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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 Jun 9, 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 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-Peds Hospitalists-FT-1st Shift

Huntsville Hospital Health System

Huntsville, AL • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Huntsville Hospital Health System rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 202 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

713th of 870 rated healthcare providers


Job description

Overview
The nurse practitioner 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 NP assumes accountability for indirect care responsibilities, which support patient care including staff and student education, clinical research, program development, and quality improvement.
Qualifications
Education: Completion of Nurse Practitioner Master's of Science in Nursing from an accredited college or university required. Pediatric Nurse Practitioner national certification preferred.
License, Certification and/or Registration: Successful completion of a National Certification Exam for NP, current registration through the Alabama board of Nursing and Board of Medical Examiners, and approval of the Huntsville Hospital credentialing board. Pediatric Nurse Practitioner national certification preferred
Experience: Minimum 3 years full time pediatric RN and/or CRNP experience preferred
Additional Skill/Abilities: BLS required before the conclusion of the orientation period. PALS required within the first 6 months of employment.
About Us
Highlights of our hospitals
Huntsville Hospital was recently named Best Regional Hospital and #2 in Alabama by U.S. News & World Report. With 971 beds, a specialized Orthopedic & Spine Tower, a Level III Regional Neonatal ICU, and the largest Emergency Department and Level 1 Trauma Center in the state with our own specialized Red Shirt Trauma Program, there are many opportunities to apply your knowledge and skills. We are a certified Primary Stroke Center and named "One of the Top 100 Hospitals in the Nation with Great Heart Programs." From six cath labs and four EP labs to multiple medical and step-down units, you can continually grow your skillset! We offer a training center on campus for continuing education, Shared Governance Program, Clinical Ladder for professional development, The Daisy Award, and if you are a new grad, a Nurse Residency Program to help you transition from student to professional nurse. We care about you and your well-being by offering an excellent benefits package, childcare, health and wellness programs, an onsite employee pharmacy, a free health clinic, tuition assistance, and much more. We are committed to creating a diverse environment and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are a partner to the U.S. Army's Partnership for Your Success (PaYS) program.
Ask us about incentives and additional opportunities.
Huntsville Hospital Benefits:
We are committed to providing competitive benefits. Our benefits package for eligible employees includes medical, dental, vision, life insurance, flexible spending; short term and long term disability; several retirement account options with 401K organization match; nurse residency program; tuition assistance; student loan reimbursement; On-site training and education opportunities; Employee Discounts to phone providers, local restaurants, tickets to shows, apartment application and much more!
Learn more about Huntsville Hospital Health System:
  • Careers: https://careers.hhsys.org/careers-home
  • Benefits: https://careers.hhsys.org/us/en/benefits
  • Education & Professional Development: https://www.huntsvillehospital.org/education
  • Life In Huntsville: https://www.huntsvillehospital.org/about-huntsville-al

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