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Nurse Practitioner First Assistant Jobs in Rochester, MN

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Nurse Practitioner First Assistant information

See Rochester, MN salary details

$84.3K

$135.4K

$186.6K

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

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for nurse practitioner first assistant in Rochester, MN is $135,404.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $115,600.00 and $149,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a nurse practitioner first assistant?

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.

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 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 cities near Rochester, MN are hiring for Nurse Practitioner First Assistant jobs?

Cities near Rochester, MN with the most Nurse Practitioner First Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Nurse Practitioner First Assistant job openings in Rochester, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 23% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $135,404 per year, or $65.1 per hour.

Acute Care Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant - Transplant Surgery (Night Shift)

Rochester, MN


Mayo Clinic
Hospitals • 10K+ employees

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 700 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

129th of 893 rated healthcare providers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students


$100K - $129K/yr

Full-time, Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Re-posted 22 days ago


Job description

Why Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic is top-ranked in more specialties than any other care provider according to U.S. News & World Report. As we work together to put the needs of the patient first, we are also dedicated to our employees, investing in competitive compensation and comprehensive benefit plans - to take care of you and your family, now and in the future. And with continuing education and advancement opportunities at every turn, you can build a long, successful career with Mayo Clinic.

Benefits Highlights
  • Medical: Multiple plan options.
  • Dental: Delta Dental or reimbursement account for flexible coverage.
  • Vision: Affordable plan with national network.
  • Pre-Tax Savings: HSA and FSAs for eligible expenses.
  • Retirement: Competitive retirement package to secure your future.

Responsibilities

We are seeking a dedicated and skilled healthcare professional to join our Transplant Abdominal Surgery team in providing inpatient post-operative management for kidney, pancreas, and liver transplant recipients. This is a Night shift only - includes weekends and holidays position. A cover letter is preferred and should be included with the application.

The Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant has advanced health assessment and decision-making skills, prepared through a formal educational program that meets criteria established by the profession.  Nurse Practitioners or Physician Assistants are certified by examination of an approved certifying body.

This individual works in collaboration with physicians and other health care professionals to provide health care across the continuum of care for assigned patients.  Provides primary health care and/or specialty-specific care to individuals and families.  The provision of care includes, but is not limited to: comprehensive assessment, ordering, conducting and interpreting diagnostic tests, prescription of pharmacological agents and treatments, and non-pharmacological therapies.  Nurse Practitioners: Teaching and counseling individuals, families, and groups are an important part of the Nurse Practitioner's practice.  Physician Assistants: Monitors the effectiveness of the therapeutic interventions.  Makes appropriate referrals.  Performs minor procedures as approved by the AZ Regulatory Board of Physician Assistants.  

This individual must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of growth and development of the life span. The ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and appropriately interpret information relative to the patient's age-specific needs is required.  The Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant demonstrates leadership through involvement on committees and team projects, education, and research and actively seeks to improve the practice through performance improvement initiatives.  Active in professional organizations and participates in community activities. The American Nurses Association (ANA) Nursing: Scope and Standards of Advanced Practice Registered Nursing, the ANA Code of Ethics for Nurses, Rules of the Arizona State Board of Nursing are the basis for practice.

During the selection process you may participate in an OnDemand (pre-recorded) interview that you can complete at your convenience. During the OnDemand interview, a question will appear on your screen, and you will have time to consider each question before responding. You will have the opportunity to re-record your answer to each question - Mayo Clinic will only see the final recording. The complete interview will be reviewed by a Mayo Clinic staff member and you will be notified of next steps.


Qualifications

Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: Masters-prepared graduate of an accredited school of nursing and Nurse Practitioner program. Current AZ RN and APRN license and certification as a ACNP.  

Physician Assistant: Graduate of accredited Physician Assistant program with current PA certification by NCCPA and registration as a PA by the AZ State Board of Medical Practice.  

Additional Qualifications:
Active BLS, ACLS and RN First Assist certification from American Heart Association or American Red Cross at start date and DEA registration required.

  • A cover letter is preferred and should be included with the application.
  • Transplant or Internal Med experience preferred

Exemption Status
Exempt
Compensation Detail
Education, experience and tenure may be considered along with internal equity when job offers are extended.
Benefits Eligible
Yes
Schedule
Full Time
Hours/Pay Period
72
Schedule Details
Nights only including weekends and holidays
Weekend Schedule
Nights only including weekends and holidays
International Assignment
No
Site Description
Just as our reputation has spread beyond our Minnesota roots, so have our locations. Today, our employees are located at our three major campuses in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, Jacksonville, Florida, Rochester, Minnesota, and at Mayo Clinic Health System campuses throughout Midwestern communities, and at our international locations. Each Mayo Clinic location is a special place where our employees thrive in both their work and personal lives. Learn more about what each unique Mayo Clinic campus has to offer, and where your best fit is. 

Equal Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status or disability status. Learn more about the 'EOE is the Law'.  Mayo Clinic participates in E-Verify and may provide the Social Security Administration and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security with information from each new employee's Form I-9 to confirm work authorization.

Recruiter
LaTasha PerkinsQualifications:

Acute Care Nurse Practitioner: Masters-prepared graduate of an accredited school of nursing and Nurse Practitioner program. Current AZ RN and APRN license and certification as a ACNP.  

Physician Assistant: Graduate of accredited Physician Assistant program with current PA certification by NCCPA and registration as a PA by the AZ State Board of Medical Practice.  

Additional Qualifications:
Active BLS, ACLS and RN First Assist certification from American Heart Association or American Red Cross at start date and DEA registration required.

  • A cover letter is preferred and should be included with the application.
  • Transplant or Internal Med experience preferred

Mayo Clinic logo

About Mayo Clinic

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Mayo Clinic is the largest integrated, not-for-profit medical group practice in the world. We're building the future, one where the best possible care is available to everyone — and more people can heal at home. Our relentless research turns into earlier diagnoses and new cures. That's how we inspire hope in those who need it most. At Mayo Clinic, experts work together to solve the most challenging unmet needs of patients. Our history of innovation dates back almost 150 years, when brothers Will and Charlie Mayo pioneered an integrated, team-based approach to medicine. Today, that trailblazing spirit drives innovations like Mayo Clinic Platform — which powers new technologies to change how care is delivered to all.

Industry

Hospitals

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Rochester, MN, US

Year founded

1919


What Mayo Clinic employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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