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Nurse Practitioner First Assistant Jobs in Decatur, AL

Responding to medical emergencies, providing first aid, and ensuring timely transport to ... Current licensure as a Nurse Practitioner * Must hold a current unrestricted license as a Nurse ...

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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/Physician Assistant- ER, FT, Weekend Nights

Huntsville Hospital Health System

Decatur, AL

$97K - $126K/yr

Other

Posted 10 days ago


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 Advanced Practice Provider (APP) 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.Demonstrates through behavior Decatur Morgan Hospital's mission, vision and values

Responsibilities
  • Collects patient data through integration from a wide variety of sources to formulate clinical judgments and decisions regarding appropriate recommendations and treatments.
  • Analyzes the assessment data by prioritizing actual and/or potential health care problems in determining the diagnosis as the basis for designing interventions to promote the restoration of health.
  • Collaborates with the health care team for developing the multidisciplinary plan of care.
  • Participates in the development of a plan of care to guide the multidisciplinary team toward restoration of health for patients.
  • Is accountable for planning, implementing, and delegating therapeutic interventions identified in the multidisciplinary plan of care.
  • Evaluates the patient's response to therapeutic interventions and modifies the plan of care to optimize clinical outcomes.
  • Establishes and monitors standards of practice to improve patient care in collaboration with other clinical experts.
  • Facilitates organizational resources that promote optimal patient outcomes.
  • Assess and examine patients to formulate history and physical as well as discharge.
  • Qualifications

    Minimum Knowledge, Skills, Experience Required:

    Nurse Practitioner:

    Completion of Nurse Practitioner (NP) - Master's of Science in Nursing from an accredited college or university. 

    Successful completion of a National NP board certification exam.

    Current registration through the Alabama Board of Nursing. 

    or 

    Physician Assistant: 

    Completion of Master's Degree in Physician Assistant program. 

    Successful completion of Physician Assistant National Certifying Examination (PANCE).

    Current registration through the Board of Medical Examiners

    Additional Skill/Abilities:  BLS and ACLS are required before the conclusion of the orientation period

    Employment Type: OTHER

    What Huntsville Hospital Health System employees say

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