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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

$71.1K

$114.2K

$157.4K

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

As of Jul 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for nurse practitioner first assistant in Decatur, AL is $114,194.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,500.00 and $126,100.00 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/Physician Assistant-Pain Management-FT-1st Shift

Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant-Pain Management-FT-1st Shift

Huntsville Hospital Health System

Huntsville, AL • On-site

$108K - $139K/yr

Other

Posted 10 days ago

Huntsville Hospital Health System rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 204 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

720th of 880 rated healthcare providers

Job description

Overview

The advanced practice provider provides comprehensive direct patient care and scholarly practice including obtaining comprehensive patient histories, performing complete physical examination, ordering and performing diagnostic testing and screening, diagnosing illness, prescribing both pharmacological and other treatments for patients, and providing health maintenance and promotion interventions such as patient and family education and counseling. Also, the APP assumes accountability for indirect care responsibilities, which support patient care including staff and student education, clinical research, program development, and quality improvement.

Qualifications

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, Experience Required:

Education: Completion of a Nurse Practitioner Masters of Science in Nursing. Successful completion of a national certification exam for NP or graduate of an accredited Physician Assistant program.

License, certification and/or registration:  Current registration with the Alabama Board of Nursing and Board of Medical Examiners or current Alabama PA license, current registration through the Alabama board of Nursing and Board of Medical Examiners, and approval of the Huntsville Hospital credentialing board.

Experience:Minimum 3 years full time ER or Critical Care RN and/or CRNP/PA experience recommended.Additional Skills/Abilities:Must have excellent communication skills with the ability to work independently in a fast paced environment, requiring prioritizing and changing tasks frequently and quickly. Must have knowledge of all equipment and materials required for procedures described in the Emergency Care Center Policy/Procedure Manual and Nursing Service Procedure Manual. BLS for Healthcare Providers must be obtained in orientation period. ACLS must be obtained within the first 6 months of employment and maintained current. TNCC must be obtained within the first 2 years of employment and maintained current. PALS is highly recommended. Department specific competencies must be completed within the provisional period and maintained current.

Employment Type: OTHER

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