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Nurse Practitioner First Assistant Jobs in Rutherford, NJ

Cardiothoracic NP/PA

Yonkers, NY ยท On-site

$150K - $230K/yr

Serve as first assist in the OR when necessary. * Collaborate with surgeons, intensivists, and ... Current NY State PA or NP license (or eligibility to obtain). * Minimum 2 years of Cardiothoracic ...

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Nurse Practitioner First Assistant information

See Rutherford, NJ salary details

$81K

$130.2K

$179.4K

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

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for nurse practitioner first assistant in Rutherford, NJ is $130,163.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $111,100.00 and $143,700.00 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 job categories do people searching Nurse Practitioner First Assistant jobs in Rutherford, NJ look for?

The top searched job categories for Nurse Practitioner First Assistant jobs in Rutherford, NJ are:

What cities near Rutherford, NJ are hiring for Nurse Practitioner First Assistant jobs?

Cities near Rutherford, NJ with the most Nurse Practitioner First Assistant job openings:

Infographic showing various Nurse Practitioner First Assistant job openings in Rutherford, NJ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 84% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 15% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $130,163 per year, or $62.6 per hour.

Advanced Practice Provider (NP/PA) - OB/GYN

Tandym Group

Elizabeth, NJ โ€ข On-site

$109K - $141K/yr

Other

Posted 27 days ago


Job description

A health services network in New Jersey is seeking a licensed Nurse Practitioner and/or Physician Assistant to join their growing OB/GYN team. This locum tenens role supports Labor & Delivery, postpartum care, gynecologic surgery, and OB/GYN emergency consultations in a collaborative obstetrical setting.
About the Opportunity:

  • Shift: Day shift
  • Schedule: Full-time, Monday through Sunday
  • Hours: Approximately 40 hours per week; 12-hour or 24-hour shifts (including 7am to 7pm or 7pm to 7am)
  • Setting: Inpatient acute care
Responsibilities:
  • Provide comprehensive care for Labor & Delivery patients
  • Manage postpartum patient care
  • Assist with scheduled gynecologic surgical procedures as First Assist
  • Perform OB/GYN emergency department consultations as needed
  • Collaborate with attending physicians, certified nurse midwives, and the multidisciplinary care team
  • Document patient care in the EMR
Qualifications:
  • Active NJS Nurse Practitioner (NP) and/or Physician Assistant (PA) license
  • Board Certified or Board Eligible
  • Experience in Labor & Delivery and OB/GYN inpatient care
  • Ability to work a full-time schedule
Desired Skills:
  • First Assist experience
  • For Nurse Practitioners: First Assist certification (RNFA), surgical case logs, and the ability to scrub and function as First Assist during OB/GYN procedures.