assisting in surgery. 

Qualifications

Education required: HS/GED. 

License: Certified Registered Nurse Practitioner with First Assist, licensed to practice in Alabama.

Additional Skills:

  • Highly self-motivated and driven with a strong work ethic
  • Able to work independently
  • Confident in making clinical decisions and managing patient care
  • Excellent communication skills with the ability to effectively collaborate and communicate with the orthopedic surgeon and healthcare team
  • Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment
  • Organized, detail-oriented, and able to prioritize multiple responsibilities
  • Experience or interest in sports medicine and orthopaedics is a plus but not mandatory
  • Desire for continued learning
  • Compassionate and patient-centered with good interpersonal skills
Employment Type: OTHER

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